Start by considering the desk space you actually have and how many notes you want to play at once: 25 keys take up less room, while 37 keys give you a wider range to play straight away. For long orchestral articulations, it’s also important to be able to control your sample library; velocity-sensitive keys aren’t always enough. Choose pads, DAW controls or hardware connections only if they suit the way you work.
You write cues alongside a computer and want to play in parts without the keyboard taking over your workspace. Measure the space you have and bear in mind the difference between 25 and 37 keys. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm; always check the dimensions of the version you’re considering.
You play parts into sample libraries and want to shape the dynamics of long notes as you go. The controls you need depend on the library and its MIDI mapping. Spitfire Audio, for example, says that long articulations in its libraries respond to the dynamics control.
You want to play chords, melody and accompaniment together as much as possible, and are weighing up a wider playing range against the space available on your desk. Models such as the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 and Akai MPK Mini Plus have 37 mini keys; also check that the key size suits your playing style.
First measure the available space, then decide how many keys and what kind of expressive controls you need while playing.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Desk space | Measure the available width and depth, and leave room for connected cables. Check the dimensions of the exact version; Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm. | If I want to use my controller next to my computer and mouse, I need enough room left to work. Around 31% of consumers prioritise making sure it fits on their desk. |
| Dynamics and expression | Check which MIDI CCs your sample library uses and whether you can assign them to the controller’s controls. Spitfire Audio lists CC1 for dynamics and CC11 for expression as the defaults in its libraries; this setting doesn’t automatically apply to every library. | For long orchestral notes, I want to control the dynamics without relying on key velocity. Around 31% of consumers prioritise having expression controls for their library. |
| Playing range straight away | 25 keys are more compact; 37 keys let you play more notes at once within reach. Try the key size and play your usual chords and melodies to see what feels comfortable. | If I want to sketch parts with both hands, I want to change octaves less often. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having a wide enough playing range straight away. |
| DAW and external equipment | Check whether it supports your DAW, what controls are available and whether any installation is required. Make sure the connections suit the equipment you actually want to use. | If I want to customise my DAW controls or connect external equipment, the features need to suit my setup. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this kind of integration. |
According to Spitfire Audio, long articulations in its libraries respond to the dynamics control, not to keyboard velocity.
Before making pads or the number of keys your deciding factor, check which controls and MIDI mapping are needed for each library and articulation you use.
Setting up the right MIDI mapping may take extra preparation.
Models with the same number of keys can differ in their casing and controls. On a small desk, a controller can also take up space you need for your mouse, computer or cables.
Measure the space available and compare the exact dimensions and control layout of the version you want to buy.
Software bundles are specific to certain products and don’t automatically include all the instruments or licences your projects need.
Compare the contents and licence terms of the exact bundle with the instruments you want to use.
The MiniLab 3 focuses on a compact 25-key keyboard, while the KeyStep 37 mk2 offers 37 keys and connections for external equipment.
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines 37 mini keys with pads, encoders and DAW integration, as described by Novation.
The microKEY2 range includes compact versions with, among other options, 25 or 37 keys.
The MPK Mini Plus combines 37 mini keys and pads with connections for external MIDI and CV/Gate equipment.
The SE25 focuses on a small, portable keyboard with 25 mini keys and basic controls.
Not for every library or articulation. Spitfire Audio says that long articulations in its libraries respond to the dynamics control, not to key velocity; velocity does matter by default for short articulations. Check the settings for the library you use.
First check your sample library’s manual: Spitfire Audio lists CC1 for dynamics and CC11 for expression as the defaults in its libraries. Then assign suitable controls in your controller or DAW, and test whether the parameters respond in the instrument patch you intend to use.
This varies by model and the features you want to use. According to Nektar, the SE25’s DAW integration requires registration and installation files; Akai recommends updating the firmware before using the MPK Mini Plus. Check the instructions for your exact model and operating system.
When you buy remotely from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. This rule doesn’t apply to purchases from a private seller. If a product doesn’t meet reasonable expectations, you also have statutory rights against the seller; the Dutch government states that the Netherlands doesn’t have one fixed statutory guarantee period for all products.
