Review MIDI keyboard Akai LPK 25. Where to buy it?

Akai Professional has been one of the most influential producers of music production instruments in the world since 1984. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Akai LPK 25 keyboard. 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.

• Works with virtually all audio software
• 25 mini-sensitive keys
• Arpeggiator
• Sustain button
• Octave Up/Down and Tap Tempo buttons
• USB Plug Socket
• Fits perfectly into a laptop bag or backpack
• Four programmable memory banks
• Mac and computer software-editor included
• Nutrition by USB
• Size: 9,65 x 34,04 x 2,79 cm
• Weight: 0.635 kg

This MIDI keyboard usually costs around €42/£37/$42, and as you can see it is a very minimalist controller, where we can find 25 mini keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language) that will allow us to play from percussion rhythms, melodies, chords, arpeggios (there is also an arpeggiator function), with the samples used in your favorite DAW.

The Akai LPK 25 also has an up/down octave option, for a wider range of both high and low register. It has a sustain button and four memory banks programmed.

Finally, and something that really surprises, is its size that is really small with the following measurements 9.65 x 34.04 x 2.79 cm and a weight of 635g, it can fit in a laptop case or backpack, and maybe you could still carry it around.

Now that we have seen the features of this Akai LPK 25 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.

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• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Akai LPK 25 vs Akai APC Keys 25

The Akai LPK 25 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €42/£37/$42 while the Akai APC Keys 25 has a price of €72/£64/$73, which for the price they have is a revealing difference. Let’s go to their face to face:

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity in MIDI language).
• The Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, sustain button and tap tempo; it is plug and play and works with virtually all audio software.
• 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.
• Both are USB-powered, requiring no external power supply.
• The Akai LPK 25 includes a Software Editor for Mac and PC, while the Akai APC Keys 25 includes a Software Package (Download versions): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packs.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

We found two MIDI controllers with good performance, on the one hand the Akai LPK 25 with a very minimalist sense that offers us 25 mini keys, and the octave, sustain and arpeggiator controls. On the other hand the Akai APC Keys 25, gives us a few more features and focuses on compatibility with the Ableton Live DAW, so if you use it as your main audio software, you know which one you should choose.

And here’s a video of the Akai APC Keys 25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai APC Keys 25 review.

Akai LPK 25 vs Akai MPK mini MK2

The Akai LPK 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €42/£37/$42 when the Akai MPK mini MK2 is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go face to face:

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity in MIDI language).
• The Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, sustain button and tap tempo; it is Plug and Play and works with almost all audio software, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 offers a 4 way thumbstick to control pitch bend and modulation, 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) pads with sensitivity, and 8 knobs to control more specific parameters of the DAW in general or some plugins.
• Both are USB powered, they don’t need any external power source. And the Akai MPK Mini MK2 has a jack input for a sustain pedal.
• The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, and the Akai MPK Mini MK2 includes a complete 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

Again, we compared two Akai brand MIDI controllers, where one of them has an advantage over the other, while the Akai LPK 25 offers us the very basic design that we have already analyzed, while the Akai Mini MK2 gives us a greater amount of features, also for a higher price, but which is positively worth paying. If you are only interested in the keys you will go for the LPK 25, if you are interested in the pads, knobs, keys and the sustain pedal you could use, your choice will be the Akai Mini MK2, and by the way it is one of the most popular controllers among beginners of music production.

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 MK2 review.

Akai LPK 25 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Akai LPK 25 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €42/£37/$42 and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has a price of €135/£125/$137, this next one will be interesting face to face:

• When the Akai has 25 speed-sensitive mini keys, the Native Instruments has 25 full-size keys with semi-balance and sensitivity.
• The Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, sustain button and tap tempo; it is Plug and Play and works with almost all audio software, the Kontrol A25 offers a 4 way push encoder, 8 encoders with sensitivity to control more specifically the parameters of the DAW in general or some plugin and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo. This means that it is compatible with
• Both are USB powered, they do not need any external power source. And the Kontrol A25 has a jack input for a sustain pedal.
• The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, and the Kontrol A25 includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have a somewhat unfair face, on one hand, the Akai LPK 25 with its basic functions and very cheap price, and on the other hand, the MIDI controller Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25, which has a 2-octave semi-weighted keyboard, giving a better quality of feeling when playing it, 1 assignable 4D encoder and 8 assignable encoders for some parameters of the DAW or the plugin you are using. Although the Kontrol A25 is a better option, it also increases its price and is less portable.

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.

Akai LPK 25 vs Miditech Midistart Music 25

The Akai LPK 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €42/£37/$42 while the Miditech Midistart Music 25 is priced at €58/£51/$60, but the difference is so small that this may vary.

• When the Akai has 25 mini speed-sensitive keys, the Miditech Instruments has 25 full-size keys with semi-weighted and sensitivity.
• The Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, sustain button and tap tempo; it is plug and play and works with virtually all audio software, the Miditech buttons for octave up/down and a joystick for pitch bend and modulation.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is needed. And the Kontrol A25 has a jack input for a sustain pedal.
• The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, and the Miditech includes the Magix Samplitude SE.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Now we have a comparison that is a little more on par with the previous one, both MIDI controllers offer us 25 keys with sensitivity, only that in the Akai they are mini, and in the Miditech they are full-size. Both have octave up/down controls and are USB powered. I would go for the Miditech, because of the size of its keys and the small difference in price.

And here’s a video of the Miditech Midistart Music 25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Miditech Midistart Music 25 review.

Akai LPK 25 vs M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4

The Akai LPK 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €42/£37/$42 and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 is priced at €122/£105/$122, with a difference of $83. We’ll see you face to face:

• When the Akai has 25 speed-sensitive mini keys, the M-Audio has 49 full-size keys with sensitivity.
• The Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, a sustain button and tap tempo; it’s plug-and-play and works with virtually all audio software, the M-Audio offers 8 sensitive pads, 8 assignable rotary buttons, 9 assignable sliders, octave up/down buttons and wheels for pitch bend and modulation.
• Both are USB-powered, requiring no external power source. And the M-Audio has a jack input for a sustain pedal.
• The Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC, and the M-Audio includes Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software).

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

We found an interesting comparison, with two MIDI controllers: the Akai LPK 25 that we have already analyzed with its basic functions, while the M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 has more and better features, starting with the keyboard that has 49 full-size keys, 8 sensitive pads, 8 assignable rotary buttons, and 9 sliders that are really useful in production processes such as recording and mixing as well as plug-in parameters. Logically this is the best option, although the price is also increasing.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 review.

What is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a 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 possible note range, or if you want to have as many control features as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses offered by most MIDI controllers, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

We found some minimalist MIDI controllers with few functions, however also with a low budget, you can get interesting options that are really worth it, one of the best examples is the Akai MPK Mini Mk2 that offers control functions like: MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads and assignable knobs, besides having a sustain pedal input and other functions, despite being a compact and economical controller it has great advantages against other controllers with similar prices. Go for it.

Where to buy the LPK 25 Akai keyboard

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