Who are these keyboards for?

Beatmaker who puts pads first

You finger-drum your beats and want to know how many pads you can use at once. Novation, Arturia and Akai list the number of pads and any banks available on the models discussed here.

Producer with a small desk

You share your workspace with a computer, so the controller needs to fit within the available width and depth. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm.

Producer who combines keys and DAW control

You also play melodies or basslines and want to coordinate the keys, pads and software controls on one device. Check the DAW integration and how the pads send MIDI signals to your drum software.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how many drum sounds you want to trigger without switching banks. Then measure your available workspace and check that the controls work with your DAW and drum plugin.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Drum pads Compare the number of physical pads with any available banks, and check how to assign drum sounds to them. Novation lists 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists eight pads in two banks for the MiniLab 3. I want to trigger drum sounds directly with my fingers rather than keep switching pad banks. That’s why around 36% of consumers prioritise direct pad input.
Available desk space Measure the available width and depth, and leave room for the cable. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm. My workspace is small, so the controller needs to fit beside my computer without taking up more room than necessary. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the desk space required.
Pad assignments and DAW Check compatibility with your DAW version and drum plugin, as well as the MIDI note or channel settings. Akai explains that the MPK Mini IV can use separate channels for pads and keys via a user preset. I want the pads to trigger the drum sounds I expect and the settings to work with my software. Around 21% of consumers make DAW setup their main priority.
Keys and connections Decide whether you need mini keys, transport controls or a MIDI output. Akai lists USB-C and a MIDI output for the MPK Mini IV; Arturia specifies a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3. As well as making drum patterns, I want to use keys or other MIDI equipment, so the extra controls need to be useful for my work. Around 14% of consumers prioritise using their controller for multiple purposes.

Common pitfalls

  • Mistaking two pad banks for 16 physical pads

    Arturia lists eight physical pads with two banks for the MiniLab 3. That doesn’t mean you have 16 pads available under your fingers at once.

    Decide whether eight pads available at once are enough and whether you’re happy to switch banks while playing.

  • Measuring only the keyboard’s width

    Depth can also determine whether a controller fits on a small desk. The stated dimensions of the casing also don’t include the extra room needed for the cable.

    Measure both dimensions of your available workspace and leave room for the connection. Compare the dimensions of the exact model.

  • Assuming every pad will play the right drum sound straight away

    A pad sends MIDI signals; the sound and assignment you want depend on your software settings. Akai explains that the MPK Mini IV can use separate channel settings for pads and keys via a user preset.

    Check the pad notes, channels and drum plugin for your keyboard and DAW setup.

Brands to compare

These models offer different combinations of pads, keys and connections. Manufacturers’ specifications describe the features listed; they aren’t independent performance tests.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is worth considering if you want to use lots of pads at once, as well as control your DAW.

  • Novation lists 16 velocity-sensitive pads and dimensions of 339 × 177 mm.
  • This model has mini keys; check that its DAW integration suits your software.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV combines keys and pads with controls and a MIDI output.

  • Akai lists eight pads, USB-C and a MIDI output.
  • According to Akai, separate channel settings for pads and keys are linked to a user preset; configure these to suit your DAW.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is an option if you want to combine beats with keys and external MIDI equipment.

  • Arturia lists eight pads in two banks, a five-pin MIDI output and a depth of 220 mm.
  • The two banks don’t give you 16 physical pads at once; check that the depth fits your desk.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini combines beat input, keys and transport controls.

  • Nektar specifies 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight pads and transport controls.
  • Check the DAW integration and whether the available controls suit the way you work.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need anything else to hear drum sounds from a MIDI keyboard?

Yes. A MIDI controller sends signals to software that generates the sound. Akai states that the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound itself; check which software you’ll use with your model and whether the pads are assigned to the drum sounds you want.

How can I use pads and keys at the same time for different instruments?

It depends on the keyboard and your DAW. Akai describes a user preset for the MPK Mini IV with separate channels for pads and keys, along with MIDI tracks configured accordingly. Follow the instructions for your own model and software.

What do the manufacturer’s warranty and statutory guarantee mean when buying in the Netherlands?

When a consumer buys a product, the seller must provide a solution if it isn’t as it should be. A manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty is in addition to this. According to the Dutch Government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands.

Can I return a keyboard bought online?

For many purchases made at a distance from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period; the seller must tell you which cooling-off period applies to your purchase. The same rules don’t automatically apply when buying online from a private individual.

What should I know about CE marking?

According to the European Commission, CE marking is only required for products covered by harmonised EU rules that require it. Check the product information for the specific model; this general rule doesn’t confirm that an individual keyboard complies.