For the longest time, I never really saw it necessary for me to own a MIDI controller keyboard. Firstly because I'm not a keyboard player, so I assumed that I won't be able to utilize it in my songwriting. Secondly, the last time I had a MIDI controller, I had a large 88-Key model that I found was too unwieldy and inconvenient.

It was down to choosing between the Arturia Minilab MKII and the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKIII. I chose the Arturia because I didn't like the "joystick" mod wheel and pitch control on the MPK Mini MKIII. While the Minilab MKII doesn't have a traditional modwheel, the touch strips made better sense to me.

In place of a regular mod and pitch wheel are two touch strips.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a mini-laboratory of MIDI controls with emphasis on portability.

To save on space, it features 25 slim keys, but they do have velocity sensitivity. It features 16 encoders for more control over your DAW software, and 8 customizable RGB pads for triggering samples, with two banks to work with. It also comes bundled with nifty software which includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Lite and UVI Grand Piano.

Buildwise, the MiniLab MkII feels solid. Even though it's made of plastic, I didn't feel any excess plastic residue and everything feels solid with no internal rattle when I shake it. The keys are finished nicely and the resistance is just right for synth action. There were some keys that were fractions of an inch higher or lower than the others but it's not really a major issue.

The control knobs felt a bit flimsy to the touch but the potentiometer rotation is smooth and consistent across all knobs. The pads felt a bit small but I rarely use them. Still, if you like making beats on pads, the layout and size might not be the best especially for harder hitters.

What I don't like about the Minilab MkII is the fact that I had to settle with touch strips instead of pitch and mod wheels. I would have preferred even a smaller integration of the two wheels as long as it's mechanical. The strips work fine but I do feel it lacking in precision especially when my left hand's fingers are calloused from guitar playing.

Overall, the Arturia MiniLab MkII is a great, compact MIDI controller and is nearly peerless at this price point. There are some places where Arturia chose to cut costs but everything else looks and feels solid. Even years after its release, the MiniLab MkII is still popular and can be seen gracing the desks of prolific and talented musicians all over the world.

Specifications

• Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Slim-Keys
• Pads: 8 RGB Pads
• Buttons & Knobs: 16 Encoders, Octave +/-, Sustain button, Volume
• Octaves: +/- 4
• Bundled Software: Analog Lab Lite, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano
• Power: USB Bus Powered
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal
• Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or Later, Windows 7 or later
• Dimensions: 14" x 2" x 8.7"
• Weight 3.3 lbs.

Despite being smaller than most MIDI controllers, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III Packs a lot of features not usually found on similarly sized and priced controllers.

8 backlit, velocity sensitive pads enable nuanced rhythmic performances while assignable knobs integrate with many major DAWs.

In place of a pitch wheel, the Pitchbend/modulation joystick enables more control from less space, keeping the MPK Mini MKIII at a featherweight 1.65lbs.

For the price, the MPK Mini MKIII compromises very little with regard to production flexibility. The pads carry over Akai's famed feel and the joystick control is a new way to modulate pitch and other parameters.

The only cons would be that the keys might be too small for larger hands, but this is a common issue among compact keyboard controllers. The joystick feature might not be to the liking of some that are more used to wheel controls.

Overall, If you're looking for a suite of features in a small package, the MPK Mini MKIII is a good, affordable pick.

Specifications

• Keys:25 Synth Mini-keys
• Pads: 8 x Backlit, Velocity-sensitive Performance Pads
• Buttons & Knobs: 4-way Pitchbend/Modulation Joystick, 8 x Assignable Knobs, Pad controls, Arpeggiator
• Octaves: +/- 4
• Bundled Software: MPC Beats Software, Sample Packs
• Power: USB Bus Powered
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal
• Compatibility: OS X 10.8.5 or later, Windows 7 SP1 or later
• Dimensions: 12.5" x 1.75" x 7.13"
• Weight 1.65 lbs.

The Akai MPK 225 keyboard controller bridges the gap between controller and instrument. The semi-weighted keys with aftertouch make it feel more familiar for pianists. The RGB MPC-style pads give beatmakers a great platform for laying down grooves.

Akai is more known for using synth style keys for their controllers. The use of semi-weighted keys give this compact controller a premium feel. However, one of the primary reasons to get this controller is the pads. Performance pads were actually invented by Akai so it's no surprise that these would be the controller's strongest selling points.

Aside from the pads, other features it shares with the MPC series include note repeat for glitchy sounds, full level for all full velocity hard hits, and an arpeggiator.

One thing to watch out for is that older firmware versions are a hit-or-miss with DAWs like Logic Pro X. Current firmware seems to have addressed this according to some user reports but it's one thing to watch out for if your primary DAW is Logic.

Looking for a compact controller that doesn't compromise on the beatmaking potential? Need a controller/pad setup with very little compromise between both? The Akai MPK225 is your best option.

Specifications

• Keys: 25 full size semi-weighted with aftertouch.
• Pads: 8 which are velocity and pressure sensitive and they light up MPC style (with full RGB).
• Octaves: 10 by using Octave Up and Octave Down controls.
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite DAW, MPC Essentials software sampler, and the Air Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Twist virtual synths.
• Power: USB powered and can use an optional 6V DC, 1A, power adapter (sold separately).
• Connectivity: USB and 5-pin MIDI out and MIDI in.
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later + Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It is also iOS compatible but you'll need a CCK and external power supply as well.
• Dimensions: 19.25" x 11.75" x 3.63"
• Weight 6.09 lbs