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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.
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-
-
-
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.
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-
1
-
-
-
-
-
4
-

Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

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
    ... ... ...
  • On 28 Jul 2024 Equipboard ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 as #2
    Rank MIDI Controller
    ... ...
    #2 out of 7 Akai MPK Mini MK3
    ... ...
  • 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
    ... ... ...
  • 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
    ... ... ...
  • 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
    ... ... ...

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.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
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.
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-
-
-
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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 There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [4]

92
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]

89
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

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