Comparison Akai MPK Mini mkIII vs Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Add to comparison | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Akai MPK Mini mkIII | Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 | |
from $99.99 | from $109.99 | |
| User reviews | ||
| TOP sellers | ||
Three colour options. Dynamic keys and pads. 2 pad memory banks. OLED display. Sustain pedal input. Complete Music Production Starter Kit software. | 16 RGB pads. Dynamic keys and pads. Compatible with Ableton Live and Reason. Fixed chord mode. midi out. Sustain pedal input. | |
| Keys | 25 шт | 25 шт |
| Key size | small-sized | small-sized |
| Mechanics | active (dynamic) | active (dynamic) |
| Rigidity | unweighted | unweighted |
Control | ||
| Pitch controller | ||
| Modulation controller | ||
| Transposition | ||
| Octave shift | ||
| Arpeggiator | ||
| Transport control | ||
| Pads | 8 | 16 |
| Regulators (encoders) | 8 | 8 |
Connections | ||
| MIDI out | ||
| USB to host (type B) | ||
| Connectable pedals | 1 шт | 1 шт |
General | ||
| Programming function | ||
| Display | monochrome | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 318x44x181 mm | 330x31x172 mm |
| Weight | 0.75 kg | 0.7 kg |
| Color | ||
| Added to E-Catalog | october 2020 | february 2020 |
Compare Akai MPK Mini mkIII and Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
You may be interested in
My comparisons
Akai MPK Mini mkIII often compared
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 often compared
Glossary
Transposition
The presence of the transposition function in the keyboard — switching the sound to a different key. When transposing, the pitch of all keys is simultaneously raised or lowered by a certain number of semitones. This function is useful in all cases when a melody learned in one key needs to be played in a different key — for example, if the original melody is too high or too low for the vocalist, if the external accompaniment differs in key, if you need to switch between keys during the song, and etc. In such situations, by transposing the sound, you can play a melody in a new key using the same familiar keys without relearning it.
Pads
The number of pads provided in the design of the keyboard.
Pads are auxiliary controls in the form of characteristic pads, usually square. The pads respond to touch, each of them can be tied to a specific sound or even a sequence of sounds. One of the most popular ways to use pads is to play drums or other rhythmic instruments.
Pads are auxiliary controls in the form of characteristic pads, usually square. The pads respond to touch, each of them can be tied to a specific sound or even a sequence of sounds. One of the most popular ways to use pads is to play drums or other rhythmic instruments.
MIDI out
A specialized output for transmitting MIDI signals to an external device — a sequencer, a computer sound card (if there is a MIDI In input), etc.
MIDI signals are a kind of "digital notation": they tell which key was pressed, with what force and for how long, and also carry information about various additional parameters: timbre, tempo, key, etc. To convert such signals a "ready" sound requires an external sequencer (software or hardware).
Note that despite its specialized purpose, the MIDI Out output is not mandatory for modern MIDI keyboards: MIDI signals can also be transmitted via other interfaces, such as USB or Bluetooth (see the relevant paragraphs). So it makes sense to specifically look for a keyboard with such a connector if you plan to connect it to equipment with a MIDI In input.
MIDI signals are a kind of "digital notation": they tell which key was pressed, with what force and for how long, and also carry information about various additional parameters: timbre, tempo, key, etc. To convert such signals a "ready" sound requires an external sequencer (software or hardware).
Note that despite its specialized purpose, the MIDI Out output is not mandatory for modern MIDI keyboards: MIDI signals can also be transmitted via other interfaces, such as USB or Bluetooth (see the relevant paragraphs). So it makes sense to specifically look for a keyboard with such a connector if you plan to connect it to equipment with a MIDI In input.
Display
The type of display that the keyboard is equipped with.
Most modern MIDI keyboards have relatively simple monochrome (single colour) displays. Such screens are inexpensive, and their capabilities are sufficient for most cases. However, there are also models with colour screens — usually, such equipment is a sign of an advanced keyboard with an abundance of additional functions; for simpler devices, a colour display is overkill.
Most modern MIDI keyboards have relatively simple monochrome (single colour) displays. Such screens are inexpensive, and their capabilities are sufficient for most cases. However, there are also models with colour screens — usually, such equipment is a sign of an advanced keyboard with an abundance of additional functions; for simpler devices, a colour display is overkill.













