A subtle difference is that the Launchkey has a MIDI out port, unlike the MPK. You can use this port to link to a hardware synth. Similarities Between the MPK Mini and Launchkey Mini Whichever of these midi keyboards you opt for, you’ll get 25 mini-sized velocity-sensitive keys (2 octaves), although the Arturia’s are ever so slightly wider. It’s excellent for traveling producers and performers who want a lightweight, portable controller with advanced features. With 16 RGB pads, 8 rotary encoders, mapping templates for Logic Pro and Reason, and even full HUI support for Pro Tools, this awesome MIDI controller is geared to take you where you want to go. Record beats/percussion lines, or trigger chords from single keys thanks to the Launchkey Mini's brand new Arpeggiator and Fixed Chord functions. In addition to this, the new Capture MIDI function allows you to never lose a single note, even if you forget to hit record. Transport Controls

Circuit Mono Station: Hold the 'Scales', 'Notes' and 'Velocity' buttons and power on Circuit Mono Station. Although the build quality isn’t the best, and there are some things we would change, we still recommend it because of all the features you get in a relatively affordable MIDI keyboard. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 Novation not only gave the Mini MK3 a built-in arpeggiator, but they also included a really useful fixed chord feature, which takes all the notes of a chord and compresses them into one single key. A beginner’s dream!

The compact and affordable MIDI controller keyboard gets a makeover

Its arpeggiator lets you switch between different time intervals and modes: 1/4, 1/8T, Up, Down, etc. When it comes to key-feel, the Arturia has a slight edge. Ask us and that’s partially to do with its keybed being the same as that used in Arturia’s more expensive Keylab series. But that’s not to say that the Novation’s keys are bad by any means – they’re a huge improvement on the Launchkey Mini MK2!

The Akai comes in various colour waves, which is great if you’re after a custom look. However, you can’t get over the fact that they make it look a bit ‘kindergarten’. Everything about this midi keyboard just seems so well thought out. From the DAW mapping and its functionality with Ableton Live, to those 16 RGB pads and the inclusion of that midi out port. Combine this with the fact that the Launchkey Mini MK3 is by far one of the most portable midi keyboards on the market, as well as one of the most well equipped thanks to that insane software bundle, and it’s really a no brainer.MIDI Out enables connection to synths, drum machines and other MIDI hardware for performance, parameter control and program changes That midi out port is proper useful for daisy-chaining your equipment together and getting it all working as one unit. A very clever way to improve workflow! In Session mode, you can launch clips and scenes in Ableton Live. Drum mode lets you use the pad to tap out drum patterns and Custom mode gives you more control over how your MIDI keyboard behaves.