Review MIDI keyboard Akai MPK 225. 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 MPK 225 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.

• With 25 semi-weighted keys
• 8 MPC Pads with RGB lighting
• 8 controllers and 4 keys
• Inputs for Expression Pedal and Sustain
• Arpeggiator
• MPC Note Repeat, MPC Full Level
• Tap Tempo and Time Division
• Backlit LCD display
• DAW integration by numerous transport controls and parameters
• Buttons for second-level control
• 1x jack input for expression pedal and one for sustain pedal
• USB-MIDI and 5-pin MIDI In/Out
• IOS compatible with Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included)
• Includes Software (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
• Size: 489 x 298 x 92 mm
• Weight: 2,76kg

This MIDI controller is usually priced at around €239/£215/$248 and offers a keyboard with 25 semi-weighted keys, which will allow you to play or compose different musical ideas on your favorite DAW.

It also offers the control functions: 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels.

The Akai MPK 225 features an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output.

Includes the software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials,

Now that we have seen the features of this Akai MPK 225 keyboard 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 MPK 225 vs Akai APC Keys 25

The Akai MPK 225 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$248 while the Akai APC Keys 25 is priced at €72/£64/$73. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Akai MPK 225 offers 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, and the Akai APC Keys 25 offers 25 mini keys with synthesizer action.
• The Akai MPK 225 offers 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. When the Akai APC Keys 25 offers a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for clip status indication, octave and sustain buttons, 8 assignable faders, 2 transport buttons (pause/play, rec) and buttons for other functions.
• The Akai MPK 225 features an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output. When the Akai APC Keys 25 integrates only a USB connection.
• The Akai MPK 225 includes the following software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. The Akai APC Keys 25 includes the following software packages (Downloads): 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

In our first comparison, we have two Akai branded MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the Akai MPK 225 which offers 25 semi-weighted keys, MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. And on the other hand, we have the Akai APC Keys 25 Pads with 25 mini Synth-Action keys, a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for clip status indication, octave and sustain buttons, 8 assignable faders, 2 transport buttons (pause/play, rec) and buttons for other functions.

As an advantage of the Akai MPK 225 we can mention its keyboard with 25 semi-weighted keys, its high-quality MPC pads and also its different connections that it integrates, as advantage of the Akai APC Keys 25 we can mention its great compatibility with the Ableton Live DAW, and its 8 faders that are recognized by the DAW in question. If you want a controller with a quality keyboard and moderate control functions, go for the Akai MPK 225 and if you work with Ableton Live and want a controller compatible with this DAW and also economic go for the Akai APC Keys 25.

Here is 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 MPK 225 vs Akai MPK mini MK2 white

The Akai MPK 225 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$248 while the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go head to head:

• The Akai MPK 225 offers 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, and the Akai MPK mini MK2 white offers 25 mini keys with synthesizer action.
• The Akai MPK 225 offers 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. When the Akai MPK mini MK2 white offers a joystick to control pitch bend or modulation, 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, octave up/down buttons and arpeggiator, plus 8 assignable knobs.
• The Akai MPK 225 features an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output. When the Akai MPK mini MK2 white has only a USB connection, it has a sustain pedal input.
• The Akai MPK 225 includes the Software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. The Akai MPK mini MK2 white includes the 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

And here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 white keyboard

In this comparison we have again two Akai MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the already analyzed Akai MPK 225 that we have analyzed before, and on the other hand, the Akai MPK mini MK2 that offers 25 mini synth-action keys, plus a joystick to control the pitch bend or modulation, 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, octave up/down buttons and arpeggiator, and also 8 assignable knobs.

As in the last comparison, we can comment as an advantage of the Akai MPK 225 its semi-weighted keyboard, and its connections and pedal inputs. And as an advantage of the Akai MPK mini MKII we have a super compact design and a great set of control functions. If you want a semi-weighted keyboard go for the Akai MPK 225 and if you want more portability without losing the control functions go for the Akai MPK mini MK2.

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini MK2 review.

