Head to head
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 vs. Mixtrack Platinum FX
Both are DJ controllers in the same price bracket (€200 to €350) — which is why you genuinely hesitate between them. Here is what our register says about both, side by side, including what speaks against them.
Native Instruments
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
Two channels, large jog wheels, Traktor layout — the compact entry point for anyone who wants to work with Traktor.
For
- Maps one to one onto Traktor Pro
- Large jog wheels, clear layout
- Compact and light, fits in a backpack
Against
- Only makes sense with Traktor — the wrong choice for rekordbox or Serato
- No club layout: mixer section and buttons are NI's own
Numark
Mixtrack Platinum FX
Two decks for Serato DJ Lite with displays in the jog wheels and FX paddles — Numark's entry-level classic.
For
- Jog wheel displays show BPM and position
- Four decks via layer switching
- Serato DJ Lite included, Pro as an upgrade
Against
- Plastic housing, lighter than the Pioneer class
- No club layout — moving to CDJs takes some adjustment
The key facts side by side
| Feature | Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 | Mixtrack Platinum FX |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Native Instruments | Numark |
| Price bracket | €200 to €350 | €200 to €350 |
| Our classification | Entry level | Entry level |
| Meant for | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup | Nothing yet, Laptop only, Controller setup |
Where they differ
- Different manufacturers, so different software ecosystems, spare parts and control logic. If you already own gear from one brand, that is a reason in itself.
We deliberately crown no winner here. What we can back up is above; anything else would be a claim, and there are plenty of those on this question already.