Review MIDI keyboard Akai MPK 261. 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 261 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.

• 61 full-size semi-weighted keys
• 16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
• 4 banks of pads
• Q-Link Controls: 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches
• Control template with backlit LCD display
• Capable of sending computer keyboard commands for shortcuts assignable to the pad
• Integrated transport and parameter controls for practical integration with the DAW
• Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
• Jack inputs for expression and sustains pedals
• Includes software pack (downloadable): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
• Dimensions: 905 x 311 x 86 mm
• Weight: 6.85 kg

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €385/£339/$393 and offers 61 sensitively weighted keys that allow you to play, perform or compose melodies, chords, arpeggios and other compositions on your favorite DAW.

As control functions we also find 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up and down an octave, also offers modulation wheels and pitch bend.

In connections, the Akai MPK 261 offers a USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for the expression pedal and two Footswitches. And it’s licensed as Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials.

Now that we’ve seen the features of this Akai MPK 261 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK6CIGqGk8s

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 261 vs Akai APC Keys 25

The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €385/£339/$393 when the Akai APC Keys 25 is priced at €72/£64/$73. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Akai MPK 261 offers 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys with sensitivity. The Akai APC Keys 25 offers 25 mini Synth-Action keys.
• In control functions, the Akai MPK 261 offers 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up/down an octave, it also offers modulation wheels and pitch bend. And the Akai APC Keys 25 offers a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons, sustain and more.
• In connections, we find that the Akai MPK 261 integrates USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for the expression pedal and two footswitches. The Akai APC Keys 25 has an integrated USB connection, where it is also powered.
• The Akai MPK 261 includes the licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. When the Akai APC Keys 25 includes the licenses for 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 MIDI controllers from the same brand, Akai, on one hand, we have the Akai MPK 261 which offers 61 semi-balanced keys, 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up/down an octave, it also offers modulation and pitch bend wheels. And on the other hand, the Akai APC Keys 25 offers 25 mini Synth-Action keys, a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for clip status indication, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons, sustain and more.

We can say that the Akai MPK 261 has more control functions and a more extensive keyboard that will allow you to play comfortably with 2 hands. And the Akai APC Keys 25 has fewer control functions and a 2-octave keyboard, but as the main advantage, we can count on its reduced price and its full compatibility with Ableton Live. If you have a limited budget and want an Ableton Live-compatible controller, the Akai APC Keys 25 will be a good choice. But for a more complete MIDI controller, the Akai MPK 265 will be a better choice.

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 261 vs Akai MPK mini MK2 white

The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €385/£339/$393 while the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81, with a difference of £300 between them. Let’s go head to head:

• The Akai MPK 261 offers 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys with sensitivity. The Akai MPK mini MK2 white offers 25 mini Synth-Action keys.
• In control functions, the Akai MPK 261 offers 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and octave up and down, it also offers modulation wheels and pitch bend. And Akai MPK mini MK2 white offers 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repeat, Arpeggiator buttons, octave up/down, and 8 assignable control knobs.
• In connections, we find that the Akai MPK 261 integrates USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for expression pedal and two Footswitches. The Akai MPK mini MK2 white has an integrated USB connection, which also provides power and a sustain pedal input.
• The Akai MPK 261 includes the licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. When the Akai MPK mini MK2 white includes the Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials licenses.

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

This comparison is very similar to the previous one, on the one hand, we have the Akai MPK 261 that we have already analyzed and on the other hand, we have the Akai MPK mini MK2 that offers 25 mini keys with synth action, 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repetition, Arpeggiator buttons, octaves up/down, and 8 assignable control knobs.

The Akai MPK 261 is a better choice considering that it offers a 5-octave keyboard and has more control functions than its competition. However, if the user is looking for a MIDI controller with moderate functions and a small, portable design in addition to a tighter price tag, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 will be an excellent choice.

