Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard main image

Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard image 2

Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard image 3

Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard

^# 36

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$107.32 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (222)

55 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Akai Professional MPK Mini Mk3

$75.40 - $145.00

4.5 (22)

Find out who is using Akai MPK Mini

2 community setups

65 wishlisted

486 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$107.32 1 available New

$44.99 8 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $84

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard is a compact powerhouse designed for musicians on the go. Perfectly tailored for both beginners and seasoned producers, this MIDI keyboard controller effortlessly bridges the gap between musical creativity and technological innovation. Featuring a 25-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, it offers a tactile and responsive playing experience, ensuring every nuance of your performance is captured. The keyboard is also equipped with backlit MPC-style pads, which are both velocity-sensitive and come with note repeat functionality, making beat creation intuitive and enjoyable.

Beyond its keys and pads, the MPK Mini provides a robust suite of controls, including assignable Q-Link knobs for hands-on control of your favorite DAW parameters and effects. This keyboard doesn't just stop at hardware; it includes a comprehensive software package, featuring MPC Beats, Air Hybrid, and Mini Grand, allowing you to start producing right out of the box. With its USB-powered design, it eliminates the need for an external power supply, making it a true portable solution for music creation.

Whether you’re laying down tracks in the studio or crafting beats in a coffee shop, the Akai MPK Mini adapts to your environment without compromising functionality.

Key Features:

25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys
8 backlit, velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with Note Repeat
8 assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more
USB powered, no external power adapter needed
Includes MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid, and Mini Grand software
Built-in arpeggiator for easy melody creation
Compact design ideal for travel and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPK Mini 25-Key MIDI Controller
Finish	Black
Year	2012 - 2014
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	25 Keys
Number of Pads	8 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai MPK Mini compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and FL Studio?: Yes, the Akai MPK Mini is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live and FL Studio, by using it as a MIDI controller to trigger sounds and control parameters.
Does the Akai MPK Mini require an external power supply?: No, the Akai MPK Mini is USB-powered, meaning it receives power directly from your computer when connected via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
How portable is the Akai MPK Mini for mobile music production?: The Akai MPK Mini is highly portable, featuring a compact design with mini keys and a lightweight build, making it ideal for mobile music production and easy to fit in a backpack.
Can I use the Akai MPK Mini with an iPad?: Yes, the Akai MPK Mini can be used with an iPad by using a compatible USB adapter, allowing you to control music apps that support MIDI input.
What type of pads does the Akai MPK Mini feature?: The Akai MPK Mini includes 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which are ideal for finger drumming and triggering samples, enhancing your creative workflow.

Videos

Add video

Shireworks

Tech Review: Akai MPK mini- Laptop Production MIDI Keyboard

Shireworks

Akai Professional MPK Mini: The Most COMPLETE REVIEW (2020) and instructions

Nerd Musician

AKAI MPK mini - Hands on Review

JRESHOW

Akai MPK mini Keyboard

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

AKAI MPK mini Review

Massive Music Academy

Akai Professional MPK Mini Laptop Keyboard and Pad Controller Review

hirudov

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Plug-and-play ease of use enhances home recording setups
Ideal for beginners with intuitive controls and compatibility with software like Logic Pro
Compact and sleek design combines multiple controllers into one for efficiency
Highly durable for extensive use, both in-studio and on-the-go
Features velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic performance
Offers extensive control with assignable knobs and octave control
USB powered and highly portable for on-the-road production
Compatible with various DAWs and performance software
Can be used with Android devices via OTG cable
Attractive design, available in different colors for aesthetic preference

CONS

Some users report durability issues with keys breaking off
Lacks replaceable parts, leading to concerns over long-term use
Missing rubber foot can cause instability and noise during use
Drum pads and keys may not meet the expectations of all users
Lack of a sustain pedal jack limits expression options
Some users find the included software and knob integration challenging
Reported issues with connectivity and software compatibility
The small size and mini keys may not suit all playing styles
Pads can be hard to trigger for some, affecting playability
Some users find the device's overall sensitivity and responsiveness lacking

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard.

