In 2021 more artists than ever are recording in their own home studios or while on the go. And when you’re mobile, it usually doesn’t make sense to lug along your massive full-sized 88-key digital keyboard. (Depending on what you drive, it might not even fit in your vehicle!)
For the musician who wants to lay down ideas on the go, a simpler back-up setup is a smart call. With just a mini MIDI keyboard, a laptop and some headphones, you can get some quality tracks laid down just about everywhere. The smallest 25-key mini MIDI keyboards can even fit in a backpack, making them a truly mobile solution.
Here are the top mini MIDI keyboards you should consider.
25-Key Mini Keyboard Models
If you’re looking for portability above all else, a 25-key mini MIDI controller is the smallest useable footprint you’re going to find. 25 keys are enough to span two octaves— and that’s it. Some of the mini MIDI controller models below have additional features, like programmable pads and assignable faders or knobs. Others are pretty straightforward keyboard input devices.
Note: the keyboards reviewed below are MIDI controllers and ultra-compact in size. They don’t have any onboard speakers and can’t produce sound on their own. If you’re looking for a portable digital keyboard with onboard audio, you’ll have to move up in size. We featured a few of these in our review of the best 61-key keyboards.
Now, with that out of the way: Check out our top six picks in the 25-key size.
Akai MPK Mini MK2
Easily one of the most coveted mini keyboards out there, the Akai MPK mini MK2 is a workhorse. Though there’s now a newer model out (see the next entry), the MK2 remains a popular keyboard in this category. In fact, it and its newer sibling pretty much tie for our top pick in the 25-key mini keyboard category.
The Akai MPK Mini MK2 crams a crazy amount of functionality into a tiny footprint. In addition to the 25 velocity-sensitive keys, the MPK Mini MK2 also includes eight backlit pads (also velocity-sensitive, and with two banks each) and eight Q-link knobs you can assign to various functions within your DAW. The four-way thumbstick offers much more control than a simple pitch or mod wheel, as well.
You also get an adjustable arpeggiator, octave up and down controls, and a sustain pedal input. The keys themselves double as specific function controls when used with the included MPC Beats software bundle.
Want all this functionality in an even cooler package? Check out the Akai Mini MK2 Black for a sleek, modern look.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
Akai MPK Mini Mk III
With only a quick look at the Akai MPK Mini MK3, you won’t notice much difference from the MK2 we reviewed above. Akai definitely took an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” here, choosing instead to make small iterative updates. Essentially, you get everything here that you’d get with the MK2, with a few small but notable upgrades.
First, the MK3 features an “enhanced dynamic keybed” that’s an upgrade on the previous model in terms of feel and velocity capture. Second, the Q-link knobs have been upgraded to 360-degree knobs for even greater control of a wider range of functions.
And finally, Akai has added a small OLED screen that can show you which sounds you’ve assigned where, without having to look up from your controller.
You’ll also get a slightly larger set of sample packs and plugins with this model.
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 costs only a small amount more than the MK2, and we’re hard-pressed to find a reason not to spring for the newer model.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Worlde Panda Mini (and Tuna Mini)
We’ll be honest: the Worlde Panda Mini 25-key MIDI controller isn’t exactly attractive. But it gets the job done at a pretty impressive budget-friendly price. The feature set is similar to the Akai MIK Mini, but with four control knobs and four control sliders instead of eight knobs.
The Panda Mini includes CC Mod, Mod, and Pitch Down / Pitch Up controls in addition to the standard Bank, Prog and octave toggles.
The device is chunky, and it’s from an obscure Chinese maker with little to no US footprint. Don’t expect stellar customer support on this one. Still, as a budget device, it’s worth considering.
Worlde and other resellers like ammoon sell multiple versions of this device, so be sure you pick up the “Upgrade Version” with RGB backlit pads. There’s also the just-released Tuna Mini (or Panda Mini Type 3). With eight assignable sliders and eight assignable knobs, plus touch-sensitive pitch and mod strips and a much more attractive design, the Tuna Mini is worth a closer look if you’re considering the Panda Mini.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Worlde Panda Mini (“Upgrade Version” w/ backlit pads)
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Worlde Tuna Mini
Novation Launchkey Mini Mk2 or Mk3
Novation makes some really solid mini MIDI keyboards and has for quite a while. The Launchkey Mini MK2 remains an extremely popular choice, and the company has recently followed it up with the Launchkey Mini MK3.
If Ableton Live is your DAW of choice, the Launchkey is likely going to be your device of choice. There’s deep integration built in here, making the decision simple for Ableton users.
The device itself is impressive, too. A whopping 16 backlit velocity-sensitive pads (multicolor on the MK2 and RGB on the MK3) plus eight rotary controls ride above the 25 mini keys. The MK3 adds pitch and mod controls via touch strip, plus an arpeggiator and fixed chord “one-finger” mode. There’s also MIDI out on the MK3 and sustain pedal input on both models.
One potential downside: if you’re looking for onboard faders, this isn’t the controller for you.
The Launchkey comes with an impressive collection of sounds and Ableton Live Lite. Several of the mini keyboards listed here don’t come with a starter DAW package, so if you’re needing one, this is a significant value-add.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 ***TOP RECOMMENDATION
Xkey AIR Bluetooth MIDI Controller
Sometimes you want absolute portability more than you want a deep feature set. And let’s be honest: if you’re planning to travel a lot and need a MIDI controller that can take a beating, those chunky plastic ones might not be the best call.
If we’re speaking your language, the Xkey AIR 25-key Bluetooth MIDI controller could well be the controller for you. This tiny device is all keyboard, almost. There’s a small row of buttons on the left side giving a few basic controls: octave up and down, modulation, pitch bend up and down, and sustain. But that’s it. The entire rest of the device is keys.
