Review MIDI keyboard Akai APC Keys 25. Where to buy it?
Akai Professional has been one of the most influential producers of music production equipment in the world since 1984. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Akai APC Keys 25. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.
- Keyboard with 25 Synth-Action mini keys
- Smooth Integration into Ableton Live
- 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for an indication of current clip status
- Octave switch and Sustain
- 8 Attributable Faders that Ableton Live Recognizes Automatically
- Includes bundle of Software (Download versions): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid three by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packages
- Powered by USB Class Compliant
It also offers 8 faders that automatically recognize Ableton Live software, so if you use this DAW you will surely be interested in this particular model of MIDI controller.
Finally, we can remind you that it includes bundles of software (Download versions): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid three by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packages.
It is USB powered, which means it does not need an external power supply.
Now that we have seen the features of this Akai APC Keys 25 look at these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
Akai APC Keys 25 vs Akai MPK mini MK2 white
What will you find in this post?
The Akai APC Keys 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €72/£64/$73 while the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at $88, but the difference is so small that this may vary. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both have 25 speed-sensitive (MIDI language intensity) mini keys with synthesizer action.
- The Akai APC Keys 25 is a specially integrated controller for the Ableton Live DAW, featuring a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch, as well as 8 assignable Faders that Ableton Live recognizes.
- The Akai MPK Mini MK2 features a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, an Arpeggiator button and 8 assignable control knobs.
- Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. The Akai has a sustain pedal input.
- The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, while the Akai MPK Mini MK includes a full production software package (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Akai APC Keys 25 | Akai MPK mini MK2 white |
|---|---|
|
|
In our first comparison, we have two very similar controllers, with somewhat different functions, both with 25 mini keys, and the APC Keys 25 gives us mostly very small pads that can be assigned as clip launchers (to work mostly in Ableton Live), and 8 assignable faders that recognize Ableton directly. And the Akai MPK Mini MK2, offers a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic control, 8 high-quality MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, 8 assignable knobs. In my personal opinion, I would go for the Akai MPK Mini MK2 thanks to its pads and the thumbstick. Although the Akai APC Keys 25 is not a bad option and it is also cheaper.
And here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 white keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK Mini MKII review.
Akai APC Keys 25 vs Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
The Akai APC Keys 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €72/£64/$73 while the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is priced at €91/£82/$91. Let’s go head to head:
- Both have 25 speed-sensitive (MIDI language intensity) mini keys with synthesizer action.
- The Akai APC Keys 25 is a specially integrated controller for the Ableton Live DAW, featuring a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch, as well as 8 assignable Faders that Ableton Live recognizes.
- The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 offers 16 sensitive RGB Pads, 8 assignable knobs, touch sliders for Pitch and Modulation, and buttons for Record, Play, Stop/Solo/Mute functions as well as Octave Switching.
- Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. The Novation has a 3.5 mm mini-jack MIDI output, USB port, Sustain pedal input
- The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, while the Novation includes a software bundle.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Akai APC Keys 25 | Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 |
|---|---|
|
|
The interesting comparison we have. Both offer 25 mini keys with sensitivity, and the full-featured Akai is compatible and specifically created for the Ableton Live DAW. And the Novation likewise is optimized for Ableton Live, with 16 assignable pads, 8 knobs and touch sliders for pitch and modulation. So any of these would be ideal if you use Ableton Live, of course, if their functions meet your needs.
Here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 review.
Akai APC Keys 25 vs Akai LPK 25
The Akai APC Keys 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €72/£64/$73 and the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42. We will see your face to face:
- Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity in MIDI language). Those of the APC are synthesizer action.
- The Akai APC Keys 25 is a specially integrated controller for the Ableton Live DAW, featuring a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch, as well as 8 assignable Faders that Ableton Live recognizes.
- The Akai LPK 25 offers 1 Arpeggiator Button, Sustain Button, Octave Up/Down Buttons and a Tap Tempo. It is a very minimalist model.
- Both are USB powered, requiring no external power source.
- The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, while the Akai LPK2 25 includes an editor software.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Akai APC Keys 25 | Akai LPK 25 |
|---|---|
|
|
In this comparison, we have the Akai APC Keys 25, with its great support for Ableton Live and its general features. And the Akai LPK 25, with its minimalism where it only has 25 mini keys and certain buttons like sustain, arpeggiator, and up and down octaves. So if you work with Ableton Live you’ll be better off with the Akai APC Keys 25, and if you want a little keyboard that’s compatible with virtually every DAW, the Akai LPK 25 will be your best choice.
