A MIDI-over-USB pad controller with 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads and 6 assignable knobs.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS
Checked September 2026
Akai Professional MPD218 vs Novation Launchpad Mini (2026)
Akai Professional MPD218 is best for beatmaking and drum programming on a budget; Novation Launchpad Mini is best for compact ableton live clip launching and finger drumming. Akai Professional MPD218 starts at an unpublished price and Novation Launchpad Mini at $129.99.
Novation
Novation Launchpad Mini
A compact 64 RGB-pad MIDI grid controller for clip launching in Ableton Live.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| Akai Professional MPD218 | Novation Launchpad Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beatmaking and drum programming on a budget | compact ableton live clip launching and finger drumming |
| Starting price | Not public | $129.99 |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | USB-MIDI | USB-MIDI |
| OS | Windows, macOS, iOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads (3 banks), 6 assignable 360-degree knobs (3 banks), 6 control buttons, Class-compliant, driverless USB-MIDI, iOS compatible via Apple Camera Connection Kit | 64 RGB-backlit pads in an 8x8 grid, 3 Custom Modes via Novation Components, USB-C, bus powered, Kensington lock slot, Deep Ableton Live Session View integration |
| Developer | Akai Professional | Novation |
Questions people ask
Akai Professional MPD218 starts at a price not published online; Novation Launchpad Mini starts at $129.99.
16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads (3 banks), 6 assignable 360-degree knobs (3 banks), 6 control buttons, Class-compliant, driverless USB-MIDI, iOS compatible via Apple Camera Connection Kit.
64 RGB-backlit pads in an 8x8 grid, 3 Custom Modes via Novation Components, USB-C, bus powered, Kensington lock slot, Deep Ableton Live Session View integration.