Those keys are impressive, though: they’re velocity-sensitive and feature polyphonic aftertouch as well. They’re also full-sized keys that won’t interfere with your muscle memory when you get back to your full workstation.
The XKey AIR is just over a half inch thick, but it’s impressively durable, with a frame built from rugged anodized aluminum. It’s the ideal MIDI controller for long-term durability. You can connect the XKey AIR via Bluetooth for full wireless operation or via USB.
Quality construction comes at a cost: the XKey AIR isn’t cheap. But if you’re willing to pay for the durability and don’t need a bunch of extra features, it’s a compelling choice.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Xkey AIR Bluetooth MIDI Controller
Alesis VI25
If you’re looking for a little more in terms of features and feel and aren’t necessarily wanting the smallest keyboard out there, the Alesis VI25 is an interesting mini MIDI keyboard option.
With full-sized semi-weighted keys that have a square edge similar to an acoustic piano, the Alesis VI25 isn’t the slimmest instrument. There’s also a 4x4 grid of RGB trigger pads to the left of the keyboard, so it isn’t the narrowest, either. But there’s a lot of functionality packed into this slightly oversized package.
With this model, you get pitch and mod wheels, physical recording and tracking controls, and eight assignable knobs. One notable feature unique to this model is the bank of 24 assignable buttons. These are on/off buttons rather than faders or knobs, and they bring a functionality most small MIDI keyboards don’t have.
The VI25 sits at a slightly higher price point, but you get so much more than lighter-weight models. Also included are Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Alesis VI25
32-Key Mini Keyboard Models
Sometimes, two octaves isn’t enough. If you’re doing conventional piano work more than chords, pads, and loops, you might just need a little more space. 32-key mini keyboards are a solid compromise, giving you an additional half an octave but retaining a pretty small footprint.
Check out our top 32-key mini MIDI keyboard choices below.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
If you’re prioritizing size and price, it’s hard to overlook the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32. It’s a 32-key mini MIDI keyboard that lives up to its mini moniker. The keys here are themselves mini in size, and there’s not much to this 2.5-octabe controller besides the keyboard deck itself.
There’s a master volume knob, plus a sustain button and octave and pitch bend modulation buttons. One big consideration is the selectable velocity curves present here. The keys are velocity sensitive, and you can choose how this velocity is interpreted based on your preferred playing style.
M-Audio is well-known for making products at surprisingly low price points, and the Keystation Mini 32 certainly fits that bill. It’s the least expensive mini MIDI controller in this review. And even at the low price point, it ships with Pro Tools First (M-Audio Edition) and over 2500 presets in Xpand!2.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 32
If you’re looking for significantly more functionality in the M-Audio ecosystem, the Oxygen Pro 32 could be the ticket. It has just about everything that could be crammed in: eight RGB pads, four Q-link knobs, four faders, physical pitch and mod wheels, physical recording and DAW interface buttons, and a small OLED display screen make for an impressive package.
Despite the budget-friendly price, this looks to be an impressively capable device that has a software complement to match. Bot Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite are included here, plus virtual instruments and a generous MPC expansion set.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 32
Alesis Q Mini 32-Key Keyboard Controller
At first glance, the Alesis Q Mini could be mistaken for the M-Audio Keystation. They are extremely similar devices, but there are some notable differences. First, the volume knob here is explicitly assignable, giving you a single knob control in whatever DAW you’re using. It’s not much compared to others with four or eight assignable knobs, but it’s something.
Also included is iOS support in GarageBand (via the Apple Lighting to USB Camera Adapter, which isn’t included) .
At such a low price point, we’re surprised to see two DAWs included: Pro Tools First (Alesis Edition) and MPC Beats. There’s also a range of instrument packs, plus 60 free lessons on using a MIDI controller. If you’re a beginner, those lessons could be a significant benefit.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Alesis Q Mini 32-Key Keyboard Controller
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
Some mini MIDI controllers have deeper levels of integration with particular software solutions, and that’s the case with Native Instruments. While this device will control any of the major DAWs, it shines best when using Komplete Kontrol software, including Maschine. Also included on the software front is Ableton 10 Live Lite, plus a wide range of instruments and plugins.
The controls here are a departure from the pack. There are eight 360-degree assignable knobs, plus a master selection knob. There are dedicated button controls for a number of functions, including scales, arpeggios, quantize, and more. There’s even a dedicated physical Undo button, which is a stellar touch.
It’s a little more expensive than some. Still, as an entry-level access point to the Native Instruments ecosystem, it’s sensibly priced.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
Roland A-300PRO-R 32-Key
Thus far, we’ve kept all the units in this review below $200. But we know some mobile musicians want even more from their mini MIDI controller. If that’s you, then take a look at the Roland A-300PRO-R. This beast of a MIDI controller strains the “mini” category to the max. This device has some chops: the keyboard is velocity-sensitive, plus channel aftertouch. There are a whopping 45 assignable controls, including nine knob controls, nine faders, and eight pads. And that’s just the start.
Full MIDI in and out, dual pedal inputs, and USB control are all here, plus Cakewalk Production Plus. It’s a high-quality instrument, one that could serve as your main MIDI controller if you don’t need a larger key span. (And if you do, there are 49- and 61-key variants available.)
Check current pricing on Amazon for the Roland A-300PRO-R 32-Key
Final Summary: Lance's Top Pick
If you've read through our entire summary and still aren't sure which mini midi keyboard to spring for, I'd recommend going for the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 (personally I think the black looks very classy and will fit well with any home recording studio).
At a price point of only $119, all the quality, functionality & portability packed into this awesome 25 key mini midi controller you really can't go wrong. Great news is you can purchase it on Amazon and return it if you don't like it for any reason.
Check current pricing on Amazon for the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Let me know what you think in the comments below, and thank you for reading!