Experts prefer Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note over Akai MPD218
On 15 Jan 2025 (2 months ago) we went through 88 MIDI Controller expert endorsements .
Currently, Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note received 3 endorsements from Music Critic (16 Feb 2024), Prime Sound (1 Nov 2024) and The Guitar Junky (17 Mar 2019). Meanwhile, Akai MPD218 did not receive any endorsements this month.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | - | Check price |
 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| N/A | N/A | Check price |  Akai MPD218 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #8
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #8 out of 10 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - On 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #2
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 8 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note Budget Pick... ... ... Source: primesound.org - On 17 Mar 2019 The Guitar Junky ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note as #5
Rank MIDI Controller ... ... #5 out of 5 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note Source: www.theguitarjunky.com
As can be seen below, Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Akai MPD218 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 | - | $89 |  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 [3]
Total expert reviews: 3
- with a score: 0
- without a score: 3
Akai MPD218 MIDI Controller Review - Is it Worth It (2022 UPDATED)
Given the MPD 218's pricing and the build quality of the competition, the MPD 218 is substantially above average, if not "excellent."
+ pros
- cons
- Accidental pad triggering is still a problem.
- A flimsy and light chassis
- Some Windows 7 compatibility difficulties
- The knobs are a tad too narrow
Show all 3 reviews
No expert reviews linked yet for Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note.
From Seller:
- Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-Portable, Feature-Packed And Usb Powered Pad Controller With 16 Thick Fat Mpc Pads For Triggering Drums, Melodic Samples, Effects And More
- Expandable Banks - Easily Accessible Dedicated Controls For Three Pad Banks Provides A Total Of 48 Assignable Pads
- Read more
From Seller:
- 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