Who is a compact MIDI keyboard for?

Producer with very little desk depth

You want to play melodies into your software without letting the controller take up what little workspace you have. Korg lists the nanoKEY2 as measuring 325 × 83 × 16 mm.

Melody maker who also wants to control their DAW

You want to play notes and control software functions at the same time. Novation says the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has eight encoders and 16 pads; Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3.

Hardware synth user

You want to connect a compact controller to a synth with a compatible MIDI input. Arturia lists a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai lists one for the MPK Mini IV too.

What should you look for when choosing one?

First measure the available space, then decide whether playability, hands-on control or connecting to hardware matters most to you.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables. The listed dimensions are 325 × 83 × 16 mm for the Korg nanoKEY2, 339 × 177 × 49 mm for the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the Arturia MiniLab 3. If my desk is shallow, I want to leave enough room for my computer and other things. An estimated 36% of consumers prioritise space above all else.
Playing melodies Check the key size and range, and whether octave controls are available. Korg and Arturia both specify 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave controls for the models mentioned. I want to play melodies on keys that suit my playing style, even if I need to change octaves. An estimated 29% of consumers prioritise playability above all else.
Controlling sounds and software Check which functions your DAW supports. Novation lists eight encoders and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3. I want to adjust parameters or software functions using hands-on controls while I play. An estimated 21% of consumers prioritise direct sound or software control above all else.
Connecting to hardware Compare the output with your synth’s MIDI input, and check the cable, power supply and settings. Arturia and Akai list a MIDI output for the MiniLab 3 and MPK Mini IV respectively. I want to control my hardware synth, so I need to check that the two devices can connect. An estimated 14% of consumers prioritise a hardware connection above all else.

Common buying mistakes

  • Measuring the width only

    Listed depths vary between models: Korg gives 83 mm for the nanoKEY2, while Arturia lists 220 mm for the MiniLab 3. Cables and other equipment take up space too.

    Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for where the cable connects.

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a synthesiser with its own sounds

    A MIDI controller doesn’t necessarily make sounds itself. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller that sends MIDI messages to software.

    Check whether you need a software instrument or a separate sound source, and how the model you’re considering produces sound.

    You may need suitable software or a separate sound source to hear anything.

  • Assuming USB means it will connect directly to hardware

    A USB connection and a 5-pin MIDI connection are different ways to connect. The controller’s connection must match your synth’s input.

    Check the connections, cable, power supply and MIDI settings on both devices for your setup.

Relevant brands to consider

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is a USB-MIDI option for desks with limited depth.

  • Korg says the nanoKEY2 has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, octave buttons, and pitch and modulation controls; it measures 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • If you’re looking for plenty of knobs to control synth parameters, compare its controls with those of more feature-rich controllers. The specifications don’t tell you how the keys will feel to you personally.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines compact melody input with software controls.

  • Novation specifies 25 mini keys, eight encoders and 16 pads, with dimensions of 339 × 177 × 49 mm.
  • It’s deeper than the nanoKEY2. Check that its features work with your DAW and that mini keys suit the parts you want to play.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines keys and hands-on controls with a 5-pin MIDI output.

  • Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys, eight encoders, four faders and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • The listed dimensions are 355 × 220 × 50 mm. Check that the depth will fit and that the output matches your hardware synth’s input.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is aimed at anyone looking for pads, pitch and modulation wheels, and a MIDI output in one controller.

  • Akai lists USB-C and a full-size MIDI output; the product specifications also mention mechanical pitch and modulation wheels and pads. Akai also specifies 25 velocity-sensitive keys.
  • Check the software requirements and the space available for the version you’re considering. These features aren’t an independent assessment of how the keys feel.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a MIDI keyboard make sound if I connect it via USB only?

Not necessarily: Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller that sends MIDI messages to software rather than making sound itself. If that’s the case, use a suitable software instrument, or check whether the model you’re considering has built-in sounds.

How do I start playing in my DAW?

Select the controller as the MIDI input in your software, then load a software instrument. The exact setup and controls depend on the controller and DAW, so check the manuals for both.

Does a controller for a hardware synth need a 5-pin MIDI output?

It depends on your synth’s connections and setup. Arturia specifies a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; before connecting the devices, also check that you have the right cable and power supply, and that the MIDI settings are correct.

What guarantee applies when a consumer buys a product in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, and you can contact the seller if there’s a problem. There’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands; a manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace this legal right.

Do I always have 14 days to change my mind after buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance sales, the Dutch government says you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, but there are exceptions. For your specific purchase, check who the seller is and which terms apply, including those for any digital content supplied with it.