If you mainly write short bass motifs in a DAW, start with a compact keyboard and check that it will fit alongside your other equipment. If you want more notes within easy reach or need to connect external MIDI equipment, compare models with more keys or suitable connections, and weigh those features against the space they take up. A MIDI controller does not produce audible sound on its own: you’ll need a software instrument or an connected sound source for that.
You mainly write bass motifs in software and need to fit the keyboard alongside your other equipment. Compare the actual footprint before considering extra controls. Novation and Nektar provide specifications for their compact models.
You want to play longer or more varied bass phrases directly and can make room for a wider keyboard. Novation and M-Audio’s specifications include models with different numbers of mini keys.
You want to control software as well as play notes, or connect an external sound source. Check the connections and software integration of the exact model you’re considering; Arturia and Akai Professional describe different options.
Choose this option: if desk space is your priority and you mainly record or edit bass parts in a DAW. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm.
Trade-off: a shorter keyboard gives you fewer keys within easy reach; controls and dimensions vary by model.
Choose this option: if you want more notes readily available when playing. M-Audio specifies 32 mini keys for the Keystation Mini 32 MK3; Novation specifies 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4.
Trade-off: check that the extra width will fit; Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 as 478 mm wide.
Choose this option: if you want to control software parameters from the keyboard or use MIDI to control an external sound source. Arturia specifies a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai Professional describes MIDI and CV connections for the MPK Mini Plus.
Trade-off: according to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 measures 355 × 220 mm, and specific DAW integration may require the right settings or software versions.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Will it fit on your desk? | Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for cables. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 mm. | If my workspace is already full, I want to know how much room the keyboard will actually take up. Shoppers who mainly consider footprint account for around 36% of consumers in this decision breakdown. |
| How many keys do you need? | Compare the number of keys with the length of the bass phrases you usually play, and check the dimensions of the exact model. | I want to play longer bass phrases without constantly changing octaves. Shoppers whose main priority is having more keys within reach account for around 29% of consumers in this decision breakdown. |
| Which controls will you use? | Check which pads and encoders are included, and which controls work with your DAW and software version. | If I prefer physical controls when programming, I look at the buttons and software integration. Shoppers who prioritise DAW control account for around 21% of consumers in this decision breakdown. |
| Will you connect hardware? | Check that the controller’s connections are compatible with the MIDI input on your external sound source, and find out how the controller is powered. | I want to send bass notes to existing hardware, so I check the connections on both devices. Shoppers whose main priority is an external MIDI connection account for around 14% of consumers in this decision breakdown. |
Depth also determines whether the keyboard will fit on your desk. Novation specifies a depth of 177 mm for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists 220 mm for the MiniLab 3.
Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. Remember to leave room for the cable, too.
A MIDI controller sends note and control information; the sound comes from software or connected equipment. Thomann Nederland describes MIDI master keyboards as controllers for DAW software, while Novation describes separate computer software with bass sounds for the Launchkey Mini 25.
Decide in advance which software instrument or sound source you’ll use to hear the bass.
For more advanced control of the MiniLab 3, Arturia describes DAW-specific settings and supported software versions.
Check the instructions for your DAW and version before treating extra buttons or transport controls as deciding factors.
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and Mini 37 MK4 offer different numbers of keys in a compact setup.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller to consider if you’re also looking for software controls or a MIDI output.
The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is worth comparing if you’re mainly looking for keys to play software instruments.
The SE25 is a straightforward 25-key option for anyone short on desk space.
The MPK Mini Plus is worth comparing if you’re looking for 37 keys and connections for external MIDI or CV equipment.
No. A MIDI controller sends note and control information; you’ll need a software instrument or connected sound source to hear the bass. For example, Novation describes separate computer software with bass sounds for the Launchkey Mini 25.
Connect the controller according to the instructions, then select the right MIDI input or control script in your DAW. For specific controls on the MiniLab 3, Arturia describes additional settings and supported versions for each DAW.
Not if you only want to control a software instrument via USB. For an external sound source, check that the connections on both devices match; Arturia specifies a five-pin MIDI output on the MiniLab 3, while Akai Professional describes MIDI connections on the MPK Mini Plus.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you’ll usually have a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. ACM ConsuWijzer also states that, if a product doesn’t meet your reasonable expectations when used normally, the seller must put things right free of charge. Check the terms for any bundled software separately.
CE marking is required when the relevant harmonised EU rules apply to the product. The European Commission outlines rules on the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical and electronic equipment; this general information does not confirm that an individual model complies.
