Novation
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4
A 25 mini-key DAW controller with polyphonic-aftertouch pads, Scale/Chord modes, and an arpeggiator.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 vs Akai Professional MPD218 (2026)
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is best for compact daw control with pads and encoders; Akai Professional MPD218 is best for beatmaking and drum programming on a budget. Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 starts at $139.99 and Akai Professional MPD218 at an unpublished price.
$139.99once
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
| Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 | Akai Professional MPD218 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | compact daw control with pads and encoders | beatmaking and drum programming on a budget |
| Starting price | $139.99 | Not public |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | USB-MIDI | USB-MIDI |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Key features | 25 synth-action mini-keys, 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, 8 endless rotary encoders, 128x64 monochrome OLED display, Scale, Chord, and generative arpeggiator modes | 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 |
| Developer | Novation | Akai Professional |
Questions people ask
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 starts at $139.99; Akai Professional MPD218 starts at a price not published online.
25 synth-action mini-keys, 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, 8 endless rotary encoders, 128x64 monochrome OLED display, Scale, Chord, and generative arpeggiator modes.
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.