Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Akai MPK Mini MK3
Affordable MIDI controllers like Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Akai MPK Mini MK3 are getting better, making them perfect for beginners and new users who want to try music production in the comfort of their room. These controllers are the same price and offer the same features but differ, so let’s see which you may like better here.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- How is the Design of Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- How is the Keyboard in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- How is the Pad in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- How is the Knob in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- How is the Software Compatibility for Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3?
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Akai MPK Mini MK3
- Which Affordable MIDI Controller to Buy?
| Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 | Akai MPK Mini MK3 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 1.61 x 6.77 x 12.99 inches | 8.4 x 14.4 x 3 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 16 ounces | 1.98 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3
The best MIDI keyboards or controllers fit your budget and application. The industry-leading choices are never cheap but offer some of the greatest features you may want. Still, it doesn’t mean that the affordable controllers are bad. These affordable controllers may not be the most feature-rich available, but many have all essential functionalities and physical controls and are suitable with common software. The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 are popular choices for budget shoppers and beginners who want compact and reliable gear.
Many new users wonder which they should get between the two, which is understandable since they are very similar in price and features. However, you may like one better since Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 come from different manufacturers, and there are some notable differences between these options. The AKAI controller is often the more popular choice for its impressive build quality, especially the keyboard. However, the Novation is a clear choice if you use Ableton Live because it is more intuitive.
The other differences are in the physical controls because they differ, such as on the modulation and pitch bend, the pads, and the knobs/encoders. Generally, the Launckey Mini MK3 is a better-designed controller from these features because they are easier to use and streamlined. We prefer the pitch and modulation controls in the Launchkey Mini because they are more accurate than the joystick, which is more challenging to use as you may mess with the direction.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 Design
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 are similar, and the dimension is similarly compact. The build is made of plastic, which is typical for a budget controller, but they are not flimsy or poorly built. The Novation is more convenient to connect to external devices because it has an 8-inch MIDI-out. You can power it with something else through the USB and send the MIDI signal through a different port, making it a suitable keyboard for live applications.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 Keyboard
One of the notable differences between Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 is the keybed or keyboard. These controllers have mini keyboards, which is okay for most people, but may feel awkward for those who are used to full-size keyboards. If you prefer a full-size keyboard, we recommend checking the Alesis V series, in Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25. The MPK Mini is better in this category as it travels smoother and feels more solid, despite the small keys.
It doesn’t mean the Launchkey Mini has a bad keyboard because it is not. However, mini keys tend to feel plasticky and flimsy, especially those in the budget range, so if you pay the most attention to the keyboard, this MPK Mini MK3 can be the better choice.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 Pads
The next part to consider is the pads because we love finger drumming, and many people may use this function the most often after the keyboard. The pads also differ because Launchkey has sixteen while the MPK Mini only has eight. It doesn’t mean you only have eight pads to trigger since a Bank button gives you another set of eight pads, making it sixteen; we can’t have all simultaneously. But since we have sixteen on the Launchkey Mini, the pads are smaller.
Tapping on bigger pads is usually more comfortable, depending on your hand size. One thing to note is that the MPK Mini pads require slightly more pressure to trigger than those in the Launchkey Mini. In addition, the pads in MPK Mini are only backlit and active when you press the pad, while the pads in Launchey Mini are bright and RGB, providing more information depending on the active settings.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 Knobs
We also want to discuss the knobs in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3, among the most notable differences. As you can see, the Launchkey has eight small knobs at the top, while the MPK Mini has eight larger knobs on the right side; the main difference is that the MPK Mini has encoders, meaning they are endless knobs. In addition, this controller has a small display at the top to show the value of these knobs. The Launchkey Mini has fixed numbers and no display.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 Software
Lastly, we want to see the compatibility with the software. Both Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 are compatible with common DAWs, but the Launchkey Mini is designed for Ableton Live users and comes with the Lite version. This controller has the software functions built-in in the controller, making it a no-brainer choice if your DAW is Ableton Live. On the other hand, the MPK Mini is more agnostic to the DAW, which is not an issue if you use other software. Read also: Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Alesis V25.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 are some of the most popular MIDI controllers in the budget range. The main differences between these controllers are the pads, knobs, and integration with the software. The keyboard is slightly more robust on the MPK Mini MK, but the pads are better on the Launchkey as it is more sensitive and RGB instead of just backlit. The knobs are better on the MPK Mini as they are convenient encoders, while the integration with Ableton Live is better on Launchkey as the controller is designed for this software.
Conclusion
There is no wrong choice between these affordable controllers as they are equally capable. But we recommend the Launchkey if you use Ableton Live because it makes the workflow smoother. On the other hand, we prefer the MPK Mini MK3 if you love drumming on larger pads and prefer having more convenient encoders than regular knobs.