Here’s a video of the Akai LPK 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review.
Akai APC Keys 25 vs Miditech Midistart Music 25
The Akai APC Keys 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €72/£64/$73 when the Miditech Midistart Music 25 is priced at €58/£51/$6, with a difference so small that this may vary. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both have 25 speed-sensitive keys (intensity in MIDI language). The APC’s are mini synthesizer action keys. And the Miditech has keys
- The Akai APC Keys 25 is a specially integrated controller for the Ableton Live DAW, featuring a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch, as well as 8 assignable Faders that Ableton Live recognizes.
- The Miditech Midistart Music 25 features a Pitchbend and Modulation Joystick and Octave +/- Buttons.
- Both are USB powered, requiring no external power source.
- The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, while the Miditech Midistart Music 25 includes the Magix Samplitude SE.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Akai APC Keys 25 | Miditech Midistart Music 25 |
|---|---|
|
|
Our last comparison is very interesting where we find the Akai APC Keys 25 with all its functions and very well compatible with Ableton Live, and on the other hand, the Miditech Midistart Music 25 that has 25 normal keys with sensitivity, which for its price is really a very interesting option, and so, I would go for this MIDI controller. This is a great advantage over the mini keys.
And here is a video of the Miditech Midistart Music 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Miditech Midistart Music 25 review.
Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.
In this post, we find MIDI controllers of a relatively cheap price and moderate performance. And we can mention that one of the most popular MIDI controllers in the market, and surely for some good reason it will be its popularity, is the Akai MPK Mini MK2. That popularity comes thanks to the great set of control functions it offers in addition to its sustain pedal input and its compact, lightweight design, plus the software licenses it includes, it really is a small giant.
Where to buy the Akai APC Keys 25
Thomann
- Free Shipping.
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually the Best price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
- Sometimes a better price.
- He’s got worse stock than Thomann.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Akai MPK mini Mk2
- Akai MPK miniplay
- Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
- Arturia MiniLab MKII
- Roli Beatmaker Kit
- Novation Impulse 25
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white
- Alesis V25
- CME Xkey Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
- Akai APC Keys 25
- Akai LPK 25
- M-Audio Code 25 black
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Alesis V mini
- Arturia MicroLab Black
- Akai LPK 25 wireless
- Akai MPK mini Limited Black
- Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
- M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
- Korg nanoKEY Studio
- Swissonic EasyKey 25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 black
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
- Nektar Impact LX25+
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
- Alesis Q25
- Akai MPK 225
- Korg microKEY 25
- Miditech Midistart Music 25
- Alesis VI25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 white
- Arturia MicroLab Blue
- Nektar SE25
- Korg microKEY Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
- Midiplus X2 mini
- Icon iKeyboard 3X
- Keith McMillen K-Board
- CME Xkey 25 silver
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
- Alesis V49
- Arturia Keystep Black Edition
- Swissonic EasyKey 49
- Arturia Keystep
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- M-Audio Code 49 Black
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- Novation Impulse 49
- Nektar Impact GX 49
- Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
- Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
- Roland A-300 Pro
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
- Alesis VI49
- Midiplus AK490
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
- M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
- Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
- CME Xkey 37 LE
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
- Korg microKEY 49 MkII
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
- Miditech Midistart Music 49
- Roland A-49 Black
- Korg microKEY 37 MkII
- Swissonic ControlKey 49
- Roland A-500 PRO
- Nektar SE49
- Korg microKEY Air 37
- Korg microKEY Air 49
- Roland A-49 White
- Nektar Panorama T4
- Miditech Garagekey mini
- Miditech Minicontrol-32
- Midiplus X3 mini
- Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
- Icon iKeyboard 4X
- Miditech i2-mini 32
- Midiplus X4 mini
- Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
- Icon iKeyboard 5X
- Acorn Masterkey 49
- M-Audio Code 61 Black
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- Nektar Impact GX 61
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Alesis V61
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
- Swissonic EasyKey 61
- M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
- Roland A-800 Pro
- Korg microKEY Air 61
- GSi DMC-122
- Nektar Impact LX61+
- Alesis VI61
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Icon iKeyboard 6X
- Acorn Masterkey 61
- Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
- Midiplus X6 mini
- Korg microKEY 61 MkII
- Midiplus X-6 II
- Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
- M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
- Kawai VPC1
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
- Swissonic ControlKey 88
- Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
- Nektar Impact LX88+
- Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
- Midiplus Stage 88
- Studiologic Numa Concert
- Icon iKeyboard 8X
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
- Midiplus X-8 II
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case
