Who is a compact MIDI keyboard suitable for?

Producer with few spare sockets

You work with a computer and don’t want a separate power adapter for your MIDI controller. Look for USB power and check that your computer has a suitable free port.

Beatmaker who plays drum pads

You finger-drum your parts and may also use the keys for basslines or melodies. Compare the number of physical pads, any banks, and the MIDI mapping in your software.

Producer who builds patterns in a DAW

You want to control steps or clips from your controller. Check which functions work with your DAW; general compatibility doesn’t mean every workflow is the same.

What should you look for?

Start by deciding how you’ll enter drum patterns: playing them live on pads or controlling them in your DAW. Then choose how many keys you need alongside the drum controls.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Power and ports Check USB power, the type of connection, the cable and the available computer port. If you use a hub, check how it’s powered too. I want to connect the controller to my computer without a separate adapter, and I have few spare power sockets. That’s why around 36% of consumers prioritise power and ports.
Drum pads Compare the number of physical pads and any banks; check that your drum plugin uses the MIDI notes you need. When I finger-drum, I want to know how many sounds I can access directly and whether I’ll need to switch banks. Around 29% of consumers prioritise pads above all else.
DAW controls Check which pad or sequencer functions are supported by your DAW and read the MIDI mapping instructions. I want to control patterns from my software and know in advance which functions work with my DAW. Around 21% of consumers give the DAW workflow the greatest weight.
Keys and workspace Compare the number of keys and the dimensions with the space available at your workstation and the parts you want to play. I want to play basslines or melodies as well as drums, but I need to consider the space on my desk. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the keyboard and workspace.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming USB power means a completely wireless setup

    A USB-powered controller still needs a suitable connection. If you use a hub, how it’s powered may matter too.

    Before buying, check which computer port, cable and any hub you’ll use. Arturia recommends using a hub with Power Delivery or its own power supply for the MiniLab 3, if possible.

  • Assuming the pads will automatically trigger the right drum sounds

    A pad may send a different MIDI note from the one your drum plugin expects. You may need to map the notes before the controls work as intended.

    Check the instructions for your DAW and drum plugin, and test which MIDI notes are assigned to the pads.

    Allow time to set up the MIDI mapping if the pad notes don’t match your drum plugin.

  • Treating the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV as the same version

    These are different model versions. Akai lists USB-B for the MK3 and USB-C for the IV.

    Check the full model number and connection type of the version you’re considering before choosing a cable.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is an option if you’re looking for a compact keyboard with plenty of pads and Ableton Live controls.

  • Novation says this model has 25 keys, sixteen velocity-sensitive pads, and USB-C for data and power.
  • Novation describes clip sequencing for Ableton Live; don’t assume the same controls are available in every DAW.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with pad banks and USB power.

  • Arturia specifies 25 keys, two banks of eight pads, and USB power.
  • For use with a hub, Arturia recommends choosing a model with Power Delivery or its own power supply, if possible. Check that it suits your connections.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV are separate options if you’re looking for a compact keyboard with drum pads.

  • Akai lists eight pads for the MPK Mini MK3 and describes MIDI control of software on a computer.
  • According to Akai, the MK3 has USB-B and the IV has USB-C. The controller doesn’t produce sound by itself, so check the connection and software settings for the version you’re considering.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if you want more than 25 keys in a compact controller.

  • M-Audio specifies 32 mini keys and USB power.
  • The number of keys and USB power alone don’t tell you how its drum workflow compares with other models.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is an option if you want to weigh up pad mapping and DAW controls alongside a compact keyboard.

  • Nektar describes 25 mini keys, eight velocity-sensitive pads and four pad maps.
  • Check that the integration and pad functions described work with your DAW.

MIDI keyboards at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a power socket as well as USB for my MIDI keyboard?

You won’t need a separate power supply for a model that receives USB power through a suitable computer port, such as the MiniLab 3 or Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. Do check the port, cable and any hub in your setup. This doesn’t tell you anything about the power supply for your computer or speakers.

Why can’t I hear anything when I tap the pads on an MPK Mini MK3?

According to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound by itself; it sends MIDI messages to software on your computer. Choose an instrument or drum kit in your DAW and check the MIDI mapping for the pads.

Can I connect the MiniLab 3 through a USB hub?

Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to a computer port. If you need a hub, the manufacturer recommends choosing one with Power Delivery or its own power supply, if possible. Check whether this would require an extra power socket in your setup.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy something at a distance, the seller must provide information about the product and the cancellation period, among other things. In many cases, you have 14 days to change your mind, although there are exceptions. If a product is faulty, you may also have statutory rights to a repair or replacement. Check who the seller is and which terms and conditions apply to your purchase.

Does an electronic MIDI keyboard sold in the EU need a CE marking?

The Dutch government states that electronic devices in the EU must have a CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific device; model specifications alone don’t confirm whether the item being offered has this marking.