Review MIDI keyboard Akai MPK mini Mk2. Where to buy it?

Akai Professional has been one of the most influential producers of music production equipment in the world since 1984. This post is established as follows. First I will list the features of this Akai MPK mini Mk2 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 them.

• 25 mini synthesizer action keys
• New 4-way ‘thumbstick’ for dynamic tone/modulation control
• 8 MPC pads with note repetition
• Arpeggiator
• 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, adjusting plugins, and more
• The ultra-compact design allows you to create anywhere
• Additional inputs: 1 x 6.3 mm jack for sustain pedal
• Powered by USB
• No power adapter required
• Full size sustain pedal input jack
• Includes complete production software package (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble, and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
• Dimensions: 317 x 181 x 44 mm
• Weight: 748 g

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €79/£70/$81 And it includes the main functions to start in the world of music production. It has a 25-key action synthesizer keyboard that allows you to play both melodies and chords, although it will be short for an experienced keyboardist/pianist.

It also has a joystick to control the pitch bend or the modulation of a note in real-time (when played), we also have 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) pads of excellent quality with the Note Repeat function, to create percussion loops or other samples.

The Octave Up/Down and Arpeggiator functions are very much appreciated, and also the 8 assignable knobs to be more precise in mixing themes, or dynamic adjustments in the parameters of the different Plugins to be used.

Finally, there is a sustain pedal input jack and an excellent function is that it is powered via USB, so no external power adapter is needed. All these functions make the Akai MPK Mini MK2 one of the best portable MIDI controllers on the market.

Now that we have seen the features of this Akai MPK mini Mk2 keyboard watch 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 mini MK2 vs Akai MPK miniplay

The Akai MPK mini MK2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at about €79/£70/$81, while the Akai MPK miniplay is priced at €105/£93/$107. Let’s look for their differences:

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to MIDI language).
• Both have 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) Pads.
• The mini MK2 has 8 control knobs, and the mini play has 4 control knobs and 1 volume knob.
• Since the miniplay is standalone, it has 28 internal sounds, 10 drum kits, headphone output, and an integrated speaker.
• Both have an input jack for sustain pedal, USB port, and USB power, the miniplay also works with 3 AA batteries.
• Both include ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech Hybrid three, and SONiVOX Wobble.
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 has dimensions of 317 x 181 x 44 mm and a weight of 748 gr, while the Akai MPK miniplay has dimensions of 312 x 172 x 46 mm and a weight of 450 gr.

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

We have two high-performance keyboards for beginners in music production, or for keyboard enthusiasts. On the one hand, the Akai MPK mini MK2 offers basic and necessary features to produce music in a compact device. On the other hand, the Akai MPK miniplay gives us very similar functions and this is added to the capacity to play 28 different sound samples and 10 drum kits. If you are interested in a mini keyboard to take anywhere and be able to compose some quick ideas and at the same time want to work in music production, the miniplay is good for you. Otherwise, if you only compose and produce in a room or home studio, the mini MK2 is better for you.

And here is a video of the Akai MPK miniplay keyboard

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

Akai MPK mini MK2 vs Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

The Akai MPK mini MK2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at about €79/£70/$81 when the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is priced at €98/£89/$99. Let’s look at the differences:

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to MIDI language).
• The Akai has 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) Pads, while the Novation offers 16 Pads with RGB (RedGreenBlue) lights.
• The mini MK2 has 8 control knobs, and the Novation has 8 assignable knobs and sensitive strips for modulation and pitch bend.
• Both have arpeggiator function, input jack for sustain pedal, USB port, and USB power.
• The Akai has as downloadable material: ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech Hybrid three, and SONiVOX Wobble. When the Novation has the Bundle software and is 100% compatible with Ableton Live
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 has the dimensions of 317 x 181 x 44 mm and a weight of 748 g, while the Novation has the dimensions of 330 x 41 x 172 mm and a weight of 689 g.

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

We found two MIDI keyboards that are very portable and that have basic functions to start with, a difference that you can notice between them, is the number of pads in the Novation, this aspect I like very much, besides the downloadable content that each keyboard offers. I really prefer the Akai MPK for that price.

