Experts prefer Arturia MiniLab MkII over Korg nanoKEY Studio
On 15 Jan 2025 (2 months ago) we went through 88 MIDI Controller expert endorsements .
Currently, Arturia MiniLab MkII received 2 endorsements from Gearank (3 Jul 2024) and Prime Sound (1 Nov 2024). Meanwhile, Korg nanoKEY Studio 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  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| N/A | N/A | $124 |  Korg nanoKEY Studio | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- 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 - On 1 Nov 2024 Prime Sound ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 8 Arturia MiniLab MkII Best Slim Keys Controller... ... ... Source: primesound.org
As can be seen below, Arturia MiniLab MkII is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Korg nanoKEY Studio 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 | - | - | - |
| 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 [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
No expert reviews linked yet for Korg nanoKEY Studio.
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
From Seller:
- USB/Bluetooth LE MIDI Instrument Controller with 25 Low-profile Keys
- 8 Velocity-sensitive Pads
- X-Y Touch Pad
- 8 Knobs
- Read more