The Best MIDI Keyboards of the AKAI brand

Let’s go with a selection of the most sought-after and most valued MIDI keyboards for this brand. This is a selection based on different parameters such as quality, sales leader and positive reviews.

Keyboard Akai MPK mini Mk2

This keyboard usually has a price around 88.00 €

  • 25 Synth-Action keys
  • 4-Way joystick for powerful pitch/modulation adjustment
  • 8 MPC pads with note repeat
  • Arpeggiator
  • 8 Assignable control pods for mixing, plugIn-control and much more
  • 6.3 mm jack input for sustain pedal (The most important pedal of a piano or keyboard is the sustain pedal and is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key.)s
  • Power supply via USB, power adapter not required
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 317 x 181 x 44 mm
  • Weight: 748 g
  • Including software program (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai professional MPC Essentials

review akai-mpk-mini-mk2

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai MPK mini Mk2 watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

I mainly utilize this device for Hip-Hop Beat producing which I began half this past year plus it’s definately an excellent device to obtain a feel for Keys and a midi-controller as a whole.

Let’s have a look at the pro’s and cons with this product real quick:

Pros:
+ (perhaps the largest pro) the purchase price. You really get a computer device that is great good your money can buy.
+ best for beginners. You’ve got easy features and a ton of tutorials online.
+ practicability, and enormous flexibility. The MPK mini II Mk2 is big enough in a Laptop case with my Computer and carry it with me nearly wherever I get you could hit every key and knob without pushing other buttons by accident and little sufficient you could take it fundamentally anywhere you want to get – I started using it. Whats also great is it’s powered via your USB port at your Computer, and that means you don’t have to be concerned about the effort with power cables.

Con(s):
– the Setup using the computer software is a very complicated process at first, thats something AKAI could’ve done better I guess. I had to put in like 40 programs on my Computer and register it everywhere before generally making it work with FL Studio, but when you get through this process it absolutely was definately worth the hassle!

All in most, the AKAI MPK mini Mk2 is a very really good midi for beginners and I’d definately suggest this to my friends (which I did currently really). It covers all of your needs to get started and gives you the possibility to start getting a feel for keys and midi controllers. The only thing that could be easier could be the setup that is first. But even that is explained regarding the AKAI internet site, therefore as soon as you’re through it you’ll finally enjoy your product.

Comment:

I am a producer with small to no familiarity with music concept. It was my first Item I could not be more pleased that I purchased from this website and. It took less than two weeks for my purchase to reach therefore the time that is whole was updated on where the parcel ended up being.

Installation could not be any easier and is sold with a lot of free software included. The cost can be perfect for something so sleek looking, has a fantastic design and contains multiple features.

As i mentioned earlier i have no idea lots of music theory asides from knowing which notes match on some scales but the creativeness just exploded particularly composing chords. i happen more creative in these final 14 days of using the controller compared to the final 6 months using a keyboard that is pc. Although it is light weight it’s still strong and it is really portable and comfortable to use.

Definetly pleased with this product while the website and would 100% recommend for novice producers such as for example myself.

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai MPK mini Mk2.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai MPK mini Mk2.

Keyboard Akai LPK 25

This keyboard usually has a price around 44.00 €

  • USB-MIDI Controller functions with almost any audio software
  • 25 Velocity sensitive mini keys
  • Arpeggiator
  • Sustain button
  • Octave down and up along with faucet tempo keys
  • Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC requires no driver installation
  • completely fits in a new laptop bag or in a backpack
  • Four programmable memory banking institutions
  • computer software editor for Mac and PC included
  • Power supply via USB Bus – no importance of one more power supply
  • Dimensions: 9.65 x 34.04 x 2.79 cm
  • body weight: 0.635 kg

review akai-lpk-25

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai LPK 25 watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

The LPK 25 is a fairly low priced MIDI controller from an excellent, respectable brand name. The style’s price and simpleness is quite attractive, but one must consider it’s uses.

Pros:
-Cheap and gets the work done.
-A few programmable buttons that can offer you good usage.
-Almost plug&play, with barely the need to do just about anything to get it working.
-Attractive design. Appears really expert.

Cons:
-Compared to it’s big brothers, the button features are instead restricted, which is to be expected.
-The design may be appealing to the attention, but not so much to the arms. A little is believed by it like inexpensive synthetic but doesn’t break because easily.
-The tips perform alright, but substandard of everything you’d expect.

Bottom line, another good bang-for-the-buck MIDI controller. Probably the greatest at this cost. If you’re able to have the ability to save a bit more, I highly reccomend benefiting from regarding the better items Akai provides in contrast.

Comment:

I have had this keyboard for about a year now. It’s utilized by me with Garageband Midi instruments, and works wonderfully. I do not use the other features a part from the buttons that are octave. It can help me personally to quickly produce rhythm beats, some melody ideas, or experiment with arrangements.
though it may feel just like an inexpensive piece of gear, that is strictly just what it’s, the purchase price is great, the keyboard sensitiveness is right, additionally the not enough several choices make it a simple to operate midi keyboard.
If you’re starting creating at home, making some songs and demos, this is perfect I think.
If you might be a seasoned producer, and appear into heightened midi features, better sensitivity, then you will need a far more advanced MIDI keyboard.

