Arturia MINILAB 3 VS Akai MPK Mini Mk.3 - Which MIDI Keyboard should YOU choose?

Man, if only Minilab laid out the drum pads the way MPK mini did.

The Arturia looks to be a more refined and minimalistic product in its design - something I really like. The Akai comes off as more raw, technical.

I really like that you broke down the review into the differences of each feature. I didn't even think about what features might matter to me when looking for a midi controller but now I know that I definitely want the minilab 3!

Great video. Fair comparison. I agree with the points you made here. I own both controllers and, for me, the key differentiator is DAW compatibility. I have struggled with getting the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 fully operational in Logic Pro. When I saw that the Minilab 3 had a Logic-specific script I jumped on it and was immediately pleased by the full integration and with how much information the software gave me. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted and needed from Akai but don’t see forthcoming. While I prefer the build and aesthetics of the Akai I am sure it will only gather dust since I’m getting so much more out of the Arturia hardware. // I will also add that I’m quite happy with the Minilab 3’s pads (feel, not layout). For my play style the ML3 pads are perfect (again, ignoring pad size and layout). The Akai pads seem to be prone to double taps and proximity strikes (basically, when you apply enough force to a pad that an adjacent pad also responds). I have not experienced that with the ML3. This is my first ever Arturia hardware and if the rest is this smooth I can see more in my future.

I love the comparison of these! Thank you so much for this, I like the pad style and setup of the APK, as well as the thumb stick, which seems interesting, so I think that’s what I’ll most likely end up going with. Thanks again for all the info!!

Nice comparison, thanks! I've been trying to decide between the 2 and you've helped me I've settle on the ML3.

Got so tempted when i first saw the minilab 3 come out! I love how it looks and the arp and chord features in it.

That's what I was searching for. Thank you

Great video very detailed, I’m loving the Arturia. Looking forward to getting my hand on one. Stay blessed

Really great review and totally on point! Super helpful Patrick!

Thats the comparison I needed to watch.. :) Thank you!

Thanks a lot for this comparison. I appreciate it!😊

Looking to get the ML3. Arturia’s software support has been excellent recently. Thanks for the comparison!

Really good video. I didn't think about the comparisons between these 2 units... but you gave us something to think about. I feel the MPK might be the way for me..

Definitely helped me decide, thanks!

Just found your channel - super informative and helpful!

Just love that you have an arp and transport controls on the minilab now ❤

estive aguardando sua opinião sobre o arturia minilab 3! muito obrigado pelo esclarecimento!

Thanks for taking the time to describe all the main differences!!! :)

Great video! Really like the arpeggiator feature on the minilab. Thanks :)