Who are compact MIDI keyboards for?

Beginner sound designer

Wants to experiment with synth parameters at a small desk and is looking for keys with easy-to-reach knobs. Checks that the controls work with their DAW.

Producer with a narrow workspace

Mainly needs a keyboard for input and wants to use as little desk space as possible. Is happy to adjust parameters in software more often.

Beat and sound maker

Wants to use pads for drums or clips as well as playing notes, and weighs up the extra controls against the space available.

What should you look for in a MIDI keyboard for sound design?

A simple keyboard for input

Choose this if: you mainly want to play in notes and would rather adjust sound parameters with a mouse or trackpad.

Bear in mind: there are fewer on-device controls, so check whether the available buttons are enough for your workflow.

Encoders and faders

Choose this if: you want to adjust software instrument parameters directly while creating sounds.

Bear in mind: check the desk depth you’ll need and whether the controls work with your DAW and instrument software.

Pads and project controls

Choose this if: you want to use pads to control drums or clips as well as sound parameters.

Bear in mind: pad functions depend on their assignment and how well they integrate with your software.

More mini keys

Choose this if: a 25-key keyboard feels too limited for the parts you want to play.

Bear in mind: measure the space available and check the exact model’s overall dimensions.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Direct parameter control Compare the knobs and faders, and check the mapping for your DAW and instrument. If I want to adjust parameters directly while designing sounds, I look for easy-to-reach controls and suitable software integration. Around 33% of consumers facing this choice prioritise direct parameter control.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for cables. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 × 220 × 50 mm. With a small desk, I want to know whether the keyboard will really fit in the space available. Around 27% of consumers facing this choice want to use as little desk space as possible.
Pads and project controls Check what the pads do and how well they integrate with your chosen DAW. Novation lists 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. If I want to use pads to control drums or clips as well as sounds, I check that these functions suit my workflow. Around 20% of consumers facing this choice prioritise pads and project controls.
Playing range Work out how many keys you need and compare the key count with the model’s overall dimensions. M-Audio lists 32 mini keys for the Oxygen Pro Mini; the Nektar SE25 has 25 mini keys. When I want to play parts for which 25 keys feel limiting, I weigh up the extra playing range against the space on my desk. Around 20% of consumers facing this choice prioritise playing range.

MIDI keyboard buying pitfalls

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

    A MIDI controller won’t create the sounds you want to design by itself. You’ll need a suitable sound source to use software sounds.

    Decide in advance which computer and software you’ll use, and how you’ll listen to the audio output.

  • Measuring only the width of your workspace

    Depth also varies from model to model. Novation lists 177 mm for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4, while Arturia lists 220 mm for the MiniLab 3.

    Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact version you’re considering.

  • Assuming the bundled software will work on any computer

    Akai lists system requirements for the software supplied with the MPK Mini IV.

    Before buying, check your operating system, the storage space required and the plug-in format of the software you want to use.

  • Confusing the manufacturer’s guarantee with your statutory rights

    According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period. Your statutory rights and any additional manufacturer’s guarantee are not the same thing.

    Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if there’s a fault.

Brands to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is designed for anyone who wants to explore software sounds using on-device controls.

  • Arturia lists 25 slim keys, eight encoders, four faders and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3.
  • The stated integration with Arturia software does not guarantee the same mapping in every DAW.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines keys and encoders with pads for anyone who also wants to control drums or clips.

  • Novation lists eight encoders, 16 pads and dimensions of 339 × 177 mm.
  • Check compatibility with your DAW and plug-ins; the listed specifications do not include faders for this model.

Nektar

The SE25 is aimed at anyone who mainly wants to input notes and is looking for a simple keyboard.

  • Nektar lists 25 mini keys and six function buttons.
  • For DAW-specific integration, Nektar says you need to register the product and download the integration files. Don’t expect the same set of encoders as on the MiniLab 3.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV may be worth considering if you want to combine keys and pads with physical pitch and modulation wheels.

  • Akai describes pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, a MIDI output and bundled instrument software for the MPK Mini IV.
  • Check the software’s system requirements; features may vary between generations of the MPK Mini.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth a look if 25 keys feel too limiting for the parts you want to play.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and automatic mapping for software control.
  • You’ll need to select and configure the controls for your DAW. Check the overall dimensions to make sure it suits your workspace.

Joybuy products for MIDI and sound design

This selection includes an electronic keyboard with 61 keys and a MIDI controller function. Check the dimensions and make sure the number of keys suits the space on your desk.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller function, black

Could suit you if you’re looking for an electronic keyboard as well as a MIDI controller function. Check the dimensions and connections to make sure it works with your workspace and DAW.

61 keys; speakers; metronome; recording function; music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard make its own sounds?

A MIDI controller sends notes and control information to other equipment or software. To use software sounds, you’ll need a suitable sound source and audio output. Check whether each model also has built-in sounds.

Will the controls work automatically with my synth plug-in?

Not always. MIDI notes and control mapping are separate things, so check compatibility with your DAW and plug-in. You may need to set up the controls yourself.

What should I check when setting up the Nektar SE25?

For DAW-specific integration, Nektar says you need to register the SE25 and download the integration files from your account. Also check that your DAW is supported.

Do I have a cooling-off period when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance sales from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. This does not automatically apply to purchases from a private individual. Check the terms for any digital software separately, too.

Who should I contact if the keyboard is faulty?

According to the Dutch government, you should contact the seller if a product is faulty. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; what you can reasonably expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product and how it is used.