The Best Computer Recording MIDI Controllers
We compared eight MIDI controllers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is our top pick for its balance of features and price.
Updated
The bottom line
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 (asin B08874YDB4) is our top pick for a computer recording MIDI controller. It has a compact design, 25 mini MIDI keys, and a range of features for music production at a price of $85. The closest alternative is the Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 (asin B0D6YTPQZZ), which has more features and better integration with DAWs but costs $174.99. For a budget option, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 (asin B08ZNV41PD) at $84.7 is a good choice, though it has minor issues with key responsiveness.
Akai MPK Mini MK3 $85.00
Best balance of features and price
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 has a compact design, 25 mini MIDI keys, and a range of features for music production at $85. Owners rate it 9.2/10 from 18663 ratings. The tradeoff is minor issues with key responsiveness for some users.
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Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller $174.99
Best for DAW integration
The Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 has DAW integration, 25 keys, and 16 pads at $174.99. Owners rate it 9.8/10 from 41 ratings. The tradeoff is non-weighted keys.
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Akai MPK Mini MK3 $84.70
Best budget option
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 has a compact design and 25 mini MIDI keys at $84.7. Owners rate it 9.2/10 from 18674 ratings. The tradeoff is minor issues with key responsiveness for some users.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- Akai MPK Mini MK3 Best balance of features and price 9.0/10 $85.00 Amazon
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Best for DAW integration 8.0/10 $174.99 Amazon
- Akai MPK Mini MK3 Best budget option 8.0/10 $84.70 Amazon
- Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Good for DAW integration, but pricier 7.0/10 $159.99 Amazon
- Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 Good for DAW integration, but issues with key sensitivity 7.0/10 $279.99 Amazon
- Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Good for music production, but outdated 6.0/10 $99.00 Amazon
- Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller Good for music production, but pricier 6.0/10 $99.00 Amazon
- Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller Good for music production, but pricier 6.0/10 $94.05 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 and its variants are praised for their compact design and ease of use, making them suitable for portable music production. The Novation Launchkey series is known for its DAW integration and features, which make it a better choice for users who need more control over their DAWs. However, the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has some reported issues with key sensitivity and scratchy corners, which may affect the user experience.
What owners complain about after buying
Some owners of the Akai MPK Mini MK3 report minor issues with key responsiveness, particularly with one key not responding properly to soft or normal taps. The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has also received complaints about zero key sensitivity and scratchy key corners, which can be distracting during use.
The also-rans
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (asin B0886KWVYR) and the Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller (asin B0FT3C66LB and B0FT3N7TK1) are good options for music production, but they are either outdated or pricier compared to the top picks. The Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 (asin B0D6YY1W6X) is a good choice for DAW integration, but it is pricier than the budget pick.