Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Oxygen Pro Mini
MIDI controllers are handy and affordable for musicians to get creative and improve their workflow. Many good controllers are affordable, such as the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Oxygen Pro Mini. These models have all essential features like pads, assignable knobs, and more. Today we will see what these compact MIDI controllers can offer, the differences, and which you should get.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- How is the Design of Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- How is the Keyboard in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- How is the Pad in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- How are the Knob and Fader in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- How are the Pitch and Modulation in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini?
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Oxygen Pro Mini
- Which Affordable MIDI Controller to Buy?
| Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 | Oxygen Pro Mini | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 1.61 x 6.77 x 12.99 inches | 7.44 x 2.52 x 15.72 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 16 ounces | 2.65 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini
Do you need a MIDI controller? This hardware improves your productivity combined with powerful composing software and creativity. Your composing software is a powerful tool with extensive functions, but navigating them with a computer keyboard and mouse is not the best and doesn’t feel natural in music production. A MIDI controller is an excellent addition to the setup. Moreover, it is not expensive, as many options are around $100 or below. The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini are some of the best budget controllers you can buy today.
The Launchkey Mini MK3 is a famous controller, especially for Ableton Live users, because the gear is built around the software’s functionality. We have compared it against another popular budget controller in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Akai MPK Mini MK3 to help you choose the best choice. Another similar offering from the owner of Akai is Oxygen Pro Mini. This controller is slightly more expensive than Launchkey Mini but offers more built-in functionality and is similar to the MPK Mini but better.
You will see similar features, such as a small display on the Oxygen Pro Mini, handy for showing various information. This controller also has improved functionality by putting more physical buttons on the unit, making it more convenient when integrated with your DAW; there are Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, etc. As for the other physical controls, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini are similar, with knobs instead of encoders and a separate pitch and modulation control. However, the Oxygen Pro Mini still has more to offer.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini Design
The size is the most notable difference between Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini. The latter is a 35-key controller versus the 25-key, which is narrower if you have a small space or prefer something more compact. The Oxygen Pro Mini also has a small display at the top to show various information, including the DAWs. The build quality is equally good, but they are primarily plastic. You can hook these controllers to an external device like a synth via the MIDI-out port.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini Keyboard
We will first see the keyboard in Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini. As mentioned earlier, the main difference is in the number of keys because Oxygen Pro Mini has additional seven keys than the Launchkey Mini. The keybed and feel are surprisingly similar, and they are light. These keys are not as resistant as those in Akai MPK Mini, but some prefer lighter keys because they are easier to trigger and faster. These are mini keys; some people may need time to feel familiar.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini Pads
The next part we want to see is the pads, where things get more interesting. As you can see, the Launchkey Mini has sixteen pads, and since it has more, the size is also smaller than what you get from Oxygen Pro Mini, which only has eight. Worry not, as we have two banks, doubling the number to sixteen; we just can’t have them simultaneously. The pad feeling is subjective, and we prefer those in Oxygen Pro due to the size, making it easier to finger drum.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini Knobs and Faders
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini also have different numbers of knobs, and Novation gives you more in such a compact device. The Launchkey Mini has eight knobs versus only four on the Oxygen Mini. Our only complaint is that these are regular knobs, meaning they have starting and ends, so when you change the functions, the value is not normalized and requires re-adjustment. Using Ableton Live, you can also trigger clips and scenes from these knobs.
If you already liked Oxygen Pro Mini, worry not because instead of adding four knobs, this controller replaces them with four faders unavailable on the Launchkey. Depending on your preference, these faders are the more convenient and natural way to control the mixer volume. Musicians can control multiple tracks with one hand, each finger on the faders. However, these faders don’t work well with Logic. Read also: Arturia Minilab MKII Vs Komplete Kontrol M32.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini Pitch and Modulation
Another difference in the physical controls is the pitch and modulation functions. As you can see, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini have different approaches to controlling the pitch and modulation, and they are equally easy to use compared to the joystick we have in Akai MPK Mini. The Launchkey uses strips, while the Oxygen Pro has wheels. Both are okay and easy to use, depending on which you prefer. The wheels give more feedback; most people would be familiar with the mechanism.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Vs Oxygen Pro Mini
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and Oxygen Pro Mini are some of the best budget controllers you can buy. The main difference will be the number of keys because the Oxygen Pro has seven more keys than the Launchkey Mini. The Launchkey Mini has sixteen pads, smaller than the eight pads on the Oxygen Pro Mini. The physical controls are richer on the Oxygen Pro because it has faders which are more convenient for controlling tracks instead of the knobs.
Both controllers have separate strips/wheels to adjust the pitch and modulation, making them easy to use. These controllers are compatible with various composing software but are best for Ableton Live. You can easily change the software in Oxygen Pro through the small LED screen at the top. You can also hook them to an external device through the MIDI-out port.
Conclusion
The choice is yours because these controllers are equally impressive. Depending on your preference, we recommend both because the Launchkey Mini is excellent for those who want a compact controller. At the same time, the Oxygen Pro is perfect for you who need more keys and want to use the more convenient faders. The number of pads and size may also affect your choice as it is highly subjective.
