Who is this for?

Producer working beside a bright window

You want to distinguish between pads and buttons in changing daylight. Novation documents adjustable LED brightness; assess for yourself how clearly you can see the controls in your workspace.

Step sequencer user

You prefer to build beats one note at a time and are comparing hardware step controls with the way you already work in your DAW. Arturia describes the BeatStep Pro as having a drum sequencer with separate tracks and step buttons.

Finger drummer

You play rhythms with your fingers and want to capture variations in how hard you strike the pads. Akai describes the MPD218 pads as velocity-sensitive; Korg specifies velocity sensitivity for the nanoPAD2.

What should you look for?

First decide how you want to enter patterns: with velocity-sensitive pads, hardware step controls or an illuminated grid for your DAW.

Play rhythms on pads

Choose this if: you play with your fingers and want to capture variations in how hard you strike the pads.

Bear in mind: velocity sensitivity varies by model; check the exact version and MIDI mapping in your DAW.

Program drum steps on hardware

Choose this if: you prefer to trigger steps on the device rather than play a rhythm live.

Bear in mind: extra sequencer features and connections are mainly useful if they suit your setup.

Illuminated grid for your DAW

Choose this if: you want to control clips and notes from a grid; consider the Launchpad X if velocity sensitivity matters.

Bear in mind: adjustable LED brightness doesn’t guarantee good visibility by a window, and the Launchpad Mini MK3 doesn’t have the same specified velocity sensitivity as the X.

What to consider What to check before buying Who values this most?
Controls in daylight Check whether the brightness is adjustable, and assess the controls in the light conditions of your workspace. If I work beside a bright window, I want to be able to distinguish active steps and status lights. Around 27% of consumers prioritise visible feedback in daylight.
Entering steps Check whether you want to edit the pattern on the device, and how the sequencer works with your software or external equipment. I want to switch notes on and off step by step rather than play rhythms live. Around 27% of consumers prioritise step controls.
Dynamics when finger drumming Check the velocity sensitivity of the exact model variant and assign the pads to your preferred drum sounds in your DAW. When I play rhythms with my fingers, I want to send variations in how hard I strike the pads as MIDI values. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers.
DAW integration Check the control mode you need, MIDI settings and any software registration requirements. I want to keep using my existing DAW and need controls that work with it. Around 13% of consumers base their choice mainly on this software integration.
Space and connections Measure the available space, including room for cables, and check that the connection is compatible with your computer. With limited desk space, I need room for both the controller and its cable. Space and connections are top priorities for around 13% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming adjustable lighting guarantees good visibility

    A brightness control lets you adjust the setting, but it doesn’t tell you how clearly you’ll see the steps and status lights in the light from your window.

    Assess the controls in the light conditions of your workspace, rather than choosing solely on the basis of RGB lighting.

  • Assuming all Launchpad grids are velocity-sensitive

    Novation specifies velocity sensitivity and aftertouch for the Launchpad X; the fact that the Mini MK3 has the same grid shape doesn’t mean it has these features too.

    Check the specifications for the exact model variant if you want to play rhythms with different levels of force.

  • Assuming software is included without checking registration requirements

    Akai says you need to register to download MPD218 software and mentions a download card for Ableton.

    Check the listing to see which licences, cards and registration details are included with the product.

  • Measuring only the casing

    The stated dimensions of the Korg nanoPAD2 don’t include the space taken up by the connected cable.

    Measure the available space, including the cable route, and check that the connection is compatible with your computer.

Brands to compare for this choice

Novation

The Launchpad X is a grid option if velocity sensitivity matters; the Launchpad Mini MK3 is an option if it isn’t essential.

  • Novation says the X and Mini MK3 have adjustable LED brightness with eight levels, as well as USB-C.
  • Novation specifically lists velocity-sensitive pads and aftertouch for the Launchpad X.
  • The brightness setting doesn’t measure visibility in bright daylight.

Arturia

The BeatStep Pro is designed for editing drum steps on hardware, with extra connections for compatible equipment.

  • Arturia specifies 16 separate tracks per sequence for the drum sequencer, with step buttons.
  • The extra sequencer features and connections are only useful in practice if they suit your setup.

Akai Professional

The MPD218 is a USB MIDI pad controller for playing drum patterns.

  • Akai describes the pads as velocity-sensitive.
  • Akai says you need to register to download software; check which cards and details are included with the package on offer.

Korg

The nanoPAD2 combines 16 velocity-sensitive pads with a slim casing for desks where depth is at a premium.

  • Korg specifies four velocity curves and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • The nanoPAD2 uses USB mini-B; allow room for the cable and check your computer’s connection.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does adjustable LED brightness mean I’ll be able to see the pads clearly beside my window?

No. Adjustable brightness doesn’t prove that you’ll be able to see the controls clearly in the light from your window. Novation documents eight brightness levels for the Launchpad X and Mini MK3; assess visibility where you plan to use the controller.

How does the Launchpad X differ from the Mini MK3 for playing rhythms?

Novation specifies velocity-sensitive pads and aftertouch for the Launchpad X, but not for the Mini MK3. If you want to capture variations in how hard you strike the pads, check the features of the exact variant before choosing.

Do I need to register the MPD218 to get the included software?

According to Akai, registration is required for the software downloads described; for Ableton, Akai mentions a download card in the box. Check which cards and registration details are included with the product on offer.

What product regulations apply to electronic controllers sold in the Netherlands?

According to Ondernemersplein, the Dutch government’s business information portal, electronic devices placed on the market in the Netherlands must comply with the applicable European product regulations. Where CE marking is required, the manufacturer must apply it and draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity; check which documentation applies to the product in a specific listing.