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai LPK 25.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai LPK 25.

Keyboard Akai APC Keys 25

This keyboard usually has a price around 75.00 €

  • Smooth integration with Ableton Live
  • 5×8 Clip-launch grids with 3-colour lighting show present clip status
  • Octave switch and maintain button
  • 8 Assignable controllers are immediately recognised by Ableton Live
  • Power supply via USB
  • Class Compliant – no motorists required
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • Hybrid3 by AIR Music Tech
  • SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer
  • Toolroom Reports Artist Establish Packs

review akai-apc-keys-25

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai APC Keys 25 watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

I utilize this controller as a mixer and midi trigger for my daw, triggering numerous synths as well as adjusting various parameters along with it.

this small keyboard is great for th eprice as well as the simple and fast integration with your daw (no drivers required )
me personally using ableton live

being lightweight it is extremely convenient to carry around and usually fits in your average case

overall wouldn’t normally change it with any such thing for my day to time daw needs !

Comment:

this is perfect for what i required. So it 4 movie stars for me i have to provide. Links up with Ableton instantly , USB powered, compact, great controller for some body starting before shifting to another location step up.

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai APC Keys 25.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai APC Keys 25.

Keyboard Akai MPK mini MK2 white

This keyboard usually has a price around 79.00 €

  • 25 synth-action keys
  • 4-way joystick for dynamic pitch / modulation control
  • 8 MPC pads with note repeat
  • Arpeggiator
  • 8 assignable controls for combining
  • Plug-in control and much more
  • 6.3 mm jack input for sustain pedal
  • Power supply via USB, energy supply not required
  • Dimensions: 317 x 181 x 44 mm
  • body weight: 748 g
  • Colour: White
  • Incl. software program (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR musical Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

review akai-mpk-mini-mk2-white

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai MPK mini MK2 white watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

this is actually the 2nd one i have actually bought as i provided someone to a buddy it was that good i got another. Amazing price, amazing functions and amazing appearance….. get buy one

Comment:

Great item because of it’s cost. And extremely gorgeous! 😉

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai MPK mini MK2 white.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai MPK mini MK2 white.

Keyboard Akai MPK 261

This keyboard usually has a price around 444.00 €

  • 61 Semi-weighted keys
  • 16 MPC Pads with RGB lighting
  • 8 assignable knobs, sliders and switches each
  • Inputs for expression and sustain pedal
  • Arpeggiator
  • MPC Note repeat
  • MPC complete level
  • Tap tempo and time division
  • Backlit LCD indicator
  • DAW Integration through comprehensive transportation and parameter control
  • Assignable buttons for keyboard commands
  • 2 x Jack input for expression pedal
  • 1 x Jack input for sustain pedal
  • USB MIDI and 5-Pin MIDI in/ out
  • iOS Compatible with Apple Camera onnection kit (perhaps not included)
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 905 x 311 x 86 mm
  • body weight: 6.85 kg
  • Incl. Software downloads: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

review akai-mpk-261

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai MPK 261 watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

I’ve had nothing but difficulty with this particular MIDI controller. What’s advertised as "Ableton friendly" is probably the controller that is worst you will get with this DAW.

Firstly, if you prefer remote settings, then you definitely’ll need to resort to old presets (age.g. MPK 88, MPK 61) because MPK 261 presets will not work the manner in which you imagine them to exert effort.

the main basis for my rating? Absolute/relative values. You CANNOT use relative CC values for your "endless" encoders. There clearly was a work around for the MPK225 Python files, I did, the outcome had been: no remote access therefore I tried that, but no matter what. AKAI has a great amount of forum subjects regarding this, and you’ll be pointed towards an internet site which advises establishing your surface control MIDI to the older (MPK49, MPK61, MPK88 etc.) models… which will give you handy remote control, BUT their python files are very different, and I’m maybe not a coder.

the issue could possibly be fixed evidently, but head over to AKAI forums to see how much "support" you’ll receive… promises dating back to to several years.

AKAI’s AIR Hybrid plugins have actually fantastic patches, but will wreak havoc on work by using MAX for Live (which I do for LFO-s). This is discovered after attempting to finish a project that is huge but got stuck along with it. Contacted Ableton and they reassured me personally it’s not totally all within my mind. Both Ableton and Cycling ’74 (Max for reside) tried to achieve away to AIR, many times, to no avail. Months worth of effort put in my task had been wasted.

Overall this is certainly a superior quality device with great secrets, great faders and knobs. It’s like a sports vehicle without an engine. Useless. Any such thing that’s basic general settings of knobs and lack of instant automapping makes this product useless in my eyes. And it, well best of luck with ILOK in the event that you want to sell! You will need it…

I don’t recommend this!

