Experts recommend Akai MPK Mini MK3 more than Arturia MiniLab MkII
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai MPK Mini MK3 over Arturia MiniLab MkII, but both MIDI Controllers have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Akai MPK Mini MK3 received 3 recommendations: from Sweetwater (15 Apr 2024), Equipboard (28 Jul 2024) and Music Radar (4 Nov 2024). By contrast, Arturia MiniLab MkII received only 2 recommendations from Gearank (3 Jul 2024) and Prime Sound (1 Nov 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | - | $99 |  Akai MPK Mini MK3 The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| 4 | - | $109 |  Arturia MiniLab MkII The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 15 Apr 2024 Sweetwater ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 as #5
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #5 out of 12 Akai MPK Mini MK3 Great for mobile production and performance... ... ... Source: www.sweetwater.com - On 28 Jul 2024 Equipboard ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 as #2
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #2 out of 7 Akai MPK Mini MK3 ... ... Source: equipboard.com - On 4 Nov 2024 Music Radar ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 as #2
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 10 Akai MPK Mini MK3 The best MIDI keyboard for value... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com - On 3 Jul 2024 Gearank ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #1
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 9 Arturia MiniLab MkII Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200... ... ... Source: www.gearank.com - On 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 8 Arturia MiniLab MkII Best Slim Keys Controller... ... ... Source: primesound.org
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai MPK Mini MK3 outranks Arturia MiniLab MkII. This is not to say that Arturia MiniLab MkII is a bad option. Like Akai MPK Mini MK3, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Akai MPK Mini MK3 outranks Arturia MiniLab MkII by 2 positions. This indicates that, as of 15 Jan 2025, Akai MPK Mini MK3 is more critically acclaimed than Arturia MiniLab MkII.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com | guitarandmusicinstitute.com | Gearank | Keyboard Kraze | Sweetwater | Equipboard | Music Radar | Music Critic | Prime Sound | The Guitar Junky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Check price |  Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | - | $99 | Akai MPK Mini MK3 The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| 3 | - | Check price |  Akai Pro MPK249 The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | - | $109 | Arturia MiniLab MkII The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
- | - | 4 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [4]
Total expert reviews: 4
- with a score: 2
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by higherhz.com | 94 |
| Average score based on 4 reviews | 92 |
| Lowest score by makebeats101.com | 90 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [10]
Total expert reviews: 10
- with a score: 2
- without a score: 8
| Highest score by makebeats101.com | 90 |
| Average score based on 10 reviews | 89 |
| Lowest score by Keyboard Kraze | 88 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential -USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- Read more
From Seller:
- THE BEST MUSIC-MAKING FLOW: MiniLab MkII is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. An ideal small controller for musicians on the move and studios where workspace is limited, it features versatile controls, perfect integration, and a superb bundle of included software!
- Read more