Gearank

The Novation Launchkey Mini is a compact controller designed for Ableton Live, with 16 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads that are mapped to the popular DAW software's session view and can be used for triggering loops, beats and launch samples. Additionally, it has eight knobs that allow you to tweak, or assign, parameters and effects.

Since it's class compliant, it offers plug-and play compatibility with most operating systems.

With the right amount of features, including its pads, knobs, and buttons, this controller provides a lot of value for its size, which is very portable.

Specifications:

• Keys: 25 note velocity sensitive mini-key keys
• Pads: 16 multi-colour backlit velocity sensitive drum pads
• Arpeggiator: No
• Octaves: Not Specficied
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite 9
• Power: USB bus powered
• Connectivity: USB Connectiviy
• Control Hardware Directly: No
• Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7, 8; OS X 10.9-10.10
• Dimensions:12.79" x 6.89" x 1.69"
• Weight: 2.38 lbs

Pros:
Many users are delighted that it provides a more hands-on experience whenever they compose or play music. They also find the bundled software synths to be a great addition to sequencing electronic music.

Cons:
Some users find its plastic keys to be pretty stiff and a bit springy. Some also caution that its miniature keys take a while to get used to.

Overall:
This is an excellent portable controller for beginners and performers who want a reliable yet cheap backup controller for on-the-go gigs.

Unfortunately, the Launchkey Mini can't readily be found in stores anymore, so you might like to look at alternatives in our guides to The Best Cheap MIDI Keyboards and The Best 25-Key MIDI Controllers.