Comment:

applying this keyboard for creating music in my own house studio, very comfortable, good-looking, solid tool. Keys feel really pleasant when you touch it, like the piano that is real.

Comes with effective computer software: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR musical Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble while the Akai Pro MPC Essentials, but I’m utilizing it with Logic Pro.

Special because of Thomann GmbH, Your distribution and notification services work great, it took only 5 days to provide parcel to Estonia, You achieved it with real German precision, quality and obligation. It had been my first experience of utilizing your store, and I can state, that this is the most useful solution among online retailers I’ve ever met.

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai MPK 261.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai MPK 261.

Keyboard Akai MPK 249

This keyboard usually has a price around 329.00 €

  • 49 Semi-weighted keys
  • 16 MPC pads with RGB lighting
  • Per 8 assignable knobs, sliders and switches
  • Inputs for expression and sustain pedal
  • Arpeggiator
  • MPC Note repeat
  • MPC Full level
  • Tap tempo and time division
  • Backlit LCD indicator
  • DAW Integration through comprehensive transport and parameter control
  • Assignable buttons for keyboard commands
  • 1 x jack input for phrase pedal
  • 1 x jack input for sustain pedal
  • USB-MIDI and 5-Pin MIDI In/Out
  • IOS Compatible with Apple Camera connection kit (maybe not included)
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 737 x 311 x 89 mm
  • body weight: 5.71 kg
  • Incl. computer software downloads: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai professional MPC Essentials

review akai-mpk-249

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai MPK 249 watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

Awesome controller! Now I have actually a possibility to manage my VST libraries in a fashion that is completely various. The way of music that is writing become various. I use the MPC style drum pads and preset tailor-made for my plugins if I need to make a beat. The strings and synths haven’t sounded so practical as now. Because of the faders and encoders, now I are able to handle all the parameters of my libraries and use the total 100% potential of my instruments being digital. There is a problem aided by the pedal that is sustain. The polarity in the controller is not modified and in purchase to not buy a new pedal, I had to reset the input associated with the expression pedal to the office as a pedal that is sustain. So I think that this is certainly a purchase that is great. Thank you Thomann for your solution that is great and. Looking forward to make my next purchase from your shop.

Comment:

I make use of the MPK 249 xfor electronic music production, primarily on PC to control VSTs but also with outside gear (Korg mini synth) or even to get a grip on the automation inside the DAW (with faders and rotary knobs). I have always been generally very happy aided by the product, because:
+ Design the most compact, I really like the type factor with pitch and mod wheel at the top
+ Lot of control. With or without Akai VIP you are able to alter your soft synth parameters in real time with faders and knobs
+ presets work well on Cubase, factor, Ableton (all 3 were tested). Further presets for several main daws (Logic, FL Studio, professional Tools, Bitwig, Studio 1) exist, I would not test them physically…
+ Nice synth action keys, top quality
+ materials. It really is most plastic (like 99% Keyboard controllers) except huge metal base however it is high quality and well developed: no undesired play, no noise, squeak whatsoever
+ bundled software
+ MIDI production (if you have additionally some old equipment around). Or even linked to USB it requires but a PSU, that is not included
+ USB driven, no PSU needed with USB cable
+ Pads are usable (good plastic product with Light-emitting Diode lights),
– Quite pricey, but it is well developed and it has a lot of features

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai MPK 249.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai MPK 249.

Keyboard Akai MPK miniplay

This keyboard usually has a price around 99.00 €

  • Very compact keyboard controller for regarding the go
  • 25 Touch-sensitive synth-action mini-keys
  • 8 Backlit pads with Note Repeat and Full degree function (x2 banks)
  • 4 Controls for modifying internal sounds or parameters (x2 banks)
  • 128 Built-in noises and 10 drum kits
  • Built-in speaker
  • OLED show
  • Pitch / modulation joystick
  • Arpeggiator
  • 3.5 mm Headphone output
  • 6.3 mm maintain pedal input
  • USB port
  • Power supply: 3x AA batteries or USB bus power
  • Dimensions: 312 x 172 x 46 mm
  • Weight: 450 g
  • ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, AIR musical Tech Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Wobble (down load)

review akai-mpk-miniplay

Now that we have seen the features of this keyboard Akai MPK miniplay watch this related video to learn more.

Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

I bought this simply to mess around with at house. It’s really enjoyable and it’s really great it may be used standalone. I’ve run it through my electric guitar to my loop pedal and you may make some great backing tracks along with it. Being able to run it on batteries is another feature that is great the built in speaker is a little lacking but that does not bother me personally as I’m either using it with headphones or through an amp. I would certainly suggest it.

Comment:

Very good!!! Fast distribution, 2 stickers, good feedback!!
I ordered from tomman more often than once rather than remained unhappy!!!

because of Thomann team!!!!

And you have the following options to buy the keyboard Akai MPK miniplay.

And if you want to know more about this model you can find here the review of this keyboard Akai MPK miniplay.

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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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