Experts recommend Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 more than Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 over Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, 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, Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 received only 1 recommendation from Music Radar (4 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 |
| 34 | N/A | $120 |  Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - |
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
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #7 out of 10 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - On 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1
Rank MIDI Controller Comment #1 out of 8 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Editor's Choice... ... ... Source: primesound.org - 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 4 Nov 2024 Music Radar ranked Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 10 Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 The best Ableton-friendly supermini controller... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 outranks Novation Launchkey Mini MK3. This is not to say that Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 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 is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is not.
| 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 | - | - |
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| 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]
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 |
Expert reviews [10]
Total expert reviews: 10
- with a score: 0
- without a score: 10
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:
- Get hands on with Ableton Live - Have a seamless music making experience with all the tools you need. Deep Ableton Live control including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip/scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends.
- Read more