Experts recommend NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII more than Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII over Native Instruments Maschine Mk3, but both MIDI Controllers have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII received 2 recommendations: from Gearank (3 Jul 2024) and Music Radar (4 Nov 2024). By contrast, Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 received only 1 recommendation from Keyboard Kraze (5 Jan 2025).
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | - | Check price |  NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII The NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a realistic piano playing experience and precise control over parameters, making it a top choice for professional musicians and producers. | - | - | 8 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - |
| 31 | N/A | $599 |  Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a versatile and durable MIDI controller and audio interface designed for beat production and sequencing, with features such as large velocity-sensitive pads, dedicated keyboard and chord buttons, and multiple connectivity options. | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 5 Jan 2025 Keyboard Kraze ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 13 Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Best Drum Pad Controller... ... ... Source: keyboardkraze.com - On 3 Jul 2024 Gearank ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII as #8
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #8 out of 9 NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Over $1000... ... ... Source: www.gearank.com - On 4 Nov 2024 Music Radar ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII as #7
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #7 out of 10 NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII The best smart MIDI controller for your plugins and DAW... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII outranks Native Instruments Maschine Mk3. This is not to say that Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a bad option. Like NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Native Instruments Maschine 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 | - | - | - |
| 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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From Seller:
- Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
- Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library featuring 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX
- Pro-grade, 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs, 1/4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch
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From Seller:
- Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments and effects
- Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch, fully weighted, hammer-action keys
- Pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and effects, plus hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) plug-ins from leading manufacturers
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