ReviewFinder MIDI Controllers

Akai MPK Mini MKII 25

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Features
Connectivity
Size and Portability
Build Quality
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8 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [8]

79
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by Keyboard Kraze
90
Average score based on 8 reviews
79
Lowest score by Digital Piano Review
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
90
Akai MPK Mini MKII Review – Owner’s Honest Thoughts
The Akai MPK Mini MKII is a highly popular and affordable MIDI keyboard that offers great portability and functionality. While it may feel a bit cheap and lacks aftertouch, it is a reliable and cost-effective option for beginners and producers in need of a compact keyboard.
+ pros
  • Portability and functionality: The Akai MPK Mini MKII is highly portable and offers a range of features that make it functional for beginners and producers.
  • Affordable: The keyboard is known for its affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Compact design: The lightweight and compact design of the keyboard makes it easy to transport.
  • Works flawlessly with major DAWs: The MPK Mini MKII performs well and is compatible with popular digital audio workstations.
  • Bundled software: The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Air Music Tech Hybrid 3 software adds value to the keyboard.
- cons
  • Feels a bit cheap and may not be as durable: The keyboard's build quality may not be as sturdy as more expensive options.
  • Lacks aftertouch on keys and pads: The absence of aftertouch may be a drawback for advanced producers who rely on this feature for expressive playing.
88
Akai MPK Mini MKII review
The Akai MPK Mini MKII is a compact MIDI keyboard that offers exceptional value for its price. It has a great build quality, responsive keys, and integrates well with various software, making it a versatile and reliable option for musicians and producers.
+ pros
  • Quality, purpose-built construction: The build quality of the Akai MPK Mini MKII is excellent and feels sturdy.
  • Great quality mini keys: Despite being smaller than standard keys, the mini keys are still playable and responsive.
  • Cool thumbstick control: The addition of a thumbstick allows for dynamic modulation and pitch control, adding versatility to the controller.
- cons
  • Plastic, and a bit fragile: The controller is made of plastic and may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
  • Mini keys might be too mini for some: The smaller size of the keys may not be suitable for those who are used to playing on a full-size keyboard.
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Expert consensus

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile controller that is highly suitable for musicians and producers looking for a portable option for creating electronic music, playing synthesizer sounds, and controlling various parameters in music production software.

It features 25 synth-action mini-keys that are compact and responsive, allowing for expressive playing. The controller also includes 8 assignable knobs and 8 pads, providing flexibility and customization options for users. It has USB connectivity, making it easy to integrate into a digital audio workstation or music production software, and it also has a sustain pedal input for enhanced performance capabilities.

The controller is praised for its portability and compact design, making it convenient for on-the-go use. While there are some minor concerns about the build quality, overall it is considered to have good construction for its price range. Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 is a suitable choice for musicians and producers who need a compact and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling various parameters in their music production workflow.

Features

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile controller with synth-action mini-keys, assignable knobs, and pads, making it ideal for creating beats, producing electronic music, and playing synthesizer sounds.

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile controller that is designed for easy playability and is suitable for creating beats, producing electronic music, and playing synthesizer sounds. It features 25 synth-action mini-keys, which are compact and responsive.

These keys have intensity or sensitivity according to the MIDI language, allowing for expressive playing.

The controller also includes 8 assignable knobs, which can be used to control various parameters and settings in music production software. These knobs provide flexibility and customization options for users. Additionally, the controller has 8 pads, which can be used for triggering samples, creating drum beats, and adding dynamic elements to music production.

While there is some discrepancy regarding the presence of faders on the Akai MPK Mini MKII 25, it is worth noting that according to one review, the controller does have 1 fader, which can be helpful for mixing tracks in any digital audio workstation (DAW). This feature adds further versatility to the controller and allows for precise control over volume levels.

Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller offers a range of features that make it a suitable choice for musicians and producers looking for a compact and portable controller for creating electronic music, playing synthesizer sounds, and controlling various parameters in music production software.

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Connectivity

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 offers USB connectivity and a sustain pedal input jack, making it a versatile and compact MIDI controller for musicians and producers.

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 offers USB connectivity, allowing you to connect it directly to your computer. This makes it easy to integrate the controller into your digital audio workstation or music production software. The USB connection also provides power to the controller, eliminating the need for an external power adapter.

In addition to USB connectivity, the controller has a sustain pedal input jack. This allows you to connect a sustain pedal, which can greatly enhance your performance capabilities. Whether you're playing piano or other instruments, the sustain pedal can add depth and expression to your playing.

Overall, the connectivity options on the Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 are well-suited for musicians and producers who want a compact and versatile MIDI controller. The USB connection provides a seamless integration with your computer, while the sustain pedal input allows for enhanced performance capabilities.

Whether you're recording in the studio or performing live, this controller offers the connectivity options you need to create and express your musical ideas.

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Size and Portability

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 is a compact and lightweight MIDI controller that is highly portable and convenient for musicians and producers on the go.

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 is a compact and lightweight MIDI controller that is highly suitable for on-the-go use. It has dimensions of 317mm (length) x 181mm (width) x 44mm (height) and weighs only 748 grams or approximately 1. 65 pounds. This makes it easy to fit into a backpack or carry around, making it convenient for musicians and producers who are always on the move.

It does not come with a carrying case or bag, but users find it easy to place it in their backpacks alongside their laptops and take it anywhere they go. Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 is praised for its portability and compact design, making it a great option for those who need a MIDI controller that can be easily transported.

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Build Quality

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is generally praised for its impressive pad quality and construction, although some minor concerns are mentioned regarding the knobs and keys.

The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller generally receives positive feedback regarding its build quality. Experts praise its impressive pad quality and quality construction. However, there are some minor concerns mentioned in the reviews, such as the knobs lacking a satisfying click and feeling lightweight, as well as some complaints of flimsy keys.

Despite these issues, the controller is still considered to have good build quality for its price range. It is suitable for musicians and producers who are looking for a compact and affordable MIDI controller with decent build quality.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all MIDI controllers.

Rank Change Price MIDI Controller
guitarandmusicinstitute.com
Gearank
Keyboard Kraze
Sweetwater
Equipboard
Music Radar
Music Critic
Prime Sound
The Guitar Junky
E-Home Recording Studio
1
- Check price
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.
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7
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- $79
Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
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5
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4
3
- $360
Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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4
- $119
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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5
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Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 ranks #1 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
Editor's Choice
7 Sep 2024 (2 months ago)
Read article
Editor's Choice
17 Mar 2019 (5 years ago)
Read article

Highest recommended midi controllers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. midi controllers below are at the top of our ranking this December.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the midi controller for more details.
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 (this item) Akai MPK Mini MK3 Akai Pro MPK249 M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
Reviews
In comparison:
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 rank #1 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.8
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Akai MPK Mini MK3 rank #2 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.5
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Akai Pro MPK249 rank #3 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 rank #4 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Price
Price
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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