# MPK Mini MK3 vs Komplete Kontrol M32: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional) and Komplete Kontrol M32 (Native Instruments) among midi keyboards. MPK Mini MK3 is the cheaper of the two at $119.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | Komplete Kontrol M32 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $119 | $129 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2019-03 |
| Keys | 25 | 32 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 8 |
| Faders | 0 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start | Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials |

## Key differences

- Keys: MPK Mini MK3 25 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 32
- Drum pads: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 0
- Bundled software: MPK Mini MK3 MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start vs Komplete Kontrol M32 Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials

## What reviewers say

**MPK Mini MK3** — Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, reviewed this exact model hands-on over 10 days, scoring it 7.6/10. They call it an excellent, affordable all-round USB-MIDI keyboard praised for velocity-sensitive pads, endless 360-degree knobs and bundled MPC Beats software, but flag unforgivably stiff pads and missing onboard transport controls. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

**Komplete Kontrol M32** — Only one whitelisted, hands-on tester (Engadget) covered the Komplete Kontrol M32 in its five-controller roundup. Engadget praised its studio-grade build, satisfying clicky buttons and encoder, best-in-roundup touch-sensitive knobs and an Arturia-rivaling keybed, but flagged that it failed on Windows 10 out of the box (needing a firmware update), has no pads, and is barely portable at 18.7in/2.3lb with fiddly Ableton transport setup. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- MPK Mini MK3: https://www.gearnews.com/akai-introduces-the-mpk-mini-mk3-keyboard-controller/ (gearnews.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Komplete Kontrol M32: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-m32/ (native-instruments.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPK Mini MK3 ($119) vs Komplete Kontrol M32 ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
License: CC BY 4.0.