Who is this for?

Finger drummers by the window

You play rhythms directly and want to identify functions quickly. So, assess the controls at your own workstation and in the daylight that reaches it.

Beatmakers who build patterns step by step

You prefer to build drum patterns one step at a time and want to know whether a built-in sequencer suits your workflow.

DAW producers with a small desk

You want to programme beats and play the keys, while keeping transport or parameter controls within reach. Which controls work with your DAW depends on the model and software version.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Playing drum rhythms directly Compare the number of physical pads and banks with the MIDI notes your drum software expects. If I play drum parts live, I want to reach the sounds I need without constantly switching pad banks. Around 36% of consumers say playing directly is their main requirement.
Reading the controls in daylight Assess the exact model from where you usually sit and check whether you can use frequently needed functions without looking at the screen. Beside a bright window, I want to be able to identify labels and functions from my seat. Around 29% of consumers prioritise readability in daylight.
Building patterns step by step Check what the sequencer saves and whether its workflow suits your DAW or external equipment. I want to build patterns step by step and see whether a built-in sequencer suits my workflow. Around 21% of consumers prefer this way of creating patterns.
Connections and DAW controls Check the connections, supported DAW version and any pad mode or MIDI mapping. I want to know in advance whether the pads and controls will work with my DAW, software version and equipment. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these connections and controls.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming two banks of eight pads give you 16 pads at once

    According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has eight physical pads with two banks. You have to switch banks to access the other set.

    Compare the number of pads you want to play at once with the number of physical pads on the controller.

  • Assuming illuminated pads or a screen guarantee good visibility

    Lighting or screen type alone doesn’t tell you how easy the controls are to read in bright daylight.

    Assess the exact model beside your window and from your usual sitting position, rather than choosing a model based on an unverified brightness ranking.

  • Confusing a built-in sequencer with built-in drum sounds

    The MPK Mini Plus sequencer helps you build patterns, but that doesn’t mean the keyboard itself produces the drum sounds you want.

    Before buying, check which device or software will need to produce the sound.

    You may need suitable software or external sound equipment to produce the sounds.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is designed for compact setups, with keys and pads for entering drum parts.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for this model.
  • Check the pad mapping in your own DAW and assess how easy the controls are to see at your workstation.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus combines mini keys and pads with a built-in sequencer and connections for external equipment.

  • Akai lists 37 mini keys, eight velocity-sensitive pads and a two-track step/live sequencer for this model.
  • Decide whether eight physical pads are enough for your drum kit and which equipment will provide the sounds you want.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines compact keys and pads with extra controls.

  • Arturia lists eight physical pads across two banks, faders and a five-pin MIDI output.
  • Two banks don’t give you 16 physical pads to play at once. Also check how it works with your DAW.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is a compact controller with pads and model-specific DAW integration.

  • Nektar lists 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys and eight velocity-sensitive pads.
  • Check which pad mappings and DAW integration are available for your software.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a USB controller with 32 mini keys, for anyone looking to combine drum input with keyboard controls.

  • M-Audio lists 32 keys and USB power for this model.
  • Assess how easy the controls are to see beside your window and check whether the functions suit your DAW workflow.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are illuminated pads or an OLED screen automatically easy to see beside a bright window?

No. Lighting or screen type doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to read the controls in bright daylight. If possible, assess the exact model at your own workstation.

Do I need to configure pads before they can trigger my drum sounds?

That depends on your software and the active mode. Check which MIDI notes your drum plug-in expects and which pad mode is selected. For example, Akai describes a separate Drum Rack mode for the MPK Mini IV in its Ableton Live instructions; those instructions don’t automatically apply to the MPK Mini Plus.

What can I do if a keyboard I bought online doesn’t work properly?

For online purchases, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that works as it should in the Netherlands; there is no single fixed statutory warranty period that applies to every product. If your product is faulty, contact the seller.

What should I look out for when it comes to product safety in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, electronic products sold in the EU must have a CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific model; a brand name alone doesn’t confirm this for an individual listing.