For recording chord progressions at a shared desk, a compact keyboard with chord mode is a good fit if you mainly sketch out ideas and have limited space. If you want to play parts yourself, 32 or 37 mini keys give you a wider physical playing range. Chord mode doesn’t add keys, so compare the dimensions of the exact model too, and check that its controls and any software work with your DAW. Arturia describes the chord mode and dimensions of the MiniLab 3; Novation and M-Audio provide model-specific information about their keyboards and DAW setup.
You want to record chord ideas and easily put your keyboard away when you’ve finished. That makes its dimensions and chord controls important points to compare. For example, Arturia lists the MiniLab 3’s dimensions and chord mode, while Novation provides the dimensions of the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
You’d rather play progressions yourself than use one-key chords, and want a wider physical playing range without having to set up a large keyboard. Novation describes chord modes for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4; M-Audio lists Smart Chord for the Oxygen Pro Mini.
You want to use the keys and controls with your recording software, so you look at setup and included software as well as the number of controls. For the Oxygen Pro Mini, M-Audio describes both selecting the DAW on the device and configuring it in the software.
Start with the space available, then decide how many keys you want to play at once and check that the keyboard works with your DAW.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this relevant for? |
|---|---|---|
| Desk space | Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for the cable. Novation lists dimensions of 339 × 177 mm for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3. | If I also use my desk for other work, I want to know whether I can set up the keyboard and put it away afterwards. Around 36% of consumers in this situation say desk space is their main concern. |
| Playing chords | Check whether the exact model has a chord, fixed chord or Smart Chord function, and how to set up the chord structure. Arturia, Novation and M-Audio describe these functions for specific models. | When I want to sketch out progressions quickly, an alternative way to play chords matters more than pressing every note individually. Around 29% of consumers say entering chords is their top priority. |
| Physical playing range | Compare the number of keys with the parts you want to play: the options listed have 25, 32 or 37 mini keys. Check the overall dimensions too; Novation lists a width of 478 mm for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. | If I’d rather play notes and chord changes myself, I want enough physical keys without giving up more desk space than necessary. Around 21% of consumers prioritise playing range. |
| DAW compatibility | Check that your DAW is supported, what setup is required and which software is included with the exact model. For the Oxygen Pro Mini, M-Audio describes both selecting a DAW on the device and choosing the corresponding setting in the DAW. | If I want to get started with my existing recording workflow, I want to know which settings I’ll need and what software I already have. Around 14% of consumers say getting started with a DAW is their main concern. |
Chord mode changes how you enter chords, but it doesn’t increase the number of physical keys you can play at once.
If you want to play more elaborate parts yourself, compare the number of keys and the dimensions of the exact model too.
Akai lists differences between these generations, including chord and scale modes, the USB connection and the MIDI output.
Check the full model name and generation before comparing connections or features.
A MIDI controller sends performance and control data; DAW controls and the sounds you hear also depend on software and settings.
Before buying, check which DAWs are supported, what setup is required and which software comes with the model you’ve chosen.
If you don’t already have suitable software, you may need additional software. What you need depends on your current setup and the bundle you choose.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact option with 25 slim keys, chord mode and control knobs.
The Launchkey Mini MK4 comes with 25 or 37 mini keys for playing into a DAW.
The Oxygen Pro Mini combines 32 mini keys with DAW controls and chord functions.
The MPK Mini IV is a 25-key option with pads, transport controls, and chord and scale modes.
Not necessarily: a MIDI controller sends performance data to an instrument or DAW. Check which software instruments you already have and what software is included with the model you’ve chosen.
Check both the controller’s DAW setting and its configuration in your DAW. M-Audio describes both steps for the Oxygen Pro Mini; for other models, follow the relevant manual.
Compare the keyboard’s full width and depth with the space available, and allow for the cable and storage. Novation lists dimensions of 339 × 177 mm for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
When you buy online as a consumer from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind; the seller must inform you of this. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. There is no fixed statutory warranty period for all products in the Netherlands. The Dutch government explains these rules.
