Producer Rack

Checked September 2026

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV vs Novation Launchpad Mini (2026)

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV is best for compact beat and melody production on the go; Novation Launchpad Mini is best for compact ableton live clip launching and finger drumming. Akai Professional MPK Mini IV starts at $99 and Novation Launchpad Mini at $129.99.

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV by Akai Professional
$99once

Compact 25-key USB-C MIDI controller with pitch/mod wheels, 8 pads, and 5-pin DIN MIDI output.

VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS
Novation Launchpad Mini by Novation
$129.99once

A compact 64 RGB-pad MIDI grid controller for clip launching in Ableton Live.

VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Akai Professional MPK Mini IVNovation Launchpad Mini
Best forcompact beat and melody production on the gocompact ableton live clip launching and finger drumming
Starting price$99$129.99
Free versionNoNo
Free trial——
FormatsUSB-MIDIUSB-MIDI
OSWindows, macOS, iOSWindows, macOS
Key features25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 velocity-sensitive RGB MPC pads, 8 endless knobs, pitch and mod wheels, 5-pin DIN MIDI output64 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
DeveloperAkai ProfessionalNovation

Questions people ask

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV starts at $99; Novation Launchpad Mini starts at $129.99.

25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 velocity-sensitive RGB MPC pads, 8 endless knobs, pitch and mod wheels, 5-pin DIN MIDI output.

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.
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