Producer Rack

Checked September 2026

Novation

Novation Launchpad Mini review

MIDI controllers

A compact 64 RGB-pad MIDI grid controller for clip launching in Ableton Live. Best for compact ableton live clip launching and finger drumming. Price: $129.99.

Novation Launchpad Mini by Novation

Key features

  • 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

Pros

  • Works as a standard class-compliant MIDI controller with any software.
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE.

Cons

  • Requires Ableton Live 10+ for full Session View integration.
  • No velocity sensitivity or aftertouch on pads.

Novation Launchpad Mini alternatives

  • Akai Professional

    Akai Professional MPK Mini IV

    $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

  • Arturia

    Arturia MiniLab 3

    $149once

    A 25-key universal MIDI controller with pads, faders, encoders, and a bundled software suite.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported

  • Novation

    Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

    $139.99once

    A 25 mini-key DAW controller with polyphonic-aftertouch pads, Scale/Chord modes, and an arpeggiator.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
All Novation Launchpad Mini alternatives

Sources: us.novationmusic.com, novationmusic.com