For short bass lines on a small desk, a compact mini keyboard may be enough. If you play longer parts or want to control more functions from your DAW, you may prefer more keys or extra controls. Check that it’s compatible with your computer and software, too: a standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound on its own, so you’ll need a software instrument and audio output set up.
Wants to play in short bass ideas without giving up too much desk space, so footprint and the number of keys within easy reach are the main considerations. The dimensions and keys of the models mentioned can be found in the Novation User Guides and on the Arturia and Nektar websites.
Wants to control drums, clips or software parameters as well as bass notes, so looks for pads, controls and compatibility with their DAW. The Novation User Guides and the Arturia and Akai Professional websites describe these controls for the models mentioned.
Wants to avoid disturbing housemates or sometimes play without a computer. Novation Support explains that MIDI itself doesn’t contain sound; Akai Professional lists built-in sounds and a headphone output for the MPK Mini Play MK3.
Start with the space available on your desk and how you play bass parts. Then consider which extra controls and listening setup you need.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Desk space | Measure both the available width and depth. The Novation User Guides list the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions as 355 × 220 mm. | If I use my desk for studying too, I want to fit the keyboard without losing unnecessary workspace. Around 28% of consumers give desk space top priority. |
| Playing bass parts | Compare the number of mini keys and, if possible, try out their touch sensitivity. M-Audio lists 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys for the Keystation Mini 32 MK3; Akai Professional lists 37 for the MPK Mini Plus. | If I play longer parts or move between registers, I want to switch octaves less often. Around 22% of consumers prioritise playing range. |
| DAW control | Check that the controls work with your DAW and whether registration or installation is required. The Novation User Guides list 16 pads and eight encoders for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia describes pads, encoders and sliders on the MiniLab 3. | If I control beats or parameters as well as bass, I want to be able to do so from the keyboard. Around 22% of consumers give DAW control top priority. |
| Playing quietly or without a computer | When using a computer, you’ll need to set up a software instrument and audio output. If you want to hear sound without a computer, check whether the model has built-in sounds; Akai lists these for the MPK Mini Play MK3. | If I want to practise quietly or sometimes play without a laptop, I need a suitable listening setup. Around 17% of consumers prioritise playing quietly or without a computer. |
| Software and setup | Check the software bundle contents, system requirements and activation process for the exact model. Novation describes Novation Play as including bass sounds; Akai Professional lists a software instrument with bass presets for the MPK Mini IV. | If I want to get started on my own computer, the included software needs to be compatible with it. Around 11% of consumers give software setup top priority. |
MIDI sends control data, not audio. With a standard controller, you’ll need to select an instrument in your software and set the audio output there. The Akai MPK Mini Play MK3 is a separate model with built-in sounds.
Decide in advance whether you’ll only be playing with a computer or also want to hear sound without one.
Depending on how you work, you may need suitable software or a different listening setup.
Its depth can also affect how much space you have left on your desk. According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 mentioned here is 220 mm deep; according to the Novation User Guides, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is 177 mm deep.
Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model.
Registration, installation and computer requirements can affect whether a software bundle will work on your laptop. Novation outlines the registration and installation process for its software bundle; Akai lists system requirements for the software included with the MPK Mini IV.
Before buying, check the requirements, available installation permissions and bundle contents for the exact model.
Allow time for registration and installation.
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with pads and DAW controls. Once installed, Novation Play also offers bass sounds.
The MiniLab 3 offers keys, pads and controls for anyone who wants to operate software functions from the keyboard, too.
The MPK Mini IV focuses on pads and creative features, while the MPK Mini Plus has 37 keys and a sequencer. The MPK Mini Play MK3 has built-in sounds.
The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is a USB MIDI keyboard for anyone who wants more keys without making pads the main focus.
The SE25 is a compact keyboard for mobile or space-limited setups.
No, a standard MIDI controller such as the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 sends control data, not audio. Choose a bass instrument in your software and set the audio output there; according to Akai Professional, the separate MPK Mini Play MK3 does have built-in sounds.
Check that your audio software is using an instrument and that the correct audio output is selected. Arturia also explains which MIDI port on the MiniLab 3 you can select in your DAW.
Follow the instructions for your exact model. Novation recommends updating the firmware when first setting up the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; this is the manufacturer’s guidance, not a general legal requirement.
For many eligible distance purchases from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period; this doesn’t automatically apply to an online purchase from a private individual. Faulty products are also covered by statutory consumer protections: the seller must provide a solution. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period for this.
The relevant European product rules apply to electrical and electronic devices placed on the market in the Netherlands. Ondernemersplein outlines requirements including safety and electromagnetic compatibility, as well as CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity for devices covered by those requirements. This doesn’t prove that an individual product complies with the rules; check the product information for the exact model.