Here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 keyboard

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

Akai MPK 261 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €385/£339/$393 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has a price of €135/£125/$137, reaching a difference of 250 Euro between both devices. This is the face-to-face one:

• The Akai MPK 261 offers 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys with sensitivity. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 25 semi-weighted and sensitive keys as well.
• In control functions, the Akai MPK 261 offers 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and octave up and down, also offers modulation wheels and pitch bend. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, 1 4D push encoder, 3 transport buttons (rec, play and stop), up/down octave buttons and other functions, plus modulation and pitch bend wheels.
• In connections, we find that the Akai MPK 261 integrates USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for the expression pedal and two footswitches. The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 has an integrated USB connection, where it is also powered and a sustain pedal input.
• The Akai MPK 261 includes the licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. When the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 includes the licenses of 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

A similar comparison to the two previous ones, where we have on the one hand the already analyzed Akai MPK 261 with the functions and features it offers and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 sensitive and counterbalanced keys, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, 1 4D push encoder, 3 transport buttons (rec, play and stop), up/down octave buttons and other functions, plus modulation and pitch bend wheels.

The Akai MPK 261 is a better choice considering that it offers a 5-octave keyboard and has more control functions than its competition. However, if the user is looking for a MIDI controller with moderate functions and a small, portable design as well as a more affordable price, without losing the semi-weighted keys, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 will be an excellent choice.

Here’s 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 261 vs Studiologic SL88 Studio

The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €385/£339/$393 when the Studiologic SL88 Studio has a price of €379/£349/$385, with a minuscule difference of 6 Euro that can change depending on the shop where you ask. Let’s move on to this interesting face-to-face:

• The Akai MPK 261 offers 61 full-size, semi-sensitive keys. The Studiologic SL88 Studio offers 88 weighted, with sensitivity and aftertouch.
• In control functions, the Akai MPK 261 offers 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up/down an octave, it also offers modulation and pitch bend wheels. And the Studiologic SL88 Studio offers 1 innovative 6-position Control Knob (4-way switches + 1 rotary encoder + ‘push’ button), 3 function buttons and 3 programmable joystick controllers.
• In connections, we find that the Akai MPK 261 integrates USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for the expression pedal and two footswitches. And the Studiologic SL88 Studio integrates a USB connection, power supply input, input for 4 pedals, and one input and two MIDI outputs.
• The Akai MPK 261 includes the licenses for Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. When the Studiologic SL88 Studio includes an SL Editor license.

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

In this last comparison, the scale changes a lot. On the one hand, we have the already analyzed Akai MPK 261 with its features and functions that we already know, on the other hand, we have the Studiologic SL88 Studio that offers an 88-key counterbalanced keyboard, 1 innovative 6-position control knob (4-way switch + 1 rotary encoder + ‘push’ button), 3 function buttons and 3 programmable joystick controllers.

We can already say that we are in a very close comparison because both are excellent MIDI controllers and the decision to be made will depend on the needs of the user, the Akai MPK 261 offers advantages like the 8 assignable faders that are very useful in themes like mixing, and the Studiologic SL88 Studio offers the advantage of the 88-key counterbalanced keyboard, because of this I am leaning towards the second one.

And here is a video of the Studiologic SL88 Studio keyboard

f you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Studiologic SL88 Studio review.

Which 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 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 a wide range of MIDI controllers and their prices, but the controller that we consider as an ideal option for a beginner is the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 semi-weighted keys and control functions like: a 4D pushbutton encoder and 8 knobs assignable to different parameters or functions inside the DAW, without forgetting its sustain pedal input, and its great number of licenses and downloadable samples. If you have the chance, go for it.

Where to buy the Akai MPK 261 keyboard

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.

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.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Roli Seaboard Rise 25
• Roli Seaboard Block Studio Edition
• Roli Songmaker Kit Studio Edition
• Haken Audio ContinuuMini
• Roli Seaboard Rise 49
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black
• Akai MPK 249
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 White
• Novation 49SL MKIII
• Korg Triton taktile 49
• Keith McMillen K-Board Pro 4
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
• Novation 61SL MKIII
• Novation Impulse 61
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 White
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 Black
• Nektar Panorama P6
• Akai MPK 261
• Nektar Panorama T6
• Studiologic SL73 Studio
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2
• Studiologic SL88 Studio
• Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII
• M-Audio Hammer 88
• Studiologic SL88 Grand
• Studiologic Numa Stage
• Doepfer PK88 GH
• Doepfer PK88 GH without Case