Features and functionality

0 0

The MPK Mini MK3 includes an OLED display and has improved knob and control placement compared to the previous version.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the MPK Mini's modulation control and built-in drum pads as versatile features for various applications.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The keys are noted to feel plastic-y but are reported to be durable enough for a few years of use.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Some users find the included Akai software for configuration unstable on Mac, preferring to map controls directly in their DAW.
Source
0 0

Users find that Cakewalk is a recommended free DAW for beginners, offering full functionality to explore music production without initial cost.
Source
0 0

The included MPC Essentials software is criticized for being limited to single-track production, rendering it impractical for full song creation.
Source
0 0

FL Studio’s unlimited trial is suggested for beginners, though it limits saving projects, offering a balance of features and accessibility for learning.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The MPK Mini MK3 is considered a cost-effective tool for creating demos and synthesizing various instrument sounds when space is limited.
Source
0 0

The MPK Mini is frequently used for recording lead and bass lines, auditioning sounds, and sound design, though it may be restrictive for complex compositions.
Source
0 0

Cakewalk is highlighted for its user-friendly interface, making it a suitable starting point for young producers transitioning from phone apps.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

It's recommended to explore the used market for the MPK Mini, as many users outgrow it, often making it available at a lower cost.
Source
0 0

Users suggest considering the MPK Mini as a secondary, portable controller if upgrading to a larger keyboard in the future.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners often find 25 keys sufficient for creating basic parts and melodies, especially if not playing with two hands.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Some users who require more keys for complex ideas pair the MPK Mini with larger keyboards like the Keystation 49.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

An external USB sound card is recommended for improved audio quality and performance, suggesting the Behringer UMC22 as a budget-friendly option.
Source

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 55 Reviews and 222 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

charlesbostwick

118

about 11 years ago

Ultralite, Ultraportable, exactly what I needed for my travels!

I absolutely love my Akai professional MPK mini. I am constantly traveling for work and fun and the Mini is super easy to just toss into my carry on and take with me anywhere I go. Not only is it great for traveling I use it at home all the time. I personally produce with LogicPro and when I plugged in this midi device I was instantly jamming out and throwing down sick melodies! Great product for a great price!

engineeermusic

415

over 10 years ago

Very handy, but drum pads and knobs need improvement

This little fellow is always with me, when I travel. It fits in the backpack together with a pair of headphones and a notebook. Ableton recognizes it very well. But I am not so much impressed by the drum pads. The knobs are simple. i wish it would have endless LED knobs, instead of the regular knobs.

ktrain

about 7 years ago

It's pretty fun for a music producer of any level!

A lot of people can be seen using the Mpk Mini on various social media platforms. They are quite popular, and in my opinion, they are easy to adjust to.

jalenjenkins247

112

about 6 years ago

its tight

Don't have anything bad to say about this, pair it with ableton and let your mind goooooooooooooooooooooooo

Roles:

Guitarist Drummer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Electronica

princedrank

282

over 6 years ago

I smashed it cause fuck that shit IDGAF and then upgraded to the AKAI ADVANCE PRO 49 and then AKAI MPK249

ehh it's mid, each to their own ....................... buy what you like, I don't love this, I guess it's good if you want something small. The AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPK249 is a 5 star that's the way to go...

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Hip Hop Southern hip hop

john_withers

815

over 7 years ago

Useful

I have found this to be useful as a portable MIDI controller but to be honest I don't use it often. It does what it says it does hehe.

samuel_thompson

158

about 7 years ago

Perfect little MIDI controller

For the money and portability. I use this to create all my synthesizer sounds in Logic

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

rigobeartoee

over 10 years ago

Perfect starting keyboard

When I first started to produce, I instantly wanted a midi keyboard. I decided on this one after reading some reviews, and I did not regret it. I feel it is the perfect introduction to midi keyboards, and I am glad I chose it. It is also very easy to bring places.