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Compact Keyboard Controller for Laptop Mobile Work ?

muziksculp

muziksculp

Senior Member
Hi,

As I'm in the process of setting up a mobile music production rig, built around my Mac Book Air (M2, 24 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD).

I'm trying to pick a compact, light weight, Keyboard controller for this mobile setup. I was thinking the Arturia MiniLab 3 Keyboard.

https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/minilab-3/overview

Do you think the Minilab 3 Keyboard is a good choice ? Any other recommendations for Keyboard Controllers for the mobile rig ?

Thanks,
Muziksculp
Click to read more...
 
You haven’t provided much in the way of what features you’d like to have, but I would share that every piece of Arturia hardware that I’ve owned (7 total) has been rock solid, dependable, and with a good feature set. And intuitive to configure.

I would say the exact opposite regarding the one Nektar device I owned.
 
Astronaut FX said:
You haven’t provided much in the way of what features you’d like to have, but I would share that every piece of Arturia hardware that I’ve owned (7 total) has been rock solid, dependable, and with a good feature set. And intuitive to configure.

I would say the exact opposite regarding the one Nektar device I owned.
Click to expand...
Hi @Astronaut FX

Features I would like to have in a compact Keyboard controller for mobile rig.

1. Light weight, but solid built.
2. To have Knobs/Faders, and Pads.
3. It would be a bonus if it offered various popular DAW controls.

Yeah, I'm not sure how good, and solid the Nektar model I posted above is. That's why I'm asking if it is a good option, or not.

I don't think the Arturia Mini Lab 3 Keyboard offers remote control for DAWs. I will check further into this detail.

I can order the Nektar, test it, and if it doesn't do the job, return it. But I'm going to research my options a bit more.

Thanks.
 
muziksculp said:
Hi @Astronaut FX

Features I would like to have in a compact Keyboard controller for mobile rig.

1. Light weight, but solid built.
2. To have Knobs/Faders, and Pads.
3. It would be a bonus if it offered various popular DAW controls.
Click to expand...
I've bought and sold a bunch of the smaller controllers in the past 7 years, and quality-wise I found the Arturia to be top dog. Had the KeyStep 37, and was a bit bummed to get rid of it (I had a fire sale in 2020 so I could buy the SL88 Grand). The Arturia KeyStep felt SO solid. Given your list of requirements, my vote is for the MiniLab 3. Nothing else in that class has knobs AND faders. Akai's MPK Mini 3 is popular but you'd need something like a Korg nano for faders.
 
Hey @muziksculp. I have went through various mini controller and can tell you that the only one I would ever reccomend or actually buy again is the Korg Microkey range. They come in 25, 37, 49 or 61 keys, with and without Bluetooth. They are powered either via usb or with batteries (when using Bluetooth).

They only have the keys and and a pitch and mod wheel, no sliders or any other controllers, but as far as mini keys go, there are no better or more playable actions than these. I’d go for whatever size suited you best and just use the mod wheel, or alternatively a phone app, or even a separate compact slider unit if I were you. :)
 
I have a Launchkey Mini. Some of these things may apply to you. It has been fairly solid as far as working goes and doesn't take up a lot of room in your pack.

I don't like the USB micro plug. It doesn't stay attached as well as a USB-B.

The keys are small. You can't really play, unless you have really small hands. It is just awkward because the spacing is not like a normal keyboard, so your hands have to get used to it.

I find I prefer sliders to knobs. It is harder to control the knobs.

There is no mod wheel. It is really hard to modulate things like strings, with just a knob.

I have a Launchkey 49 and 61. They are both great. I would go with the Launchkey 25 or something similar over the mini keys. NI has a nice 25 key ones as well. I believe Arturia makes one as well.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

Thank You for all the helpful suggestions, and feedback.

OK, so I decided to go for the Akai MPK Mini Plus. , mainly based on the overall functionality, aesthetics, design, features, price. ..etc. .

https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus

I have the option to return it for full store credit for 30 days from the day I receive it. So, very low risk.

With regards to the comments related to the keys being too small, or springy, or ..etc. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit in this dept. since, I'm not going to be playing a Piano concerto on these things. LOL

I will let you know how it goes, and what I think about the Akai MPK Mini PLus after I get it, and have some time to work with it.

Cheers,
Muziksculp
 
Scottyb said:
Akai has quite a few options here. But maybe this?

www.akaipro.com

MPK Mini Plus

MPK Mini Plus 37-key Compact Keyboard Controller
www.akaipro.com www.akaipro.com
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Hi @Scottyb ,

Thanks for the recommendation. I decided to go with it. The Akai MPK Mini Plus Model.

I'm looking forward to see how I get along with it, and my mobile rig. I will post feedback on how the entire rig is working together as a system. Fun stuff ! :)

Cheers,
Muziksculp
 
my only issue with the mini Akai, like the mini novation as well, is it uses bending plastic for the keyboard action, it's a formula for developing tendinitis very quickly.

(maybe this model is different, but looks the same visually so, just something to consider)
 
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