If your computer setup has few spare plug sockets, choose a MIDI keyboard whose manufacturer specifies USB power. That way, the controller won’t need its own mains adaptor when connected as instructed. Then decide whether you’d prefer pads for rhythms or a larger keyboard for longer parts, and check that the power supply, computer port and DAW are compatible with the model you choose. A MIDI keyboard doesn’t produce backing track sounds by itself: you’ll also need a computer and a sound source.
You create backing tracks on a computer and want to avoid needing a separate mains adaptor for your MIDI keyboard. Check both the USB power requirements and the computer port available; Novation and Arturia explain how power works for their respective models.
You record drum patterns as well as chords and basslines. In that case, pads may matter more than a larger keyboard; Novation specifies 16 pads on the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
You want more room to play chord or melody parts without a separate mains adaptor for the controller. Compare the size and power requirements of the exact model; Novation specifies USB bus power for the Launchkey 49 and 61 MK4.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Power without an extra plug | Check the power requirements, supplied cable and compatible computer port for the exact model. Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly via USB; if you use a hub, the brand advises using one with a suitable power supply. | I don’t want an extra mains adaptor for the controller and want to know whether my computer port is sufficient; around 36% of consumers prioritise power without an extra plug. |
| Entering rhythms | Check whether the model has pads and whether the controls you want work with your DAW. Novation specifies 16 pads on the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. | If I want to enter drum patterns as well as basslines and chords, pads are an important factor in my choice; around 29% of consumers prioritise entering rhythms. |
| Room to play parts | Compare the number of keys, key size and desk space required. M-Audio specifies 32 mini keys for the Keystation Mini 32 MK3; Novation specifies USB bus power for the Launchkey 49 and 61 MK4. | If you want to play longer chord or melody parts, more room to play may matter more than pads; around 21% of consumers prioritise the key range. |
| Connecting to your DAW | Check compatibility with your DAW version, whether installation is required, and the MIDI input and audio output settings. For specific Ableton Live integration, Novation lists Live 11.3.26 and later, and Live 12.0.25 and later. | I want the controller to work with my existing software and want to know in advance which settings are needed; around 14% of consumers prioritise DAW connectivity. |
Power requirements vary by model and setup. Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to a computer; if you need a hub, its power supply must be suitable for your setup.
Check the manual for the exact model and see which computer ports are available before making your choice.
If your computer ports aren’t sufficient, you may need a suitably powered hub.
A controller sends MIDI input to your computer, but your DAW also needs to use a software instrument and audio output.
Decide in advance which sound source you’ll use and check the MIDI and audio settings in your DAW.
More keys give you extra room to play, while pads or direct DAW controls may be a better fit if entering rhythms is central to your workflow.
First decide whether you mainly want to enter rhythms or play longer parts, then compare the controls and USB power requirements of the exact model.
The Launchkey MK4 range includes compact and larger keyboards for use with a DAW.
The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls for pads and software instruments.
The MPK Mini IV is designed for compact keyboard and rhythm input, with software integration.
The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is a compact USB MIDI controller focused mainly on its keyboard.
The SE25 is a small, USB-powered keyboard with basic controls for mobile or space-constrained setups.
The controller doesn’t, provided you power it via a compatible computer port as instructed in the manual. Your computer and other studio equipment may still need power; also check which cable and port are specified for the model you choose.
Check that your DAW is using the correct MIDI port, has a software instrument on a track, and is set up with the correct audio output. Arturia describes these steps for the MiniLab 3; menu names and settings may vary between DAWs.
That depends on the model and the hub’s power supply. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia recommends connecting directly to a computer port or, if you need a hub, using one with a suitable power supply.
If a product is faulty, you may be covered by the statutory guarantee; the seller is responsible for this. Online purchases also generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery, subject to legal exceptions. The ACM explains these consumer rights; which rules apply depends on the circumstances of your purchase.
