Two of the most popular options when it comes to desktop MIDI keyboards are the AKAI MPK Mini and the Novation Launchkey Mini. Both are great options for beginner-to-intermediate music producers looking to add a piece of gear to their arsenal to help inspire creativity and bring your musical ideas to life in your DAW.
In this guide, I compared the AKAI MPK Mini vs Novation Launchkey Mini MIDI keyboards to help you decide which one is right for you.
AKAI MPK Mini vs Novation Launchkey Mini: Which is Better?
After testing each of these MIDI keyboards myself, I learned a ton about the different features included on these 2 products. Which controller is best completely depends on what exactly you're looking for from your new keyboard and your unique circumstances, so continue reading to dive deeper into what each of these products has to offer.
After you’re done reading, don’t forget to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials guide where you'll learn about all the necessary gear you need to get started on your music production journey.
With all that said, let's get into our comparison of the AKAI MPK Mini vs Novation Launchkey Mini.
Price: $119.00
Number of Keys: 25
Connectivity: USB-A
Pros: For the price, the AKAI MPK Mini has a nice key feel and it doesn't feel overly cheap when playing notes on the keys. The keys and pads have good sensitivity response which helps give your MIDI recordings more of a human feel. It also features a modulation and pitch joystick, allowing you to add some flair and customization to any sounds you play through the keyboard.
The pads at the top of the controller are solid and great for finger drumming. They're also a bit bigger than the pads on the Novation Launchkey, giving you a bit more breathing room when recording. The built-in note repeat function is also great for incorporating repetitive drum hits like hi-hat or snare rolls into your recordings. You'll also find a built-in arpeggiator feature which allows you to create and loop arpeggios from any given chord you play.
Lastly, the AKAI MPK integrates nicely with most DAWs like Ableton, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more, and also comes with a few virtual instruments and sound packs to add to your VST and sample library.
Cons: While it's understandable given the price point of this controller, the plastic build does feel a bit light and flimsy compared to more expensive options. The keys are also pretty small, which was especially noticeable for me since I have pretty big hands.
There's also not much helpful documentation within the box that explains how to set up the controller with whatever DAW you're using. However, I was able to find many YouTube videos that help explain the process pretty thoroughly.
Final Thoughts: All-in-all, the AKAI MPK Mini is a great piece of gear, especially considering the price point. Aside from the overall build quality feeling a bit flimsy, this controller will do everything you need it to do and provides some cool extra functions that are sure to help get your creative juices flowing in the studio.
Price: $139.99
Number of Keys: 25
Connectivity: USB-A
Pros: The Novation Launchkey build quality overall feels a bit more solid than the AKAI MPK Mini, although the difference is minimal. The Launchkey features a built-in arpeggiator and touch strips that allow you to control pitch and modulation, however it does lack the note repeat function included on the AKAI MPK Mini.
An advantage this controller has over the AKAI MPK is it includes play and record buttons on the unit, and even has a Capture MIDI function which helps recover any MIDI notes you played in the event you forgot to hit the record button. There is also a port for a sustain pedal if you want to use one and a MIDI out port which allows you to connect the Launchkey to any hardware synths you might have.
In addition to those advantages, this controller's biggest differentiating factor is its intuitive functionality with Ableton Live (your purchase also includes Ableton Live Lite). The Launchkey allows you to access controls like play/record, track select, stop/mute/solo, clip and scene launch, volume, pans and sends all directly from the controller. Additionally, the Launchkey comes with some virtual instruments from companies like Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio, and more.
Cons: One of the first things I noticed was the pads on the Launchkey were much smaller than the pads on the AKAI, however the build quality of the pads is fantastic. Another thing I noticed was the keys feel a bit cheap and light, although this might not be a big deal for non-experienced keys players. Lastly, as briefly mentioned before, there is no note repeat function which was something I really enjoyed about the AKAI MPK Mini.
Final Thoughts: All-in-all, the Novation Launchkey is a very solid MIDI controller and offers many of the same functions offered by the AKAI MPK Mini. However, where it differentiates itself is the unparalleled integration with Ableton Live. So if you use Ableton, I'd recommend going with the Novation Launchkey over the AKAI MPK.
Final Thoughts
Both of these MIDI controllers are great for the price range they're in, so at the end of the day you can't go wrong with either one. However, if you're an Ableton user I would go with the Novation Launchkey. If you use any other DAW, I'd probably lean towards the AKAI MPK Mini based on the slightly more solid feel of the keys and the size of the drum pads, although this is definitely based on my personal preferences as a producer.
If you're still unsure, we have a full guide comparing various MIDI keyboard options, so go check that out if you still need some guidance.
Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our reviews/buyer's guides.
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