Who is a MIDI keyboard for drum patterns suitable for?

Beat-maker at a shared desk

You want to enter drum hits using pads and listen to the music through headphones. According to Akai Professional, the Akai MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI to computer software and doesn’t produce sound itself.

Step-by-step programmer

You’d rather build drum loops on a timeline than play them in live with your fingers. FL Studio documents a step sequencer for drum loops, while Ableton describes editing MIDI notes in Live. First, check what your current DAW can do.

Producer short on desk space

You need to make room for pads and keys alongside your usual workspace. Compare the dimensions and number of keys on the specific models: Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm, with 25 keys.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you want to play drum hits in live or enter them in your DAW. Then consider the pad controls, software settings and the space available on your desk.

What to consider What should you look for? Who might prioritise this?
Audible sound Check the audio output on your computer or audio interface, and assess the physical tapping noise separately. If I want colleagues to hear as little music as possible, I consider both headphone playback and the sound of the controller making contact with my desk; around 29% of consumers prioritise minimising disturbance.
Pads and input method Compare the number of pads you can access directly, any pad banks, and how your DAW receives MIDI notes. If I’d rather play drum hits in with my fingers, I want to be able to access the sounds I need straight away; around 29% of consumers prioritise this tactile way of entering rhythms.
Working with your DAW Check the exact model name, your DAW and its version, the settings, and how pad notes are mapped to drum sounds. If I want to use the knobs and pads with my own music software, I check that they’re set up for it; around 24% of consumers put DAW compatibility first.
Desk space Measure the available space and compare the listed dimensions and key range of the version you’re considering. If my keyboard needs to fit alongside my usual workspace, I compare its dimensions with the space available; around 18% of consumers give this the greatest weight.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a drum keyboard that makes sound on its own

    According to Akai Professional, the Akai MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI messages to computer software rather than making sound itself. So you’ll need a computer and software that can play the drum sounds.

    Before buying, decide which software will play the drums and which audio output you’ll use to listen.

  • Confusing two pad banks with twice as many physical pads

    According to Arturia, the Arturia MiniLab 3 has two banks of eight pads. Switching between banks isn’t the same as having all the pads under your fingers at once.

    Compare the number of physical pads with the drum sounds you want to access directly while playing.

  • Assuming headphones will stop the tapping noise

    Headphones change what you hear through the audio output, but not the physical contact between the pads or keys, the device and your desk.

    Assess the tapping noise in your own work environment; don’t assume a device will be silent based on its MIDI or pad specifications.

  • Expecting all the controls to work with every DAW straight away

    Controls can behave differently depending on the DAW and its settings. M-Audio explains that with the Oxygen Pro Mini, you need to select the DAW on the controller and choose the right configuration in the software.

    Check the manual for the exact model and your DAW before relying on integrated controls.

Brands to compare

Novation

According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads, making it an option if you want to control several drum hits directly.

  • Novation documents a dedicated drum mode.
  • Control modes depend on the DAW; the product specifications don’t show any comparative advantage in mechanical tapping noise.

Akai Professional

According to Akai Professional, the MPK mini mk3 is a compact USB MIDI controller with eight velocity-sensitive MPC pads.

  • The pads give you direct control when playing in rhythms.
  • The MPK mini mk3 needs computer software to produce sound; don’t confuse this model with the MPK Mini Play MK3, which is a different version.

Arturia

According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has 25 keys and eight pads across two banks. Its listed dimensions are 355 × 220 × 50 mm.

  • Arturia also lists a 5-pin MIDI output for connecting compatible equipment.
  • Two banks aren’t the same as having 16 physical pads accessible at the same time.

Nektar

According to Nektar, the Impact LX Mini combines 25 mini keys with eight velocity-sensitive pads.

  • Nektar describes pad maps and a dedicated Arp/Repeat function for the pads.
  • Check how the pads work with your own DAW; the manufacturer’s description isn’t an independent test of how they feel.

M-Audio

According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys and controls you can configure for your chosen DAW.

  • The configuration is designed to tailor the controls to a specific DAW.
  • M-Audio notes that you also need to select the right DAW configuration in the software.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create drum patterns with a MIDI keyboard without a computer?

Not with the Akai MPK mini mk3 as a standalone sound source: Akai Professional describes this model as a controller that sends MIDI to computer software. You’ll need software to play the drum sounds. To listen without speakers, use a suitable headphone output on your computer or audio interface.

What should I check if the pads aren’t playing the drum sounds I want?

Check the pad mode and which MIDI notes your drum software assigns to each sound. Novation documents separate drum, DAW and customisable pad modes for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.

Do I need to buy a keyboard to create drum patterns?

No, not if you’d rather enter the patterns in your DAW. FL Studio documents a step sequencer for drum loops, while Ableton describes editing MIDI notes in Live. A keyboard with pads is mainly useful if you want to play drum hits in live with your fingers.

What about the cooling-off period and warranty when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions and the seller’s status may be relevant. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period for all products. However, you’re entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement, and you can contact the seller if there’s a fault.

Is CE marking automatically required on every MIDI keyboard?

Not necessarily: according to the European Commission, CE marking is only required for products covered by specific harmonised EU rules. The mark indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable requirements; it isn’t an EU-wide quality inspection.