Review MIDI keyboard Alesis V mini. 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 V mini 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 speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • 4 assignable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.8 or later / PC with Windows 7 or later
  • Requires an available USB port
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)

review alesis-v-mini
This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €50/£44/$51 and offers 25 mini-size velocity-sensitive keys, which in its 2-octave range will allow us to play many musical figures.

It also offers 4 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, sustain buttons, and 4 assignable knobs, which will allow you to have moderate control over the DAW you are using.

It’s USB powered, so no external power supply is needed. The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini software editor (license by download) and xpand!2 (license by download).

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis V mini keyboard watch these related videos to know more.

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Alesis V mini vs Akai MPK mini Mk2

The Alesis V MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 and the Akai MPK mini MK2 is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

  • Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity, the Akai’s synthesizer action.
  • The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
  • The Akai MPK mini Mk2 features a thumbstick for pitch and modulation, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, an arpeggiator button and 8 assignable control knobs.
  • In connections, both are USB powered and the Akai has an additional input for a sustain pedal.
  • The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) 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

Alesis V mini

Akai MPK mini MK2
  • 25 speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • 4 assignable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.8 or later / PC with Windows 7 or later
  • Requires an available USB port
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)
  • 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

In this comparison we find the Alesis V mini, a MIDI controller with moderate functions, such as pads, pitch bend and modulation wheels, sustain knobs and buttons, as well as its 25 sensitive mini keys. On the other hand, the Akai MPK mini MK2 offers a 4-way thumbstick, high-quality MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, and knobs, not to mention its 25 mini synthesizer action keys. As you can see they are similar controllers, however, due to the quality of the pads and sustain pedal input, the Akai has a certain advantage over the Alesis, of course, there is also a relevant difference in money between them. If you have the budget go for the Akai MPK mini MK2.

And here’s a video of 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

Alesis V mini vs Akai LPK 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 while the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42, but the difference is so small that this may vary from store to store.

  • Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity.
  • The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
  • The Akai MPK mini Mk2 offers an arpeggiator button, a sustain button, octave up/down buttons and tap tempo.
  • When connected, both are USB powered and the Akai is plug and play.
  • The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) 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

Alesis V mini

Akai LPK 25
  • Twenty-five speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • Four speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • Four attributable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X one hundred and eight or following/computer with Windows seven or following
  • Free USB port required
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)
  • Works with virtually all audio software
  • 25 mini-format speed-sensitive keys
  • Arpeggiator
  • Sustain button
  • Octave Up/Down and Tap Tempo buttons
  • Plug&Play USB socket on Mac and PC without drivers
  • Fits neatly into a laptop bag or backpack
  • 4 programmable memory banks
  • Editor Software for Mac and PC included
  • Powered by USB port, no mains power cable required
  • Size: 9,65 x 34,04 x 2,79 cm
  • Weight: 0.635 kg

Again we have a comparison of the Alesis V mini, with another Akai product, this time the LPK 25, which is a very minimalist MIDI controller with 25 keys and buttons for arpeggiator, sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo. Although it also has the advantage that it is compatible with almost any DAW and is very portable, it can fit in a suitcase or even a pocket. If you are interested in something minimalist and portable the Akai LPK 25 will be your choice, if not for a few more euros the Alesis V mini offers more control functions.

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 V mini vs Miditech Midistart Music 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 when the Miditech Midistart Music 25 is priced at €58/£51/$60, but the difference is so small that this can vary. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

  • Both offer 25 keys with sensitivity, the Alesis has mini-size keys, and the Miditech has full-size keys.
  • The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
  • The Miditech Midistart Music 25 offers a joystick for Pitchbend and Modulation, and octave +/- buttons.
  • When connected, both are powered via USB.
  • The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Miditech Midistart Music 25 includes a Magix Samplitude SE software editor.

