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Features
Connectivity
Size and Portability
Build Quality
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Experts recommend Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 more than Arturia MiniLab MkII

As of 14 Nov 2024, 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 (7 Sep 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 (7 Sep 2024).

Rank Change Price MIDI Controller
guitarandmusicinstitute.com
Gearank
Keyboard Kraze
Sweetwater
Equipboard
Music Radar
Music Critic
Prime Sound
The Guitar Junky
E-Home Recording Studio
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.
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-
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7
1
1
-
5
- $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
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4
-
-

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

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 7 Sep 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
    ... ... ...
  • 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
    ... ...
  • 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
    ... ... ...
  • 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
    ... ... ...

After counting and adding up the 87 expert endorsements of the November 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.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 outranks Arturia MiniLab MkII by 4 positions. This indicates that, as of 14 Nov 2024, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 is more critically acclaimed than Arturia MiniLab MkII.
Rank Change Price MIDI Controller
guitarandmusicinstitute.com
Gearank
Keyboard Kraze
Sweetwater
Equipboard
Music Radar
Music Critic
Prime Sound
The Guitar Junky
E-Home Recording Studio
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.
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7
1
1
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2
- $79
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
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4
3
- $360
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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1
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3
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4
- $119
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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3
5
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4
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Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [8]

79
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.
88
Akai MPK Mini MKII review
The Akai MPK Mini MKII is a compact MIDI keyboard that offers exceptional value for its price. It has a great build quality, responsive keys, and integrates well with various software, making it a versatile and reliable option for musicians and producers.
+ pros
  • Quality, purpose-built construction: The build quality of the Akai MPK Mini MKII is excellent and feels sturdy.
  • Great quality mini keys: Despite being smaller than standard keys, the mini keys are still playable and responsive.
  • Cool thumbstick control: The addition of a thumbstick allows for dynamic modulation and pitch control, adding versatility to the controller.
- cons
  • Plastic, and a bit fragile: The controller is made of plastic and may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
  • Mini keys might be too mini for some: The smaller size of the keys may not be suitable for those who are used to playing on a full-size keyboard.
Show all 8 reviews

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
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.
Arturia MiniLab MkII review
The MiniLab Mk2 is a highly recommended MIDI keyboard controller with excellent sound quality and a sleek design. It is perfect for both amateur and professional musicians who want a budget-friendly option for their home studio or on-the-go music-making.
+ pros
  • Outstanding sounds from Analog Lab.
  • Great pads.
  • 16 assignable encoders.
  • Good build quality.
- cons
  • Touch strips instead of wheels/joystick.
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

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