For sound design at home, assignable knobs and suitable software matter more than simply having lots of keys. If you also play a lot, make beats or control external hardware, your priorities will be different. So, before buying, check DAW compatibility, included software and the type of MIDI output. A standard MIDI controller does not produce sound on its own.
Wants to hear how changes to software synthesisers affect the sound, using physical controls at home. That makes assignable controls and included instrument software important. Thomann explains how to set up controls for DAW and synth parameters, while Arturia provides information about using the MiniLab 3.
Wants to switch between sound design, DAW control and drum pads. Check how the controls work with your software: Thomann discusses MIDI controls for DAW functions, while Novation describes the pads and DAW integration on the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4.
May be looking for more room to play or a suitable key size, but will need to balance that against desk space and hands-on control. The product specifications from Arturia, M-Audio and Native Instruments include examples of compact 25- or 32-key models.
Start with the controls you want to use while designing sounds. Then check the software integration, key size and any pads. Only check the MIDI connection if you want to control hardware.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Controlling sound parameters | Check how many controls you can assign, whether your plug-in has a suitable mapping and whether you can save your settings. | If I prefer to adjust parameters with physical knobs while designing sounds, I look for assignable controls above all. Around 33% of consumers put sound control first. |
| DAW and instrument software | Check which DAWs are supported, what setup is required, and what a software bundle includes and requires for activation. | If you want to use your own DAW and plug-ins, check in advance whether the controls are a good fit. Around 27% of consumers give DAW and software control top priority. |
| Keys and desk space | Compare 25 and 32 keys, as well as slim keys and mini keys. Measure your available space and, if possible, try the feel of the keys for yourself. | If I want to play parts across more keys but have limited space, I need to weigh up range and size. Around 20% of consumers consider playing space and key range the most important factors. |
| Pads for beats and clips | Check how many pads there are, whether they are velocity-sensitive and what functions they have in your software. | If you want to control beats or clips with pads, the pad layout and its functions in your software are key. Around 13% of consumers prioritise pads for beats and clips. |
| External MIDI hardware | Compare the keyboard's output with your instrument's input, and check which cable, adapter and power supply you need. | If I want to control an external synthesiser, I first check that the connections are compatible. Around 7% of consumers give connections for external hardware top priority. |
A standard MIDI controller sends performance and control data to software or another instrument. You won't hear anything without a sound source.
Decide in advance which software or hardware will produce the sound, and check exactly what comes with the keyboard.
Manufacturers describe integration with specific software and workflows. How the controls work may depend on the DAW, plug-in and setup you use.
Check the manual for your DAW and make sure you can assign the parameters you want in your own setup.
According to Arturia, the Arturia MiniLab 3 has a five-pin DIN MIDI output. According to Novation, the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has a TRS Type A MIDI output. These connections are not the same.
Compare the output with the input on your external instrument and check which cable or adapter you need.
These models offer different combinations of keys, controls and software integration. Check that each model's features are right for your DAW, instruments and connections.
The MiniLab 3 is designed for compact, software-focused sound design and control.
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines compact keys with DAW controls and pads.
The MPK Mini MK3 combines a compact keyboard with pads for software-based music production.
The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if 32 mini keys and DAW controls are both important to you.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 is a good fit if you use a compact keyboard with Komplete or NKS instruments.
A standard MIDI controller does not produce sound on its own. It sends performance and control data to software or another instrument. Akai confirms this for the MPK Mini MK3, so make sure you have a suitable sound source.
Check that a software instrument is loaded in your DAW and that the correct MIDI input and audio output are selected. Arturia explains these settings for the MiniLab 3 with Analog Lab. For another model, refer to its manual.
Check the latest details of what the software bundle includes and its activation requirements. Akai says you need to register to redeem software licences for the MPK Mini MK3; Arturia provides advice on connecting and setting up the MiniLab 3.
When you buy remotely from a business, you will often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. There are exceptions, and these rules do not necessarily apply to purchases from private sellers. Check the terms of your purchase.
According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided at the time of purchase.