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

Alesis V mini

Miditech Midistart Music 25
  • Twenty-five speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • Four speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • Four attributable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X one hundred and eight or following/computer with Windows seven or following
  • Free USB port required
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)
  • 25 large keys with sensitivity
  • Joystick for Pitchbend and Modulation
  • Octave buttons +/-
  • MIDI output
  • USB port
  • Includes USB cable
  • Magix Samplitude SE
  • Size: 380 x 80 x 240 mm
  • Weight: 2.3 Kg

In this interesting comparison we have the already analyzed Alesis V mini, and in front of it is the Miditech Midistart Music 25 that has 25 normal size keys, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, and up and down octave buttons. If you want a keyboard with pads and knobs the Alesis will be your choice, if you are interested in the full-size keys the Miditech will be the best for you.

And here is a video of the Miditech Midistart Music 25 keyboard

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

Alesis V mini vs M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4

The Alesis V mini MIDI keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51, while the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 is priced at €125, let’s go face to face:

  • The Alesis V mini offers 25 mini-size keys, and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 has 49 full-size sensitive keys.
  • The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
  • The M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 features 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary knobs and 9 freely assignable faders, plus a transport button and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • When connected, both are powered via USB.
  • The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 includes Quickstart Guide, Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software).

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

Alesis V mini

M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
  • 25 speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • 4 assignable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.8 or later / PC with Windows 7 or later
  • Requires an available USB port
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)
  • 49 sensitive keys
  • 8 Sensitive Pads
  • 8 freely assignable rotary knobs
  • 9 freely assignable sliders
  • Transport button e.g. for DAW control
  • LCD screen
  • Powered by USB port
  • USB Midi
  • Sustain pedal connection
  • Includes USB cable, Quickstart Guide, Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software)
  • Dimensions: WxDxH 814 x 243 x 94 mm
  • Weight: 2.9 k

In this comparison, we have our Alesis v mini on one hand, and on the other a keyboard that is twice as expensive and is the M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 that offers 49 full-size sensitive keys, 8 pads, 8 rotary knobs, and 9 faders, all of which are assignable. Both are controllers, but at the same time very different, and depending on your needs you can see which one suits you best.

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.

Alesis V mini vs Akai APC Keys 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 while the Akai APC Keys 25 is priced at €72/£64/$73. Let’s see the face-to-face:

  • Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity. And the Akai has synthesizer action.
  • The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
  • The Akai APC Keys 25 offers a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch and 8 assignable faders.
  • When connected, both are powered via USB.
  • The Alesis V mini includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Akai APC Keys 25 includes software packages (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

Alesis V mini

Akai APC Keys 25
  • 25 speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
  • 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads
  • Pitch and modulation wheel
  • Sustain buttons
  • 4 assignable knobs
  • System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.8 or later / PC with Windows 7 or later
  • Requires an available USB port
  • Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)
  • 25-key mini Synth-Action keyboard
  • Smooth Integration into Ableton Live
  • 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for an indication of current clip status
  • Octave switch and Sustain
  • 8 Assignable Faders that Ableton Live Recognizes Automatically
  • Includes Software Package (Download versions): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packs
  • Powered by USB Class Compliant

In our last comparison, we have again the Alesis V mini, and on the other side the Akai APC Keys 25, a MIDI controller oriented towards the Ableton Live DAW, with its functions compatible with this audio software. It features 25 mini keys, a 5 x 8 clip launch matrix, i.e. 40 small illuminated pads, an octave and sustain switch and 8 assignable faders. If you work with Ableton Live, this will be a very good tool. If not, you can still work with other compatible DAWs.

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.

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 demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this post we have very cheap MIDI controllers with few functions, somewhat minimalist, however, the star product of this post is undoubtedly the Akai MPK Mini MK2 that because of its price offers excellent functions and features, that among others has: a 4-way joystick for pitch bend and modulation, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads of great quality and 8 assignable knobs, besides its sustain pedal connection and licenses that add in this product to make it an excellent option for beginners. Don’t hesitate to take it with you if you have the chance.

Where to buy the Alesis V mini 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:

Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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