The current market is flooded with all kinds of MIDI controllers. This post gives just a brief overview of the different types and concepts. So you can decide if you need a device with or without keys and how many encoders or faders are necessary for your individual setup. All MIDI controllers should be listed with a price tag of less than 100$.
Akai APC Key 25
The APC Key 25 manufactured by Akai Professional is a mobile keyboard controller with a 5×8 clip launch matrix. These 40 pads can be used to start clips, play virtual instruments or control plug-ins. The bus-powered MIDI controller is especially well integrated in Ableton Live.
software included:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Hybrid3 by AIR Music Tech
- SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer
- Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packs
Product link: Akai APC Key 25
Novation Launchpad MK2
With a 8×8 multicoloured pad matrix the Launchpad MK2 gives you full control over Ableton Live – perfect for starting clips, arming tracks or playing drum racks.
software included:
- Ableton Live Lite
- 4 GB Loopmasters Samples
- Novation Bass Station
- V Station Synth
Product link: Novation Launchpad MK2
Korg nanoKONTROL 2
nanoKONTROL 2 is suited for simple mixing tasks within your DAW. The ultra-slim device offers 8 Faders, each accompanied by an encoder and three buttons for “solo”, “mute” and “record”.
software included:
- Korg KONTROL editor
- Korg Software bundle
Product link: Korg nanoKONTROL 2
Arturia MiniLab MK II
The MiniLab MK II comes with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 2 banks of 8 velocity- and pressure sensitive pads. Besides 16 rotary encoders it has 2 touch sensors for pitch bend and modulation wheel as well as a sustain pedal jack.
software included:
- Analog Lab Lite
- Ableton Live Lite
- UVI Grand Piano
Product link: Arturia MiniLab MK II
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
The Keystation Mini 32 is built very compact and focuses its feature set on 32 velocity sensitive keys. There are no real drum pads but a few buttons and one encoder that can be mapped in your DAW via “MIDI learn”.
software included:
- Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition
- AIR Music Tech Xpand!2
Product link: M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK II
Overview:
| MIDI controller | Encoder | Fader | Pads | Keys |
| Akai APC Key 25 | 8 | – | 40 | 25 |
| Korg nanoKONTROL 2 | 8 | 8 | – | – |
| Arturia MiniLab MK II | 16 | – | 8 | 25 |
| Novation Launchpad MK2 | – | – | 64 | – |
| M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 | 1 | – | – | 32 |