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 MPK mini MK2 vs Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

The Akai MPK mini MK2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at approximately €79/£70/$81 while the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 is priced at €157/£144/$159. We will see you face to face:

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to MIDI language).
• The Akai has 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) Pads, while the Novation offers 16 Pads with RGB (RedGreenBlue) lights.
• The mini MK2 has 8 control knobs, and the Novation has 8 assignable knobs and modulation and pitch bend wheels, and 1 assignable Fader (they help a lot for the mixing of a track in any DAW)
• Both have arpeggiator function, input jack for sustain pedal, USB port, and USB power.
• The Akai has as downloadable material: ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech Hybrid three, and SONiVOX Wobble. When the Novation includes the Novation V-Station software, Bass Station, Loopmasters sample pack, and Ableton Live Lite.
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 has the dimensions of 317 x 181 x 44 mm and a weight of 748 gr, while the Novation has the dimensions of 505 x 120 x 320mm and a weight of 1.8 kg.

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

There are two MIDI keyboards, with similar features, but one stands out in certain details. As we have already analyzed, the Akai MPC mini MK2 is a good MIDI controller, it has basic options to work with any DAW, and in comparison to the Novation Lauchkey 25 MK2 it has twice as many launch pads, and 1 Fader, which as commented in the face-to-face, is very useful when we are mixing a track and it is assigned to the gain fader of some specific DAW, having a higher precision in the levels. For this reason, and the price difference, it’s worth raising the level if you have the money.

And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 25 review.

Akai MPK mini MK2 vs Nektar Impact LX25+

The Akai MPK mini MK2 MIDI Keyboard and the Nektar Impact LX25+ are priced at approximately €79/£70/$81, with a similar price being a very interesting comparison:

• The Akai has 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to the MIDI language), while the Kektar has 25 full-size keys that are equally speed-sensitive.
• The Akai has 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) Pads, while the Nektar offers 8 Pads with 4 colored lights.
• The mini MK2 has 8 control knobs, and the Nektar has 8 assignable knobs and modulation and pitch bend wheels, and 1 assignable fader (very helpful for mixing a track in any DAW), 6 transport buttons (stop, rec, forward, reverse, etc), and 9 assignable buttons.
• The Nektar is compatible with each and every popular DAW: Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reason, Bitwig, and more. In addition to being Plug and Play.
• Both have arpeggiator function, input jack for sustain pedal, USB port, and USB power.
• The Akai has as downloadable material: ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech Hybrid three, and SONiVOX Wobble. When the Nektar includes the Bitwig 8-Track.
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 has the dimensions of 317 x 181 x 44 mm and a weight of 748 gr, while the Novation has the dimensions of 476 x 267 x 69mm and a weight of 1.8 Kg.

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

As before, we found a couple of good MIDI keyboards, but when it comes to general production functions we can say that the winner is the Nektar Impact LX25+ because of the low price it offers features that are very useful when using a specific DAW: the fader functions (excellent for mixing), transport buttons to move around in the audio clips, and Plug and Play is also highly valued, as it allows a direct connection to the computer. Not to mention that it has 25 full-size keys. Honestly, for the price it is, it is a gem. Without a doubt the best option!

And here’s a video of the Nektar Impact LX25+ keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Impact LX25+ review.

Akai MPK mini MK2 vs Alesis V25

The Akai MPK mini MK2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at about €79/£70/$81 while the Alesis V25 is priced at €75/£66/$73, but the difference is so small that this may vary, depending on the shop where you compare them.

• The Akai has 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to MIDI language), while the Alesis has 25 full-size keys that are equally speed-sensitive.
• The Akai has 8 MPC (Midi Production Center) Pads, while the Alesis offers 8 backlit Pads.
• The mini MK2 has 8 control knobs, and the Alesis has 4 assignable knobs, 4 buttons as well as modulation wheels and pitch bend.
• Both have arpeggiator function, input jack for sustain pedal, USB port, and USB power.
• The Akai has as downloadable material: ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech Hybrid three, and SONiVOX Wobble. When the Alesis includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download).
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 has dimensions of 317 x 181 x 44 mm and a weight of 748 gr, while the Novation has dimensions of 4.5 ” x 24.6 ” x 9.6 ” W x D x H and a weight of 5.5 lb.

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

And then a video of the Alesis V25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis V25 review.

What is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

Although the answer to this question lies mainly in what is the specific need you want, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible range of notes, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mixture between the two, 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 that the controllers demand, a kind of relationship price-quality.

As we could already notice in the comparisons, the Akai MPK mini MK2 is an excellent controller choice for beginners, thanks to its set of control functions, its sustain pedal input, and also it licenses that are really valued. However, and the best value for the money controller that we have in this post is the Nektar Impact LX25 + due to its full-size sensitive keys and its set of control functions that among others are: faders, rotary encoders, attributable buttons, 6 transport buttons, and more. If you have the budget and space, go for it, you will not regret it.

Where to buy the Akai MPK mini Mk2 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.
• 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:

• 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