Experts recommend Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 more than Arturia MiniLab MkII
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 over Arturia MiniLab MkII, but both MIDI Controllers have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 received 3 recommendations: from Music Critic (16 Feb 2024), Prime Sound (1 Nov 2024) and The Guitar Junky (17 Mar 2019). 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  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1 and Arturia MiniLab MkII as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 8 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Editor's Choice... ... ... #4 out of 8 Arturia MiniLab MkII Best Slim Keys Controller... ... ... Source: primesound.org - On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #7
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #7 out of 10 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - On 17 Mar 2019 The Guitar Junky ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 5 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Editor's Choice... ... ... Source: www.theguitarjunky.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
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 outranks Arturia MiniLab MkII. This is not to say that Arturia MiniLab MkII is a bad option. Like Akai MPK Mini MKII 25, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 outranks Arturia MiniLab MkII by 3 positions. This indicates that, as of 15 Jan 2025, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 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 [8]
Total expert reviews: 8
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 5
| Highest score by Keyboard Kraze | 90 |
| Average score based on 8 reviews | 79 |
| Lowest score by Digital Piano Review | 60 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
90
Akai MPK Mini MKII Review – Owner’s Honest Thoughts
The Akai MPK Mini MKII is a highly popular and affordable MIDI keyboard that offers great portability and functionality. While it may feel a bit cheap and lacks aftertouch, it is a reliable and cost-effective option for beginners and producers in need of a compact keyboard.
+ pros
- Portability and functionality: The Akai MPK Mini MKII is highly portable and offers a range of features that make it functional for beginners and producers.
- Affordable: The keyboard is known for its affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Compact design: The lightweight and compact design of the keyboard makes it easy to transport.
- Works flawlessly with major DAWs: The MPK Mini MKII performs well and is compatible with popular digital audio workstations.
- Bundled software: The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Air Music Tech Hybrid 3 software adds value to the keyboard.
- cons
- Feels a bit cheap and may not be as durable: The keyboard's build quality may not be as sturdy as more expensive options.
- Lacks aftertouch on keys and pads: The absence of aftertouch may be a drawback for advanced producers who rely on this feature for expressive playing.
Show all 8 reviews
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 |
88
Arturia Minilab MKII Review – Durable & Portable
The Arturia Minilab MKII is a solid and affordable mini MIDI controller that is great for studio producers and gigging musicians. It has durable construction, slim keys with good action, and comes with bundled software including Analog Lab Light, Ableton Live Light, and Grand Piano Model D.
+ pros
- Durable: The Arturia Minilab MKII is built to last and can withstand the rigors of travel.
- Sturdy Keys: The slim keys on the Minilab MKII have a nice action and don't feel cheap.
- Affordable: This mini controller is priced competitively and offers great value for the features it provides.
- Works Well With All DAWs: The Minilab MKII is compatible with all digital audio workstations, including free software options.
- cons
- Could Be Lighter: The Minilab MKII is slightly heavier than some other mini controllers, which may be a drawback for those seeking maximum portability.
- Doesn't Include As Much Software As Others: The Minilab MKII only comes with the light version of Analog Lab 2, which has 500 patches compared to the full version's 5,000.
Show all 10 reviews
From Seller:
- Compact keyboard controller easily fits backpack and studio production desk (12.4" long, 1.6 lbs)
- Powered by USB connection to computer, with free virtual-instrument download packages
- Crammed full of all the features you need to play and edit musical ideas
- 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