Quick verdict: If you’re focused on playing keys and value design quality, the Arturia MiniLab 3 is the better choice.
For beatmakers who prioritize drum pads, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 offers better pad performance, software, and features tailored for beat production.
Both are solid options depending on your specific music production needs.
Where to buy?
I know you’ve been eyeing both the Arturia Minilab 3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3, but which one should you ultimately choose?
AKAI is the top seller everywhere you look, and the Minilab 3 looks so beautiful.
How do these portable MIDI controllers compare based on your needs and preferences?
I’m one of those lucky persons who has had the opportunity to try out many different MIDI controllers, including these two, and here’s my take on them.
I do not work for Arturia or Akai, so this is an unbiased review based on my experience and research.
Let’s get started.
Quick specs comparison
| Specification | Arturia MiniLab 3 | Akai MPK Mini MK3 |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys | 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action mini keys (Gen 2 keybed) |
| Pads | 8 RGB backlit, velocity-sensitive pads | 8 bankable MPC-style, velocity-sensitive pads |
| Rotary Encoders | 8 rotary encoders, with one being clickable | 8 assignable endless rotary knobs |
| Sliders | 4 high-quality sliders | None |
| Pitch and Modulation | 2 capacitive touch sensors | 4-way thumbstick |
| Display | Mini display with a clickable browsing knob | OLED display for immediate parameter feedback |
| Connectivity | USB-C connection, MIDI 5-pin DIN output, external control input (sustain, footswitch, or expression) | USB Type-B port, class-compliant with no drivers needed, sustain pedal input |
| Compatibility | Windows 10+ (64bit), not compatible with ARM processors | Supported on Windows 10 and macOS Catalina 10.15 |
Key feel and quality
Key feel is so important in a MIDI controller, as it directly affects the playability and expressiveness of your music.
Personally, I feel that the Arturia Minilab 3 has a much better key feel compared to the MPK Mini MK3.
The tactile experience, responsiveness, and sensation of playing these keys are more satisfying on the Minilab 3.
Although the MPK Mini mk3 has improved its keys compared to its previous generations, these improvements still do not quite match the feel of the Minilab 3.
The keys on Minilab 3 are also slightly larger, which can be advantageous if you have larger hands.
MPK Mini keys feel a bit toy-like to me, and while they are responsive enough, their plasticy feel just turns me off. They’re ok for the price, though.
So, if you’re planning to mostly use keys over pads, Arturia is a clear winner here.
Pads
I might felt like I was very negative towards the Akai, but when it comes to pads, the tables turn.
The pads on the Akai MPK Mini MK3 feel better. They have better sensitivity and a more pleasing touch. They are also larger, which I find more comfortable for working on beats.
Both controllers have 8 pads with two banks, but their layouts are different. I prefer the arrangement and distribution of the pads on the MPK Mini mk3, as it is more intuitive and accessible during use.
The MPK Mini MK3 also offers unique features like Full Level and Note Repeat.
Full Level ensures consistent maximum velocity response from the pads regardless of how hard they are pressed.
Note Repeat allows for rhythmic repetition of notes based on user-defined parameters. These features are not present on the Arturia Minilab 3, giving the Akai an edge.
The pads on Minilab 3 are totally okey, but if you’re a beatmaker or heavily rely on pads for your music production, the AKAI beats out the Arturia.
Design Build Quality
Not much to say here, Minilab 3 feels much more durable and well-built because of the metal base compared to the plastic construction of the MPK Mini mk3.
Also, MiniLab 3 is touted as the world’s first eco-designed MIDI controller, made from at least 50% recycled material. How cool is that?
However, for the price point, AKAI’s build quality is acceptable. You really can’t expect anything other than plastic for a budget-friendly MIDI controller. So, I don’t want to complain too much about it.
Both will probably last you a decent amount of time.
Included software
Here’s what you get with Arturia:
- Analog Lab V: Access to hundreds of synth and keyboard presets, featuring a range of sounds from the award-winning Analog Lab V, V Collection, and Pigments libraries.
- Intimate Upright Piano: Offers the vintage sound of a century-old upright piano, recorded to add charm and intimate character to your mixes.
- Timeless Grand Piano: Features the epic, stage-sized character of a Steinway grand piano, meticulously sampled to bring life to your productions.
- Millions of Samples & Loops: A 2-month subscription to Loopcloud is included with access to millions of sounds. A 1GB welcome pack is also part of this subscription.
- Learn with MiniLab 3: A subscription to Melodics is provided, offering 40 lessons, tips, and musical hacks. Designed to be fun, easy, and tailored to your style, improving your pad and keyboard skills.
- Software Integration: Seamless integration with all Arturia software instruments and is pre-mapped for most major DAWs. This includes one DAW preset for automatic integration and up to five user presets for a customizable experience.
With AKAI you’ll get the following:
- MPC Beats Software: Tailored for beat-making, this software incorporates elements of the legendary MPC workflow. However, MPC beats is free anyway, without needing to purchase the controller.
- Software Instruments and Sounds: You’ll get software instruments like AIR Hybrid, Mini Grand, and Velvet. Additionally, it comes with assorted MPC expansion packs, offering a wider range of sounds for your productions.
- Sample Collection: The package contains a premium sample collection from kick drums, snares, 808s, melodic loops, and keygroup instruments.
- MPC Beats Academy: This is an online resource to learn the MPC workflow. It covers everything from making your first beat to mixing, finalizing, exporting, and sharing your music, specifically tailored for the MPK Mini MK3 and MPC Beats software.
- Melodics: The MPK Mini MK3 includes 60 free lessons with Melodics, a software designed to help you master the keyboard and MPC-style pads.
- Reason+ Subscription: Registered customers receive a 6-month free subscription to Reason+, a creative bundle for music making. It includes the Reason DAW and the Reason Rack Plugin (VST3/AU/AAX), featuring over 80 devices, 39,000 presets, 24GB of samples, and regular updates with new plugins and sound content.
As you can see, both offer a ton of free stuff with the purchase but are tailored for different needs. AKAI focuses more on beatmaking and you’ll get everything you need to start learning and creating beats.
Arturia is more of a sound designers and composers’ paradise, with seamless integration with their software instruments and presets. Tons of analog and vintage sounds to explore, which many of us desire in our productions.
You can think of Arturia like Apple, once you get into their ecosystem, it’s hard to leave because everything works so well together.
AKAI is more like Xiaomi, offering you tons of stuff for cheaper, which you might not even need, but still useful.
Verdict
Let’s wrap it up. The verdict is quite simple. If you’re primarily a beatmaker or heavily rely on pads for your music production, the Akai MPK Mini mk3 is the better choice.
It’s intuitive pad layout and unique features like Full Level and Note Repeat make it a powerhouse for creating beats.
However, If you prioritize a quality keybed and a more premium included software, and mainly focus on playing keys, the Arturia Minilab 3 is the way to go.
In the end, both are great products and should serve you well for years.
Until next time, happy music-making!