Akai MPK 225 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Akai MPK 225 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$248 while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 is priced at €135/£125/$137. Let’s see the face-to-face:

• The Akai MPK 225 offers 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 25 semi-weighted keys.
• The Akai MPK 225 offers 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. When the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 8 touch-sensitive encoders, pitch and modulation wheels, a 4D push encoder, 3 transport buttons (net, play, stop), octave up/down buttons and different function buttons.
• The Akai MPK 225 features an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output. When the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 has only a USB connection, it has a sustain pedal input.
• The Akai MPK 225 includes the following software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. The Native Instruments Komplete 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 find on the one hand the Akai MPK 225 that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 keys. semi-weighted, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, a 4D push encoder, 3 transport buttons (net, play, stop), octave up/down buttons and buttons with different functions.

As an advantage of the Akai MPK 225 we can comment its connections, and pedal inputs that give more possible expression, and as the advantage of the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 we mention its intuitive control, and also its great number of licenses that it includes. They are very similar controllers, as one covers your needs you can go for it.

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 MPK 225 vs Akai LPK 25

The Akai MPK 225 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €239/£215/$248 when the Akai LPK 25 has a price of €42/£37/$42. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• The Akai MPK 225 offers 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, and the Akai LPK 25 offers 25 mini keys with synthesizer action.
• The Akai MPK 225 offers 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. When the Akai LPK 25 offers octave up/down buttons, sustain buttons, tap tempo and arpeggiator.
• The Akai MPK 225 integrates an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output. When the Akai LPK 25 integrates only a USB connection.
• The Akai MPK 225 includes the following software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. The Akai LPK 25 includes a Mac and PC software editor.

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

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Akai MPK 225 with its functions and features that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand, we have the Akai LPK 25, a MIDI controller, somewhat minimalist with 25 mini keys and synthesizer action, plus buttons with different functions.

Go for the Akai MPK 225 if you want to have a semi-weighted keyboard and moderate control functions, now if you want a minimalist MIDI controller, compact and with great compatibility, sacrificing certain control functions the Akai LPK 25 will be your choice.

Here is 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 MPK 225 vs M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

The Akai MPK 225 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$248 when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €205/£177/$203. Let’s go head to head:

• The Akai MPK 225 offers 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, and the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII offers 88 full-size speed-sensitive keys.
• The Akai MPK 225 offers 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) Pads with RGB lighting. 8 assignable knobs and 4 assignable keys, 5 transport buttons (net, play, pause), movement buttons and other functions, and also pitch bend and modulation wheels. When the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII features modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up and down buttons, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc.), and a volume fader.
• The Akai MPK 225 features an external power supply (which is not included), a USB connection, the pedal inputs (sustain and expression), and MIDI input and output. When the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII integrates a USB connection, the sustain and expression pedal inputs, MIDI output, and an external power supply input.
• The Akai MPK 225 includes the following software licenses (Downloads): Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII includes the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble plug-in, a virtual piano instrument that captures a 9-foot Steinway CD327 piano.

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

In our last comparison we have on the one hand the Akai MPK 225 with its functions and features that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII that offers 88 full size and speed-sensitive keys, modulation and pitch bend wheels, up and down octave buttons, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc) and a volume fader.

The Akai MPK 225 has a semi-balanced keyboard and high-quality MPC pads, while the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII has 88 full-size keys. If you want a semi-balanced keyboard, go for the Akai MPK 225, now if you want an 88-key MIDI controller you can go for the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII.

And here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII 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 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 demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this post, we have MIDI controllers with a somewhat wide range of prices and thus also notable differences in the quantity and quality of control functions between them. As the ideal controller for a beginner, we can mention the Akai APC Keys 25, which offers 25 mini-keys with speed sensitivity (or intensity in MIDI language), as well as a 40-pad release matrix, and 8 assignable faders. If you use the Ableton Live DAW, it will be one of the most compatible controllers because it was designed specifically for use in it, but it can also be used in other compatible DAWs. If you get the chance to buy it, it’s really worth it.

Where to buy the Akai MPK 225 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
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• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
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• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
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• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
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• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
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• Nektar Impact LX61+
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• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
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