Who is a compact MIDI keyboard suitable for?

Producer with a cramped workspace

Wants to play short melodies and arpeggios on a keyboard that takes up little room or can be put away after use. Akai Professional lists a shallow depth of 102 mm for the LPK25 MKII.

Producer recording in a DAW

Wants patterns to follow the project tempo and to control software while recording. The available features depend on the controller and DAW you use; Novation describes DAW integration for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.

Producer with external synthesisers

Wants to send arpeggios to hardware as well, so needs to match the controller's connections and synchronisation to their equipment. Arturia lists MIDI DIN and CV/Gate among the connections on the KeyStep 37 mk2.

What should you look for when choosing?

Small USB controller

Choose this option: if a shallow desk and easy storage are your priorities. Akai lists 25 keys, a built-in arpeggiator and dimensions of 348 × 102 × 38 mm for the LPK25 MKII.

Bear in mind: the listed connection is USB, so check whether you need other connections for external equipment. You’ll need software or a connected sound source to produce sound.

Keyboard with DAW controls

Choose this option: if you also want to use pads and controls while recording. Novation lists 16 pads and eight encoders for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3.

Bear in mind: the models mentioned are deeper than the LPK25 MKII. Also check that the DAW features on the exact model you’re considering work with your software.

Arpeggiator in your DAW

Choose this option: if you mainly work in software and your DAW has a MIDI arpeggiator. Ableton documents a MIDI effect in Live 12 that creates rhythmic patterns from the notes you play.

Bear in mind: this software feature is documented for Ableton Live 12 and is not automatically available in other DAWs. The workflow depends on how you want to record and edit notes.

Controller for external synthesisers

Choose this option: if you want to control hardware as well as software via MIDI DIN or CV/Gate. Arturia lists these connections, a sequencer and an arpeggiator for the KeyStep 37 mk2.

Bear in mind: check that the connections are compatible with your synthesiser and that a 37-key controller will fit in your workspace.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Workspace Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. If my workspace has limited depth, I mainly want a keyboard that fits and can be put away after use; around 36% of consumers put space at the top of their list of buying priorities.
Synchronisation with your recording Check that the controller and DAW support your preferred clock routing, and test how the pattern is recorded. I want my arpeggio to follow the project tempo so that the recording fits into my workflow; around 29% of consumers give synchronisation and recording top priority.
Controls beyond the keys Compare the pads, encoders and stated integration with your DAW, not just the number of keys. If I’d rather use pads or controls while recording than keep reaching for the mouse, I focus on hands-on control; around 21% of consumers put this first.
Connections for external equipment Note the connections on your synthesiser and compare them with the outputs on the exact controller model. I want to connect my external equipment without relying on an incompatible connection; around 14% of consumers make suitable connections their top buying priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    Two 25-key controllers can differ in depth and in the controls they offer beyond the keys. So a model with the right number of keys won’t necessarily take up the same amount of desk space.

    Measure the available width and depth, and decide in advance whether pads and controls will be useful in your recording workflow.

  • Assuming the hardware arpeggiator will automatically follow the project tempo

    According to Akai, the LPK25 MKII can synchronise internally or externally. For external synchronisation, the clock source and DAW settings need to match.

    Test synchronisation and recording with your DAW before starting a full production.

  • Treating USB, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate as interchangeable connections

    The connections listed vary by model. A USB connection is not the same as a connection that works with every external synthesiser.

    Compare the physical connections on the controller and synthesiser for each exact model.

Brands to consider

Akai Professional

The LPK25 MKII is a shallow USB controller with 25 keys and a built-in arpeggiator.

  • Akai lists dimensions of 348 × 102 × 38 mm and internal or external synchronisation for the arpeggiator.
  • The listed connection is USB. Akai states that the LPK25 MKII does not produce sound by itself; you’ll need compatible software or a sound source.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with pads, encoders and DAW features.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys, 16 pads and eight encoders. The stated width and depth are 339 × 177 mm.
  • Check that the described DAW integration works with your software and the exact model you’re considering.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 offers pads and controls with a MIDI output; the KeyStep 37 mk2 is a separate option for sequencing and external equipment.

  • Arturia lists an arpeggiator, dimensions of 355 × 220 mm and a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3. For the KeyStep 37 mk2, Arturia lists 37 keys, an arpeggiator, a sequencer, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate.
  • The models have different features and connections. Assess each one separately in light of your workspace and equipment.

Joybuy products

The selection below consists of 61-key keyboards with USB-MIDI for use with music software. Bear in mind that a 61-key model needs more workspace than a compact controller.

MLS-931 61-key keyboard, black

MLS-931 61-key keyboard, black

The listed USB-MIDI connection is designed for use with music software; bear in mind the space taken up by 61 keys.

The product name lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, speakers, an LCD screen and a headphone socket.

View at Joybuy
61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, black

61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, black

The product information lists USB-MIDI and a recording function. With 61 keys, this model needs more space than a compact controller.

The product name lists speakers, a metronome and a music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a keyboard with a built-in arpeggiator?

Not always. If your DAW has a suitable arpeggiator, you can use that rather than relying solely on hardware. For example, Ableton documents a MIDI effect in Live 12 that creates rhythmic patterns from the notes you play. If you want to set patterns directly on the controller, compare the controls on the exact model.

Does a MIDI keyboard produce sound by itself?

It varies by product, so don’t assume it does. Akai states that the LPK25 MKII does not produce sound by itself and needs compatible audio or MIDI software, or a sound source. Check the features of the model you’re considering.

How do I synchronise the LPK25 MKII with my DAW?

Akai documents a choice between internal and external synchronisation; for external synchronisation, check your DAW’s MIDI settings. Ableton warns that enabling Sync unnecessarily on both the input and output of the same device can cause a feedback loop.

What should I check when setting up the controller?

Check that the controller appears as a MIDI device in your DAW, that the required MIDI port is active and that the selected software instrument produces sound. Akai describes product registration as the way to access the LPK25 MKII software; keep your registration details if you want to use that software.

What are my rights regarding cooling-off periods and guarantees when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible online consumer purchases, the Dutch government states that a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases; exceptions and the identity of the seller matter. You are also entitled to a product that meets reasonable expectations. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.