Who is this guide for?

Finger drummer at a desk

You want to play kicks, snares and other drum sounds on velocity-sensitive pads, while also using keys to explore musical ideas. Models from Novation, Arturia and Akai Professional combine pads and keys.

FL Studio pattern builder

You want to programme patterns from your controller and are particularly interested in Channel Rack controls. Novation specifically describes this functionality for the FLkey Mini 25 MK2.

Producer sharing a work desk

You switch between office work and music production, and want your keys, pads and controls to fit within the space available. Compare the dimensions of the specific model with the space you have free.

What should you look for?

When making drum patterns at a shared home-working desk, the main things to consider are the input method, DAW controls, available space and software requirements.

Consideration What to look for Who is this important for?
Entering drum sounds Compare the number of physical pads, their velocity sensitivity and any pad banks. If the playing feel is a deciding factor, try the pads yourself if possible. If I want to play drums directly on pads, I look at how many sounds I can access at once. Around 36% of shoppers put pad input first.
DAW controls Check whether the pads control drum sounds, sequencer steps or both in your DAW and software version. If I want to build patterns in my own DAW, I look for controls that suit the way I work. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise their DAW workflow.
Desk space Measure the available space and compare it with the controller’s dimensions. Remember to leave room for cables, too. If I use my desk for both work and music, I want to know in advance whether the controller will fit. Around 21% of shoppers put desk space first.
Software and set-up Check which DAW and drum sounds you already have, what’s included with the exact model and how any software is activated. If I want to know what software I need before I can play, I check the full set-up before choosing. Around 14% of shoppers prioritise software and the overall set-up.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming eight pads across two banks means sixteen physical pads

    Arturia describes the MiniLab 3 as having two banks of eight pads. You switch between the banks to use the alternative layout, so only eight pads are physically accessible at once.

    Count physical pads and pad banks separately when deciding how many drums you want to play without switching.

  • Assuming included DAW access comes with no strings attached

    Novation includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition with the FLkey Mini 25 MK2. You may need different software or a suitable licence to continue using it after that period.

    Check the current licence terms and decide which software you want to use afterwards.

    Once the included period ends, continued use may require additional software, depending on your choice and the licence terms.

  • Assuming every keyboard with pads offers the same sequencer controls

    Novation describes Channel Rack controls for the FLkey. The presence of velocity-sensitive pads on another controller does not, by itself, mean you can use them to control sequencer steps.

    If step programming is your main task, check explicitly that your DAW supports it.

Brands and relevant models

The features listed below apply to the specific models and product ranges mentioned; they are not a general assessment of the entire brand.

Novation

The FLkey Mini 25 MK2 is designed for controlling FL Studio, while the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is intended for use with a range of DAWs.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for both models.
  • Channel Rack controls are specifically described for the FLkey Mini 25 MK2.
  • These features do not prove that every model offers the same integration with your DAW or software version.

Akai Professional

According to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 combines a compact keyboard with eight pads and assignable controls.

  • Akai describes the eight pads as velocity-sensitive.
  • The controller does not produce sound by itself; you’ll need software on a computer.

Arturia

Alongside keys, the MiniLab 3 offers rotary controls, sliders and a MIDI output.

  • Arturia specifies eight physical velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads across two banks, plus a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • Two banks do not mean that sixteen physical pads are accessible at once; the stated depth is 220 mm.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini combines compact keyboard controls with pad layouts and rhythmic features.

  • Nektar lists eight velocity-sensitive pads, four pad layouts and a dedicated arp/repeat engine for the pads.
  • Check that the DAW integration works with your software. Eight physical pads offer a different layout from sixteen.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if you want more mini keys and configurable DAW controls alongside rhythm programming.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys, USB power and DAW mapping, which requires you to select the correct configuration in your DAW.
  • These specifications do not provide a basis for comparing the feel of its pads with those of other models.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need software as well as a MIDI keyboard to hear drums?

Yes, you need a computer and compatible software to hear sound. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a USB MIDI controller that sends MIDI messages to software and does not produce sound itself. Check which sound software and drum sounds are available for the set-up you choose.

Why aren’t the pads and keys playing the drum sounds I want?

First, check the MIDI mapping in your DAW. Akai explains that pads and keys can be assigned to different MIDI channels, allowing them to control different instruments.

Can I programme drum patterns in FL Studio with any MIDI controller?

Not just because it has pads: check that the specific controller supports the FL Studio features you need. Novation describes Channel Rack controls for the FLkey Mini 25 MK2; other pads may work differently.

Can I return a keyboard I bought online after it arrives?

When you buy from a business online, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. The Dutch Government explains this cooling-off period for distance selling. Before you buy, check the seller’s information about the cooling-off period and returns process.

What can I do if the keyboard develops a fault with normal use?

When you buy as a consumer in the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that meets the standards you can reasonably expect; there is no fixed statutory warranty period. The Dutch Government advises contacting the seller if a product is faulty, as they are responsible for providing a solution. A manufacturer’s warranty does not replace these rights.