Review MIDI keyboard Alesis Q25. Where to buy it?

Alesis is a company founded in the United States in 1980 that designs and markets electronic musical instruments, digital audio processors, audio mixers, drum amplifiers, digital audio interface amplifiers, recording equipment, drum machines, professional audio and electronic percussion products. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Alesis Q25 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.

• 25-note keyboard controller for melodic control of virtually any MIDI hardware and software
• Speed-sensitive keys
• USB and MIDI allowing for use with Mac and PC computers as well as MIDI hardware
• Tone and modulation wheels to capture the musical expression
• Backlit up/down buttons, allowing the keyboard to be expanded
• Assignable Volume / Input slider allows control of the most frequently used parameters
• Sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately)
• Delivered with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and performance
• Powered by USB
• Weight: 1.5 Kg
• Dimensions: 19 x 49,5 x 5,7 cm

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €58/£51/$59 and offers 25 full-size sensitive keys, having two octaves to play or compose different musical ideas using the sample library in the DAW you use.

It also features a pair of pitch bend and modulation wheels for expression modification, backlit octave up/down buttons and a volume fader.

It is USB powered, however, if it has an external power supply input, and also has a MIDI output. Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing, and performance.

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis Q25 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.

Alesis Q25 vs Akai MPK mini MK2

The Alesis Q25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €58/£51/$59 and the Akai MPK mini MK2 is priced at €79/£70/$81, with a difference of €29. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 speed-sensitive keys (MIDI intensity), the Alesis Q25 with full-size keys and the Akai MPK mini MK2 with synthesizer-action mini keys.
• The Alesis Q25 offers tone and modulation wheels for musical expression, backlit Up/Down Octave buttons, which allow you to extend the range of the keyboard, an assignable Volume/Data Input slider that allows control of the most frequently used parameters.
• The Akai MPK mini MK2 features 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repeat, an arpeggiator button and 8 assignable control knobs.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. Both have a sustain pedal input.
• The Alesis Q25 includes the Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and performance, and the Akai MPK mini MK2 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

In this comparison, we find good controllers, the Alesis Q25 we have already analyzed, and on the other hand, the Akai MPK mini MK2 that offers 25 mini synth-action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repetition, an arpeggiator button and 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, adjusting plugins and more. For the most features and quality of its pads, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 is the best choice, with an increase worth paying for the features it offers.

Here’s 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

Alesis Q25 vs Akai LPK 25

The Alesis Q25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €58/£51/$59 and the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42, but the difference is so small that this may vary depending on the shop where you ask. Here the face to face:

• Both offer 25 keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), the Alesis Q25 with full-size keys and the Akai LPK 25 with mini keys.
• The Alesis Q25 offers tone and modulation wheels for musical expression, backlit Up/Down Octave buttons that allow you to extend the range of the keyboard, and an assignable Volume/Data Input slider that allows control of the most frequently used parameters.
• The Akai LPK 25 offers an arpeggiator button, a sustain button, and octave Up/Down buttons, and finally, Tap Tempo.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. The Alesis Q25 allows input for a sustain pedal, which is not included.
• The Alesis Q25 includes the Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and performance, and the Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC included.

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

In this comparison, again we have a comparison between the Alesis Q25 that we have already analyzed before and the Akai LPK 25 that offers 25 mini keys, and buttons of arpeggiator, sustain octave up and down, and a tap tempo. As we noticed it is a very minimalist MIDI controller, and if we need something like that it will be a good choice, now if you feel more comfortable with normal keys the Alesis Q25 will be your choice.

And 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

Alesis Q25 vs Alesis V25

The Alesis Q25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €58/£51/$59 while the Alesis V25 is priced at €75/£66/$73, with a difference so small that this may vary depending on the store where we ask. Let’s go face to face:

• Both offer 25 full-size keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language).
• The Alesis Q25 offers tone and modulation wheels for musical expression, backlit Up/Down Octave buttons that allow you to extend the range of the keyboard, an assignable Volume/Data Input slider that allows control of the most frequently used parameters.
• The Alesis V25 features 8 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, plus up and down octave buttons that allow you to access the full keyboard range, also pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. The Alesis Q25 allows input for a sustain pedal, which is not included.
• The Alesis Q25 includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and playing, and the Alesis V25 includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download).

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

In our first comparison, we have two models of the Alesis brand, on one hand, the Alesis Q25 offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, tone and modulation wheels, octave up/down buttons, and slide control. On the other hand and is very similar to the previous one, the Alesis V25 which offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, 8 backlit pads, 4 knobs and 4 assignable buttons, as well as pitch and modulation wheels. If we notice, the Alesis V25 has more functions and is the best option with a small increase in price.

And here is 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.

Alesis Q25 vs Korg microKEY 25

The Alesis Q25 MIDI Keyboard and the Korg microKEY 25 has a price of €58/£51/$59, with the same price between both types of equipment we will have a very interesting comparison. Let’s go to it:

• Both offer 25 keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), the Alesis Q25 with full-size keys and the Korg microKEY 25 with Natural Touch mini keys.
• The Alesis Q25 offers tone and modulation wheels for musical expression, backlit Up/Down Octave buttons that allow you to extend the range of the keyboard, and assignable Volume/Data Input slider that allows control of the most frequently used parameters.
• The Korg microKEY 25 features an arpeggiator button, a Pitch-bend/Modulation joystick, and an Up/Down octave key.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. The Alesis Q25 allows input for a sustain pedal, which is not included.
• The Alesis Q25 includes the Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and performance, and the Korg microKEY 25 includes the Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite software.

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

We find an interesting and close comparison between these two MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the Alesis Q25 that has already been analyzed, and on the other hand, the Korg microKey 25 that offers 25 mini keys, an arpeggiator button, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, and octave keys up and down. As we can see they are two very similar controllers at the same price. As an advantage, the Alesis Q25 offers a sustain pedal input, so if you want this function, the Alesis will be your choice.

And here is a video of the Korg microKEY 25 keyboard

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

Alesis Q25 vs Miditech Midistart Music 25

The Alesis Q25 MIDI Keyboard and the Miditech Midistart Music 25 are priced at €58/£51/$59, just like the comparison above, both keyboards have the same price and the comparison will be interesting. Let’s get to it:

• Both offer 25 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language).
• The Alesis Q25 offers tone and modulation wheels for musical expression, backlit Up/Down Octave buttons that allow you to extend the range of the keyboard, and an assignable Volume/Data Input slider that allows control of the most frequently used parameters.
• The Miditech Midistart Music 25 offers a joystick for Pitchbend and Modulation and Octave +/- buttons.
• Both are USB powered, no external power supply is required. Both allow input for sustain pedal, which is not included.
• The Alesis Q25 includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for recording, sequencing and performance, and the Miditech Midistart Music 25 includes Magix Samplitude SE software.

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

In the last comparison, we have two almost identical keyboards on one side the already analyzed Alesis Q25 and the Miditech Midistart Music 25 that offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, octave buttons, a sustain pedal input and a MIDI output, as we can see the same functions as the Alesis Q25. So we have a very close comparison, although I would go for the Alesis because of its reputation in the market, it’s worth trying the Miditech.

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.

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.

And we can say that among these economical and somewhat minimalist controllers, the one that stands out the most thanks to its functions and features, is the Akai MPK mini MK2 which as we already know offers 25 mini keys, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, MPC pads, and assignable knobs, also a sustain pedal input and also its included licenses that make this one of the best controllers for beginners.

Where to buy the Alesis Q25 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