Arturia MiniLab 3 vs Akai MPK Mini MK3: What’s best for you?

By Melodics

September 15, 2025

For many producers, the first piece of gear they buy is a compact MIDI keyboard. These small controllers can unlock your DAW, make writing melodies and chords more intuitive, and help you turn ideas into finished tracks.

Two of the most popular options are the Arturia MiniLab 3 and the Akai MPK Mini MK3. Both are affordable, portable, and widely loved - but they each bring a different approach to workflow and playability.

So which one suits you best? Let’s break it down.

Arturia MiniLab 3 at a glance

The MiniLab 3 is Arturia’s latest update to their compact controller range. It packs a lot of flexibility into a small frame, with a focus on DAW integration and software control.

25 slim keys with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch support
8 RGB pads for finger drumming and sample triggering
Endless encoders and faders pre-mapped to Arturia’s Analog Lab, and easily assignable in your DAW
Tight DAW control for Ableton, Logic, FL Studio, and more
USB-powered, lightweight design for easy portability
Bundled software includes Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D

The MiniLab 3 is all about being a versatile, all-round controller that integrates smoothly with your existing software.

Akai MPK Mini MK3 at a glance

The MPK Mini MK3 is Akai’s best-selling portable MIDI keyboard, widely regarded as a classic entry point for beatmakers. It’s built for hands-on control, with a strong focus on pads and production features.

25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
8 velocity-sensitive RGB pads (renowned for their responsiveness, inspired by Akai’s MPC line)
8 rotary knobs for plugin or DAW control
4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control
Built-in arpeggiator & note repeat features for fast idea generation
Bundled software includes MPC Beats, virtual instruments, and sound packs

The MPK Mini MK3 leans into beatmaking and quick creativity, offering a workflow that feels immediate and performance-driven.

Key differences producers care about

1. Keys & playability

MiniLab 3: Slim keys with aftertouch, which gives extra expressiveness when playing synths or pads.
MPK Mini MK3: Classic mini keys, no aftertouch, but solid and playable for its size.

If you’re more focused on expressive keyboard playing, the MiniLab 3 has the edge.

*Please note that it’s important to try out the keys and pads yourself if you can because the playability is subjective to finger sizes and strength.

2. Pads

MiniLab 3: 8 pads, solid and responsive, but more secondary to the keyboard.
MPK Mini MK3: 8 pads designed with MPC heritage. Finger drummers often prefer their feel and sensitivity.

If pads are central to your workflow, the MPK Mini MK3 might feel more natural.

3. Controls & workflow

MiniLab 3: Endless encoders and faders make it excellent for mixing and plugin control.
MPK Mini MK3: A 4-way joystick replaces pitch/mod wheels, plus a built-in arpeggiator and note repeat for quick idea sketching.

Different tools for different styles: the MiniLab is better for deep DAW control, while the MPK excels in fast beatmaking.

4. Software bundles

MiniLab 3: Comes with Analog Lab Intro (thousands of synth presets), Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D. Great for sound design and composing.
MPK Mini MK3: Includes MPC Beats (a DAW built for beatmaking) plus instruments and sample packs. Perfect for producers who want to start making beats right away.

One leans towards rich sound libraries, the other towards immediate beat-focused production.

Related: Check out our guide to music production tools every beginner producer needs

5. Portability & design

Both are lightweight, USB-powered, and travel-friendly.
MiniLab 3 has a slightly more modern, refined design, while the MPK Mini MK3 sticks to its rugged, classic look.

Either way, both fit easily into a backpack.

6. Price point

MiniLab 3: Around $100–$120.
MPK Mini MK3: Around $100–$120.

They’re almost identical in price, which makes the decision really come down to workflow and preference.

Who are they best for?

Arturia MiniLab 3Best for producers who value DAW integration, expressive keys, and flexibility across genres. A strong choice for those who compose melodies and chords as much as they make beats.

Akai MPK Mini MK3Best for beatmakers who want responsive pads, quick creative features like note repeat, and an MPC-inspired feel. A natural fit if your workflow revolves around drums and sampling.

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Final thoughts

Both the Arturia MiniLab 3 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 are excellent compact MIDI controllers - affordable, portable, and powerful in their own ways.

If you want a controller that feels like a mini command centre for your DAW, the MiniLab 3 is the standout. If you’re a beatmaker who thrives on pads and fast idea generation, the MPK Mini MK3 feels more intuitive.

Whichever you choose, the next step is getting comfortable on the keys or pads. That’s where Melodics comes in. With lessons tailored for finger drumming and keys, Melodics helps you build real skills and confidence on your device. So once you’ve picked your controller, you’ll be ready to unlock its full potential.

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