Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25
MIDI controller is handy to improve your creativity and convenience when using music software. Many good controllers, like the Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25, are some of the best options in the budget range for what they can offer, including the software and bundling or inclusion. These keyboard controllers are similar, with some differences, so let’s see what they can offer and which you may like better.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25?
- How is the Design of Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25?
- How is the Keyboard in Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25?
- How is the Pad in Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25?
- How is the Encoder in Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25?
- Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25
- Which Affordable MIDI Controller to Buy?
| Arturia Minilab MKII | Alesis V25 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 14 x 8 x 2 inches | 9.6 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 3.2 pounds | 3.85 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25
Do you need a MIDI controller? These compact keyboards are handy for musicians or music producers because they provide more octaves, range, and velocity control, similar to a real keyboard. The difference is that the controller dont have an onboard sound and speaker, so it is only used to command or control the music software. Not limited to keyboard keys, your controller also has knobs or encoders, pads, faders, buttons, etc., that can be assigned to various functions, depending on the compatibility of the software. Read also: Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Novation Launchkey Mini MK3.
Your controller price may vary, and the best options are always expensive. But, it doesn’t mean all controllers are costly because Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 are some of the best in the budget range. These keyboards are best for beginner producers who want to start their journey without investing too much in gear, and as the name suggests, they have the same number of keys or 25 keys. The main difference is in the layout and the type of key.
The Alesis 25 has 25 keys, but you can find the model in different variations; this one is the most compact if you have less space. The Minilab MKII is one of the most well-known beginner controllers for its versatility. It is not a perfect keyboard yet, but it has almost everything you need in a good controller; a balanced combination of being cheap, reliable, and all the functions intact. The Alesis V25 can be an excellent alternative if you need bigger keys, especially for keyboardists.
Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 Design
As expected from controllers in the budget range, the Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 are lightweight and primarily plastic. The base of Minilab MKII is metal, but the housing is plastic, yet both feel solid and should be durable enough for most applications. The first difference is in size because the Minilab MKII is 17 x 11 x 4 inches versus the V25 at 16 x 9.6 x 3.6 of V25. The second difference is layout because while the Minilab MKII has more encoders, the V25’s keys take more space.
Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 Keyboard
The main difference between Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 is the keyboard. As you can see, the Alesis V25 has bigger keys, even compared to typical MIDI controllers, including the Minilab MKII. Many people complain about the keys on the controller since they are inferior to piano or keyboard keys, so Alesis make the V25 similar to full-size keyboards with better keys. This is also the selling point of V25 because some people dislike small keys; you can adjust the velocity by downloading and installing another software.
On the other hand, the Arturia Minilab MKII has the more common small keys and is touch-sensitive like the V25. Similarly, these keys dont have aftertouch, which is okay for most people. The overall playing experience is good, and we don’t have any particular complaints. These keyboards are easy to play, very light, and robust. However, if we have to choose one, the Alesis V25 is more similar to a regular keyboard in the feeling.
Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 Pads
Besides the keyboard, the Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 also have sensitive pads, but the size and placement are slightly different. We prefer a stack placement for finger drumming, as reaching all pads without repositioning the hand is more convenient. The V25 is fun to play and is RGB-backlit to provide more information, but careful when you use them for writing music because sometimes they can double trigger. The Minilab MKII also has eight pads, but it has two banks, meaning it doubles to sixteen pads.
The pads on these controllers are fun and especially useful for those who love finger drumming, such as when making Hip Hop music. However, we suggest looking further if you want a controller that focuses on the pad. While these two are velocity-sensitive, there is no way to adjust the velocity, which some people may want.
Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 Encoders
Next, we want to talk about the knobs or encoders, which are also different. As you can see, the Minilab MKII has 16 knobs already mapped to standard functions for your DAW, out of the box but still tweakable. The best thing about these knobs is not only the extensive numbers but also because they are encoders, meaning the knobs won’t stop; they will keep spinning. On the other hand, the V25 has four assignable knobs, which is not comparable to what you get from Minilab. Read also: Yamaha P121 Vs Yamaha P115.
In addition, these controllers also have pitch and modulation controls, but they are different. This feature can be subjective, but we prefer the strips because it is easier to use and control. But some people may like the more traditional wheels as it is more familiar.
Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25
Arturia Minilab MKII and Alesis V25 are some of the best affordable MIDI controllers. These models are ideal for beginners who want to spend less on their first setup. The main difference is that V25 has full-size and more robust keys, perfect for those used to playing the keyboard or piano. The pads are similar, while the Minilab MKII has 16 encoders that are programmable versus the four knobs on the V25. The build quality is similar, and they are equally compact.
Controller
The decision is yours because we may have different preferences. We recommend the Arturia Minilab MKII because this is the more versatile choice and is currently cheaper than Alesis V25 if your budget is limited. However, we also recommend the V25 if you want the full-size keys and dont need the extensive encoders. The sensitive pads on this controller are aligned better as they are stacked, making them more comfortable for finger drumming.
