Akai MPK Mini Mk2 vs Arturia MiniLab MkII: buildĪlthough both controllers sport the same number of keys – 25 in total, spanning a two-octave range from C to C – the keys on the Arturia are physically larger than those on the Akai, despite both devices falling into the same ‘mini-key’ category.
The MiniLab meanwhile has a similar button to shift pad banks and both keyboards sport dedicated octave shift up/down buttons. You’ll also find dedicated buttons to switch between drum pad banks A and B, and select whether the pads transmit program change messages or MIDI cc’s in addition to their regular function as drum pads. Elsewhere, the MPK features a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes, plus an MPC-style Note Repeat function for hi-hats or fills and a Full Level button to disable velocity sensitivity, augmenting the function of the pads, another nod back to the original MPC drum machines that veteran beat makers will appreciate.
