Who is this for?

Beatmaker who plays in rhythms

Wants to enter drum hits using velocity-sensitive pads, as well as play basslines or melodies on the keys. Novation, Arturia and Akai Professional describe models with keys and pads designed for this kind of control.

Student with a small desk

Wants to fit the keyboard next to a laptop, so compares the published dimensions with the available workspace. Novation User Guides and Arturia publish dimensions for specific models.

Producer who wants to control their DAW

Wants to do more than play notes, and use pads and controls with their music software too. Novation, M-Audio and Akai Professional describe DAW control features and settings for their models.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide whether you want to play drum notes live on the pads or place them in your DAW. Then measure your desk and check the controls and software requirements for your specific DAW.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Entering drum patterns Check how many physical pads there are, whether they’re velocity-sensitive and whether you can assign the drum sounds to the right MIDI notes in your DAW. If I want to play rhythms in with my fingers, I want to be able to use the pads straight away. For around 36% of consumers, pad-based drum input is the top priority.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for the USB connection; compare these with the dimensions of the exact model. With a small desk, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit next to my laptop. The right dimensions are the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Working with your DAW Check which DAW versions are supported and read the instructions for setting up the pads, keys and controls. If I also want to control my music software with the controller, I check that its features work with my DAW. DAW control is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
What you need to get started Check that you have a suitable computer, drum software or sounds, and a compatible USB connection. Also check which software is included. Before I get started, I want to know what computer, software and connections I’ll need. A complete starter setup is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming two banks of eight pads means 16 physical pads

    The Arturia MiniLab 3 has eight physical pads with two banks. Switching banks gives you different assignments, but not 16 pads available at the same time.

    If you want to play drums live, compare the number of physical pads and the number of banks separately.

  • Confusing MIDI compatibility with full DAW control

    A DAW receiving MIDI notes doesn’t automatically mean that mixer, transport or pad controls will work. Novation explains that features can vary by DAW, while M-Audio describes how to configure both the controller and the DAW.

    Read the instructions for your DAW and version before relying on specific control features.

    Allow extra time for setup if you need to configure DAW controls.

  • Expecting a MIDI keyboard to produce drum sounds on its own

    Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller that sends MIDI data to computer software; in this setup, the sound comes from the software.

    Check that you have a computer, drum software and a suitable way to listen to the sound.

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

    Akai distinguishes between the models in terms of connections and controls: the MK3 has USB-B, while the IV has USB-C and transport controls.

    Check the full model name and connection type of the version you’re considering.

Notable brands

Novation

The Launchkey Mini models combine a compact keyboard with pads and controls for music software.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4, along with DAW integrations for several programmes.
  • Novation notes that DAW features can vary between programmes. The published dimensions of 339 × 177 mm apply to the Mini 25 MK4.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with pads, rotary controls and sliders.

  • Arturia lists eight physical pads with two banks, USB power and included software.
  • The published dimensions are 355 × 220 × 50 mm. Two banks don’t mean that 16 physical pads are available at the same time.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini range is designed for anyone who wants to combine keys and drum pads.

  • Akai lists transport controls and USB-C for the MPK Mini IV. It also explains how keys and pads can be assigned different functions in a DAW.
  • The MPK Mini IV and MK3 are different versions. Akai states that the MK3 uses computer software to produce sound.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a 32-key controller for entering notes and controlling DAW functions.

  • M-Audio describes USB power and customisable DAW controls for the Oxygen Pro Mini.
  • According to M-Audio, you also need to select the right configuration in your DAW. Check the dimensions and pad specifications for the exact version.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard make sound on its own, and how do I use headphones?

Don’t assume that a MIDI controller produces sound by itself. Akai says that the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI data to computer software to generate sounds. Check how each model sends audio from your computer or other audio equipment to your headphones.

Why aren’t my pads playing the drum sounds I expect?

Check the MIDI note assignments and your DAW settings. Akai describes separate MIDI channels for keys and pads in certain MPK Mini setups, while Novation notes that some control features vary between DAWs.

What should I check when setting up a MIDI keyboard?

Follow the instructions for the exact model and select the right DAW configuration if needed. M-Audio states that the Oxygen Pro series is USB-powered and can be used without a separate driver; this doesn’t guarantee compatibility with other models.

When shopping online in the Netherlands, do I always get exactly two years’ warranty?

No. According to the Government of the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, with factors such as the product and any promises made taken into account. A manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your statutory rights; if something is faulty, you can contact the seller.

Can I return a MIDI keyboard bought online?

For many distance purchases from a business, you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period. Check the applicable terms and exceptions; the Government of the Netherlands distinguishes between buying from a business and buying online from a private individual.