Who is this for?

Producer with limited desk space

You share your desk with other people or equipment and want a keyboard that’s easy to set up and put away. Compare its stated width and depth before looking at extra features.

Beginner beatmaker

You want to control drums, clips or software parameters as well as play notes, and need to decide whether pads and knobs are worth the extra space.

Aspiring melody player

You want to play chords and melodies more often, and are weighing up having more keys against the desk space others need.

What should you look for when buying?

Buying concern What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space Measure the available width and depth. Akai lists the LPK25 MKII as 102 mm deep, Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 177 mm deep, and Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 220 mm deep. If I share my desk, I want to leave enough room for my laptop and mouse. Space is the main buying concern for around 33% of consumers.
Pads and software control Compare the pads and encoders on the exact model, and check the documentation for your DAW. If I want to play in beats or control software features from the keyboard, I weigh up those controls against the space they need. Pads and DAW control are the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Playing range Think about whether you’ll mainly enter short parts or often play melodies and chords across a wider range. Also check whether mini keys suit your learning goals. If I need more room to play melodies and chords, I look at both the number of keys and the keyboard’s width. Playing range is the main buying concern for around 25% of consumers.
Software and sound Check the software included with the specific model, its system requirements and whether registration is required. A MIDI controller usually doesn’t make sound by itself. If I want to start making music, I need to know whether my controller, computer and available software will work together. This compatibility is the main concern for around 17% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound by itself

    A MIDI controller sends performance data to software or other equipment. Thomann Netherlands explains this for MIDI keyboards, and Akai confirms it specifically for the LPK25 MKII.

    Before buying, check what you’ll need to make your chosen model produce sound, and which software is actually included with that version.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    Two 25-key controllers can differ in depth and physical controls. A model with more keys may also take up more width on a shared desk.

    Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. After that, check whether its controls and key range suit your learning goals.

  • Assuming every knob will work with your DAW without setup

    Manufacturers sometimes specify separate MIDI ports, scripts or setup steps for controlling software.

    Check the manual for your DAW and model before relying on automatic mapping.

    Allow extra time to configure the controls for your DAW.

Brands to consider

Akai Professional

The LPK25 MKII is a slim, USB-powered option for anyone looking for velocity-sensitive keys and a small desk footprint.

  • Akai lists the LPK25 MKII’s dimensions as 348 × 102 × 38 mm.
  • Akai says the model needs a computer or iOS device with suitable software to make sound; it isn’t a standalone keyboard that produces sound.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini MK4 models combine mini keys with pads and music software controls. The Mini 25 and Mini 37 differ in size and key range.

  • Novation lists the Mini 25 MK4 as having 16 pads, eight encoders and a width of 339 mm. The Mini 37 is listed as 478 mm wide.
  • DAW integration depends on your software and setup. Check that it supports your configuration.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines 25 slim keys with pads, rotary knobs, faders and included software.

  • Arturia lists its dimensions as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; the model has a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • Check the system requirements and DAW settings for your computer and software.

M-Audio

M-Audio says the Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys and controls for music software.

  • The number of keys offers a middle ground for anyone looking for more keys than a 25-key controller provides.
  • M-Audio describes the controls as automatically mapped, but also says the DAW needs to be configured correctly.

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is a flat 25-key option for a desk where keeping depth and height to a minimum is the priority.

  • Korg specifies dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm, mini-USB and velocity-sensitive keys.
  • Take a look at its low-profile, unconventional key layout and decide whether it suits the way you want to learn to play.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard make sound on its own?

A standard MIDI keyboard controller sends performance data to software or other equipment rather than producing sound itself. Akai confirms this explicitly for the LPK25 MKII; for another model, check separately whether it has built-in sounds.

How do you connect a keyboard if you can’t hear anything?

Select the correct MIDI input and an audible software instrument in your DAW. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia specifically recommends enabling the MIDI port in the DAW and checking the audio settings.

What can you do if a keyboard you bought online is faulty?

According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, you can ask the seller to repair or replace it free of charge. For many online purchases from a business, you also have a 14-day cooling-off period; the terms that apply depend on the purchase.

Can you use other people’s music in a track you publish?

Not without permission. The Dutch government says you need the creator’s permission to use copyright-protected music. You can’t share or publish a copy made for personal use; check the rights for any samples separately before publishing anything.

What should you consider when practising at a shared desk?

Agree with the people you live with on when you’ll play music, and be mindful of possible noise disturbance for your neighbours. The Dutch government advises neighbours to discuss and agree on noise issues first; this isn’t a general legal cut-off time.