Start by considering how much space the keyboard can take up and how many notes you want to play straight away in a lead part. 25 mini keys usually mean a more compact unit, while 37 keys give you a wider range at your fingertips but take up more width. Also check that the pitch and modulation controls suit the way you play, and that the connections work with your software or external synthesiser.
You want the keys and performance controls close to hand without taking up more room than necessary in your setup. Compare the dimensions of the exact model, not just the number of keys. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 mm wide; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm.
You’d rather have more notes at your fingertips than the smallest possible controller, and can make room for the extra width. Compare the range offered by 25 and 37 mini keys with the space available in your setup.
You want to control a hardware sound source, so you’ll need to check that the MIDI connection, power supply and controls suit your setup. Arturia lists a five-pin MIDI output on the MiniLab 3; Korg lists USB Type B as the connection for the microKEY-37.
When choosing a compact MIDI keyboard for synth leads, the main considerations are your playing space, the performance controls you want, the key range and the sound source. The percentages show the proportion of consumers who consider each need their top priority.
A good fit if: you’re short on space and play lead parts within a smaller range. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 × 177 × 49 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm.
The trade-off: you’ll need to switch octaves to play notes outside your immediate range. Touch controls feel different from physical wheels, so also check which controls you can assign in your software.
A good fit if: you want to switch octaves less often during a phrase and have the extra width available. According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 measures 478 × 177 × 49 mm; Korg lists the microKEY-37 as 565 × 139 × 54 mm.
The trade-off: more keys take up more width. The microKEY-37 has pitchbend and modulation wheels, but its listed USB connection is not the same as a five-pin MIDI output.
A good fit if: your hardware synth has a compatible MIDI input. Arturia lists a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai lists five-pin MIDI inputs and outputs for the MPK Mini Plus.
The trade-off: the controller doesn’t produce synth sounds itself. Check how it gets its power and how your synthesiser’s audio will reach your mixer or speakers.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should give this more weight? |
|---|---|---|
| Performance controls for lead parts | Compare touch strips, sensors, wheels or a joystick, and check that the controls suit the way you move and the software you use. | If I want to control pitchbend, modulation or sound parameters while playing, I’m looking for controls within easy reach. Around 33% of consumers prioritise performance controls. |
| Space in your setup | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Leave room for cables too. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 mm wide and the Mini 37 MK4 as 478 mm wide. | If space is tight, I want the keyboard to fit without pushing out other equipment. Around 27% of consumers put available space first. |
| Range at your fingertips | Play through your usual lead phrases and see whether 25 or 37 mini keys are enough without having to switch octaves mid-phrase. | If I want to play longer phrases without constantly switching octaves, a wider range at my fingertips matters more to me than the smallest possible unit. Around 20% of consumers prioritise key range. |
| Connection to the sound source | Check which MIDI input your synth or computer has, how you’ll power the controller and where the audio signal will come from. | If I want to control my existing software or hardware sound source, the connection needs to suit my setup. Around 20% of consumers put the connection to the sound source first. |
A MIDI controller sends performance data, but doesn’t produce the synth sound you want on its own.
Before you buy, decide which software or synthesiser will produce the sound, and how you’ll connect it and listen to it.
Novation’s and Korg’s 37-key models differ in width and depth, so the number of keys alone won’t tell you whether the unit will fit in your setup.
Compare the full dimensions of the exact model with the space available, and allow for the connections.
The connections listed vary from one controller to another. The right connection depends on the input on your sound source and the keyboard’s output.
Before you buy, check the connections on both devices and work out how you’ll power the controller.
According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and Mini 37 MK4 have 25 and 37 mini keys respectively, with touch strips for pitch and modulation.
According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 combines 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys with rotary controls, touch sensors and a five-pin MIDI output.
According to Korg, the microKEY-37 has 37 mini keys, pitchbend and modulation wheels, and measures 565 × 139 mm.
Akai lists the MPK Mini Plus as having 37 keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and five-pin MIDI inputs and outputs.
According to Nektar, the Impact LX Mini has 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, a joystick for pitchbend and modulation, among other controls, rotary controls and a footswitch connection.
These Joybuy picks are keyboards with 61 keys and USB-MIDI. They may suit you if you’re looking for a wider range at your fingertips. Before deciding whether a model will fit in your limited playing space, check the dimensions of the exact version.
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The 61 keys give you a wider range at your fingertips. Check the dimensions if you’re planning to use the instrument in a limited space.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and speakers. USB-MIDI and a headphone socket are also listed.
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The 61 keys give you a wider range at your fingertips. Compare the dimensions with your available space before choosing.
USB-MIDI, built-in speakers, and audio inputs and outputs are listed. The product name also mentions a recording function and metronome.
No. A MIDI controller sends performance data to a sound source. You’ll need compatible software or a synthesiser, and you’ll also need to arrange how you’ll hear the sound.
Yes, with a compatible, powered controller and a synthesiser that receives MIDI data. Novation describes this setup for the Launchkey MK4 using USB power and a MIDI cable. Check the connections on the exact models you have.
Before you perform, check the power supply, cables, selected MIDI input, and pitchbend and modulation assignments. Follow the manual for the exact model when cleaning or updating it. For example, Akai lists a firmware update as a step to take before using the MPK Mini Plus.
For eligible distance purchases, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. The Dutch government also states that you’re entitled to a product that works as it should and, in principle, should contact the seller if something is faulty. There is no single statutory warranty period in the Netherlands that applies to all products.
