Experts recommend Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 more than Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 over Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note, 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). Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note was also endorsed 3 times: by Music Critic (16 Feb 2024), Prime Sound (1 Nov 2024) and The Guitar Junky (17 Mar 2019). However, experts generally ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note lower than Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 in their articles, which caused it to rank lower in ReviewFinder ranking.
| 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 |
| 7 | - | Check price |  Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | 2 | 5 |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #7 and Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #8
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #7 out of 10 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 #8 out of 10 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - On 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1 and Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #2
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 8 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Editor's Choice#2 out of 8 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note Budget Pick... ... ... Source: primesound.org - On 17 Mar 2019 The Guitar Junky ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1 and Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #5
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 5 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Editor's Choice... ... ... #5 out of 5 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note Source: www.theguitarjunky.com
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 outranks Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note. This is not to say that Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note is a bad option. Like Akai MPK Mini MKII 25, it is recommended by experts, but less.
| 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 | - |
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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 |
- 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
- Launchkey Mini - the mini keyboard for Ableton Live
- 16 multi-colour backlit velocity sensitive drum pads
- 8 knobs, dedicated navigation and control buttons
- Software for Mac and PC, Including: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Novation Bass Station and V Station virtual instruments and over 4GB of Loopmasters samples
- Read more