Experts prefer Akai Pro MPK249 over Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
On 15 Jan 2025 (1 year ago) we went through 88 MIDI Controller expert endorsements .
Currently, Akai Pro MPK249 received 2 endorsements from Equipboard (28 Jul 2024) and Music Critic (16 Feb 2024). Meanwhile, Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII did not receive any endorsements this month.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | - | Check price |  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. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| N/A | N/A | $349 |  Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 28 Jul 2024 Equipboard ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #1
Rank MIDI Controller #1 out of 7 Akai Pro MPK249 ... ... Source: equipboard.com - On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #3
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 10 Akai Pro MPK249 Best Value... ... ... Source: musiccritic.com
As can be seen below, Akai Pro MPK249 is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is not.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com | guitarandmusicinstitute.com | Gearank | Keyboard Kraze | Sweetwater | Equipboard | Music Radar | Music Critic | Prime Sound | The Guitar Junky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | - | $99 |  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. | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| 3 | - | Check price | 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. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | - | $109 |  Arturia MiniLab MkII The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [6]
Total expert reviews: 6
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 5
| Highest score by midilifestyle.com | 100 |
| Average score based on 6 reviews | 100 |
| Lowest score by midilifestyle.com | 100 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [3]
Total expert reviews: 3
- with a score: 1
- without a score: 2
| Highest score by strongmocha.com | 100 |
| Average score based on 3 reviews | 100 |
| Lowest score by strongmocha.com | 100 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Pro Keyboard Performance - 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
- Beat Making Essentials - 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
- Read more
From Seller:
- THE BEST MUSIC-MAKING FLOW: Sensitive enough to accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of delicate playing, while still being robust enough to feel the energy of high-impact performances, KeyLab MkII is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. It comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can get creative safely in the knowledge that it can go the distance.
- Read more