Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

For this price range, this controller is definitely very good quality. I have only been using it for a month, but it's easy to tell the pads, knobs and buttons are great. Keys are of course light and small as for pretty much any controller this size. So, if you are accustomed to larger controllers, it might need some getting used to. Very portable, very light, great compatibility with Ableton Live (can't tell about other DAWs as I only use that one). To be honest, if a higher budget is available and space is not an issue, I would go with a larger controller. However, if you look for something small and portable... you can't go wrong with this one. Essential features are all there and, being this my second novation LaunchKey controller, can tell you those things get the job done.

I've bought this in addition to my full size masterkeyboard, just for the controls (endless pots!), which enables you to control all sliders and knobs within Ableton, including all plugins, with ease (and without annoying value jumps). Because of its size it fits perfectly between the other gear on my desk.

A big plus for me is the option to programm custom modes, via Novations Components software, with which I've managed to operate the alt functions on my Polymoon pedal, via MIDI.

Another plus is Novations quick response to any questions or feature requests you might have. A good (online) manual is included as well.

I wish there was an equally lightweight alternative with 16 pads and 8 encoders. But no...

This controller has endless encoders, but you cannot set them to report relative values in their software.

In DAW mode, I think maybe with Ableton it can report relative values, but in Bitwig it just breaks completely and the keys don't even work anymore.

Why on earth would they add endless encoders, but then don't allow you to set them to relative mode in your custom presets? Many people have complained about this, but nothing ever changes. Novation is certainly a brand I'll be avoiding in the future, if torn between options.

And the keybad is extremely bad, as many people have already reported everywhere.

I would love to switch to a different midi controller. I really only keep it because of the high number of pads and encoders.