Who is a MIDI keyboard for drum patterns suitable for?

Finger drummer at a desk

You want to play kicks, snares and hi-hats on pads, and use velocity sensitivity in your software. Novation, Akai Professional and Arturia describe velocity-sensitive pads on their respective models.

Producer in a shared study

You want to listen to audio through headphones while also considering the physical tapping of keys and pads. Ableton describes headphone output, but that says nothing about the tapping noise made by the controls.

DAW user with limited desk space

You want to enter patterns using your existing music software and choose keys, pads and dimensions that suit your workspace. Novation and Korg list the dimensions and features of their models; also check that there’s room for cables and your hands.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you look for? Who will this matter most to?
Drum pads Check for velocity sensitivity, the number of pads you can access directly and the pad mapping in your DAW. If I play drum patterns with my fingers, I want suitable pads and enough sounds without having to keep switching banks. Around 36% of consumers rank pad input as their top buying priority.
Physical tapping noise Set the audio output to a headphone socket and assess the tapping noise in your own workspace. In a shared room, I want to listen to audio privately without assuming that keys or pads are silent. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a quiet working environment.
DAW controls Check DAW support, MIDI ports and whether the pads control the drum sounds or functions you want. I want the pads and buttons to perform the intended tasks in my existing DAW. Around 21% of consumers give DAW controls top priority.
Size and playing space Measure the available width and depth, allowing for cables, hand space and the type of keys. With a small desk, I want to fit my keyboard in without it taking up all the space for my other studio equipment. Around 14% of consumers choose size as their top priority.

Common pitfalls when buying a MIDI keyboard

  • Confusing velocity sensitivity with silent operation

    Velocity sensitivity describes MIDI input, not the noise that fingers, pads or keys make in the room. Headphones change the audio output, but they don’t automatically dampen that physical tapping noise.

    Use headphones for the audio and assess the tapping noise separately in the place where you work.

  • Confusing the number of pads with the number of sounds you can access directly

    The Arturia MiniLab 3 has two banks of eight pads; you’ll need to switch banks to use the other one.

    Choose based on how many sounds you want to control at once without switching pad banks.

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

    Akai describes differences between the MK3 and the IV, including their connections and features. Checking only part of the model name could therefore lead to an inaccurate comparison.

    Check the full model name, features and connections for the exact version you’re considering.

Brands to compare

Novation

According to Novation’s specifications, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines mini keys with pads and DAW controls.

  • Novation specifies 25 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads.
  • Check that the pad mapping you want is available for your DAW; these MIDI features say nothing about physical tapping noise.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV combines pads and keys with user presets and DAW controls.

  • Akai describes separately configurable MIDI channels for pads and keys in user presets.
  • According to Akai, the MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini MK3 differ in features and connections; check which version you’re looking at.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines keys with pads, rotary controls and faders.

  • Arturia specifies 25 keys and two banks of eight pads.
  • You’ll need to switch banks to use the other set of pads; check the pad settings in your DAW.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is a compact controller with mini keys and pads for rhythm work.

  • Nektar describes eight pads, pad maps and note repeat.
  • The DAW controls available depend on the integration you use; check that it’s compatible with your software.

Korg

The nanoKEY Studio is a flat, compact controller with USB and Bluetooth MIDI.

  • Korg specifies eight pads and USB and Bluetooth MIDI; according to Korg, wireless use requires two AAA batteries.
  • Check compatibility with your computer and DAW. Wireless MIDI is not a wireless audio output.

Joybuy products for drum patterns

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use a MIDI keyboard with headphones and my DAW?

Set up MIDI input in your DAW and, for private listening, choose an audio output with a headphone socket. Ableton describes using the headphone port on an audio interface for this; MIDI input and audio output are separate settings.

What can I check if the pads aren’t triggering drum sounds?

Check that your DAW is receiving input from the correct MIDI port and track, and that the pad notes are assigned to drum sounds. For the MPK Mini IV, Akai describes user presets in which pads and keys can be assigned different MIDI channels; according to Akai, this change doesn’t apply to DAW or plugin presets.

What consumer rights apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For an online consumer purchase from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Rijksoverheid. You’re also entitled to a legal guarantee, with no fixed statutory guarantee period; if a product is faulty, contact the seller.

What product regulations apply to an electronic keyboard?

Electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market must meet the applicable European requirements. According to Ondernemersplein, the manufacturer declares compliance with a CE marking and EU declaration of conformity; versions with Bluetooth are also subject to radio equipment regulations. This does not confirm that an individual listing is compliant.