Who is this for?

Creators sharing a desk

You want to be able to put your keyboard away after a session. So check its dimensions and allow for the space taken up by cables and connections.

Beat and pattern makers

You make backing tracks with drums, clips and software instruments. Check that the pads and DAW features suit the way you work.

Melody and chord players

You’d rather play parts than draw them in. Compare the keyboard’s range and key size with the space you have available.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide how much space the keyboard can take up, then choose how many keys and controls you need to make your backing tracks.

The buying considerations below are for people who want to make backing tracks at a shared desk.

Buying consideration What should you check? Who is it for?
Desk space and storage Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm. Remember to allow space for cables too. If I want to clear my desk after a session, a footprint that fits takes priority. Around 36% of people say space and storage are their main buying consideration.
Rhythms and DAW control Check that the features of the exact model work with your DAW. Novation lists 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Akai lists eight pads for the MPK Mini MK3. If I want to control beats and clips, I need to know whether the pads and DAW features suit the way I work. Around 29% of people prioritise rhythm and DAW control.
Keyboard range Compare both the number and type of keys: the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys; M-Audio lists 32 mini keys for the Oxygen Pro Mini. If I play melodies and chords, I want enough range without taking up more desk space than necessary. Around 21% of people prioritise playing parts.
Software and start-up costs Check the licence, system requirements and bundle for the exact model. Akai says that software for the MPK Mini MK3 requires registration and activation. If I’m looking for software to go with my controller, I want to know what I can actually use and activate. Around 14% of people prioritise the usefulness of the software bundle.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a standalone keyboard

    The Akai MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound on its own: according to Akai, it sends MIDI messages to software on a computer to generate sound.

    Before you buy, decide which computer, music software and listening setup you’ll use.

  • Assuming all 25-key keyboards are equally compact

    Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm.

    Measure the desk’s available width and depth, and allow space for the connection too.

  • Assuming the software bundle or DAW controls will work straight away

    The software and controls may require registration or configuration. Akai says that software for the MPK Mini MK3 requires registration and activation; M-Audio describes DAW presets for the Oxygen Pro Mini.

    For the exact model, check the licence, system requirements and settings for your DAW.

Brands worth comparing

Novation

A good option if you want compact keys with controls for music software.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and DAW integrations for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
  • According to Novation, the FLkey Mini 25 MK2 is designed specifically for FL Studio. Check the full model name and the features of the variant you choose.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines keys, knobs and pads in a controller with several connection options.

  • Arturia specifies USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3.
  • Arturia gives the dimensions as 355 × 220 mm. Check that it will fit on your shared desk, and check the bundle and system requirements.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is an option to consider when comparing pads for entering rhythms.

  • Akai lists eight pads for the MPK Mini MK3.
  • According to Akai, the controller doesn’t produce sound on its own; it sends MIDI to software on a computer. Software in the bundle requires registration and activation.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if you’re comparing a controller with 32 mini keys and DAW controls.

  • M-Audio describes the Oxygen Pro Mini as USB-powered and lists DAW presets.
  • Check the correct settings for your DAW and the key size of the version you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear backing tracks using just a MIDI keyboard?

Not with the Akai MPK Mini MK3 alone: according to Akai, this controller sends MIDI data to software on a computer, which generates the sound. So check what computer, software and listening setup you’ll need too.

How can I connect a controller without making my desk a permanent setup?

Compare the connection on the exact model with the ports on your computer. Arturia lists USB-C for the MiniLab 3 and includes a USB-A-to-USB-C cable; check which connection your computer needs.

What should I check if the software or a DAW button doesn’t work?

Check that the software has been registered and activated, and review the settings for the DAW you’re using. Akai says software for the MPK Mini MK3 can be redeemed after registration; M-Audio says you need to select the right DAW and configuration for the Oxygen Pro Mini.

What rules and rights apply when buying a MIDI keyboard in the Netherlands?

When you buy online as a consumer in the Netherlands, you generally have a 14-day statutory cooling-off period from delivery, with some exceptions; ACM ConsuWijzer explains how this works. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible under the statutory guarantee; ACM ConsuWijzer says there is no fixed guarantee period that applies to every product. Business.gov.nl explains that a CE mark is not a quality mark or an approval.