Info that should allow you to make a fair comparison + reach a firm conclusion about whether the Minilab 3 is the right midi controller for you; as much as we’d love for you to ‘take our word for it’, no 2 producers have the same setup, nor work in the same way. So be equipped with the right information when making comparisons, just makes things a whole lot easier.

When it comes to drum pads, the Novation runs rings around the Arturia. It has 16 – double the amount you find on the Minilab 3. They’re also arranged in 2 rows (one above the other), which for us at least makes finger drumming that bit easier. Seamless integration with all Arturia software instruments, including Analog Lab: select sounds, browse presets, switch parts, smart-assigned controls. Anyone fancy a versatile controller keyboard with the tip of the Arturia software iceberg included free? On the topic of integration, the Minilab 3 gives you 4 assignable faders, which also play a huge part when integrating with Ableton Live, allowing you to change the volume, sends and pan of each clip via your controller. A feature/ level of integration you don’t get with the Launchkey Mini MK3.

There is good news too. First, the controls are rotary encoders so there’s no parameter jumping when you take control. Second, preset browsing from the hardware has been improved since I last used a Lab controller. The MkIII has a dedicated push encoder with indented action. With Shift this lets you step through sound categories; otherwise it scrolls through lists, with a push registering a selection. Multis In typical Arturia fashion, the Minilab 3 includes 2 touch strips for pitch and modulation. However, with the Minilab 3, any adjustments made via these strips can be monitored via the screen, opposed to the bar of lights you find with other controllers. Again, in reference to the pads, we’d (personally) prefer them to be positioned in 2 rows opposed to 1 long line. But that’s really all down to personal preference. Both the Minilab 3 & the MPK Mini have 25 semi-weighted keys, which are velocity sensitive. However, when it comes to key feel, we’d say those on the Arturia have the edge. Aside from being that bit larger, they have a slightly better travel depth too. All of which makes them that bit more expressive to play. Regardless of which you choose, both these controllers integrate super well with Ableton Live. And while the Launchkey was designed specifically around Ableton, we’d actually say the integration you get with the Minilab 3 is that bit more in-depth. Then again though, in terms of transport controls, it’s hard to be disappointed with either keyboard.

The Minlab 3 also gives you the luxury of a screen to display a variety of useful info from your DAW – yet another workflow perk you don’t get with the MK2. Turn the keyboards over and the underside of the MK2 is made of metal. Whereas the Minilab 3 is just plastic. Everything about the transport controls is seamless. Navigation is fast, responsive and intuitive, be you navigating a DAW or the menus of a virtual instrument suite. With Analog Lab in particular, this controller just feels SO well integrated. A proper pleasure to use!! Although I’m an avid V‑Collection user, it’s been about three years since I dipped into Analog Lab, as day‑to‑day I use Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol, which Arturia also support as a platform for their instruments. (Incidentally if you’re weighing up both options, they have different approaches: Analog Lab gives you access to sounds from all premium synth engines, but only full panel control of synths you own. With an equivalent‑level Komplete Kontrol option, you get full access to the synths but there are fewer of them).

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Choose the Minilab 3 or the Launchkey Mini, & you’ll bag yourself 8 assignable knobs. However… while those on the Arturia are endless encoders, those you find on the Novation do have specific start/ end points. Something that if you’re a plugin-junkie, could be restrictive

You don’t get a Midi Out port with the MPK Mini MK3. While you get a full 5-pin Midi Out with the Minilab 3. Something that allows you to hook up the Minilab 3 to hardware synths!! Hate to sound snobby, but… the overall design of the Minilab 3 feels that bit more professional. While the Minilab 3 has a more ‘techy’ appearance, the Akai MPK Mini (especially in a garish colour wave) could easily be confused with a children’s toy Enjoy a workflow that aids the creative process, with features like a built-in arpeggiator, Chord mode, custom DAW presets, and easy transposition. Making music has never been so accessible. Portable, compatible design

The popular mini keyboard controller is back with a refreshed new look. We run it through its paces

Encoder count aside, the 3 has levelled up as a controller, gaining stand‑alone capabilities. A DIN MIDI out port has been added to the rear panel alongside the USB‑C connection, and there’s now an onboard arpeggiator. In the last couple of years a MIDI out has become a significant differentiator in the small controller market: it’s great to have the option to work host‑free and plug straight into a hardware module. Whichever keyboard of the two you buy, you’ll get a good set of transport controls that integrate well with most DAWs. However yet again, those on the Arturia do give you a lot more in-depth control – use the Minilab 3 to control Ananlog Lab & you’ll soon see what we mean. The Minilab 3 is one of the first 25 key midi controllers to boast USB-C connectivity. The Launchkey Mini still uses USB-A Nor do you get a master control knob with the MK2; a key feature of the DAW integration you get with the Minilab 3. Despite being launched a whole year after the MPK Mini MK3, the Minilab 3 does NOT come with a ‘note repeat’ function. Yep – you’re just as confused as we are.