Akai Pro APC key 25

$79.00

4.4 (639)

$99.00 New

$71.35 Used (Like New)

4.0 (6)

$85.95 4 available New

$45.00 9 available Used

$99.00

$99.00

4.5 (33)

$85.00

£74.00

Average Price: $84

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Akai Pro APC key 25 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

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Akai Pro APC key 25". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Designed for both budding producers and seasoned performers, the Akai Pro APC Key 25 is your portable powerhouse for music creation and live performance. This compact 25-key MIDI keyboard controller integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live, making it an indispensable tool for musicians who value flexibility and creativity. Its streamlined design combines a 5x8 grid of dynamic clip-launching pads with velocity-sensitive keys, allowing you to effortlessly switch between producing and performing.

Thanks to its eight assignable knobs, you can easily manipulate your audio parameters, giving you hands-on control over your soundscapes. Whether you're triggering samples, tweaking synths, or launching clips, the APC Key 25 offers a tactile experience that enhances your workflow. Lightweight and travel-friendly, this controller is perfect for artists on the move, fitting snugly into your backpack without compromising functionality.

The integration with Ableton Live is tight, with setup as simple as plug-and-play. The APC Key 25 is also versatile enough to work with other DAWs, providing an intuitive interface that adapitates to your creative needs. Whether you're composing in the studio or performing on stage, this MIDI controller is a reliable companion that empowers your musical journey.

Key Features:

25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
Integrated 5x8 clip-launch grid
Eight assignable knobs for control over parameters
Seamless integration with Ableton Live
Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
USB-powered for convenience and ease of use

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	APC Key 25
Finish	Black
Year	2014 - 2025
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Keys	25 Keys
Number of Pads	40 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai Pro APC Key 25 compatible with Ableton Live?: Yes, the Akai Pro APC Key 25 is designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live and comes with Ableton Live Lite software, making it an excellent choice for Live users.
How many keys and pads does the Akai Pro APC Key 25 have?: The Akai Pro APC Key 25 features a 25-key Gen 2 dynamic keybed and a 5x8 pad grid matrix with 40 RGB-backlit pads, providing comprehensive control options for music production.
What type of connection does the Akai Pro APC Key 25 use?: The Akai Pro APC Key 25 connects via USB MIDI, ensuring straightforward connectivity with most computers and DAWs.
Are the pads on the Akai Pro APC Key 25 velocity-sensitive?: The Akai Pro APC Key 25 features 40 RGB-backlit pads, which are designed for intuitive clip launching and are not velocity-sensitive.
Does the Akai Pro APC Key 25 have assignable controls?: Yes, the Akai Pro APC Key 25 includes eight assignable endless 360 rotary knobs, allowing for versatile control over your DAW parameters.
Is the Akai Pro APC Key 25 suitable for beginners?: The Akai Pro APC Key 25 is user-friendly and includes Ableton Live Lite software, making it an excellent choice for beginners interested in music production and performance.

Videos

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TribalLeaderMusic

Akai APC Key 25 Unboxing, First Impressions and Demo

TribalLeaderMusic

Akai Pro APC Key 25 Ableton Live Controller Review - SoundsAndGear.com

SoundsAndGear

Akai Pro Apc Key 25 (Demo)

Blupoint Music

Миди клавиатура AKAI APC KEY 25

PopMusicRu

Reviews

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PROS

Affordable and budget-friendly for beginners
Quick setup with minimal configuration required
Excellent integration with Ableton Live for easy clip launching
Compact and portable, ideal for on-the-go music creation
Great for jotting down musical ideas or sketches

CONS

USB socket may be prone to breaking
Flimsy construction raises durability concerns
Smaller than expected, limiting playability
Keys lack responsive touch sensitivity
Not suitable for live keyboard performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Pro APC key 25.

Software and compatibility

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Beginners might face challenges with MIDI when using computers and USB, as traditional MIDI ports offer more straightforward compatibility.
Source
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Resetting Ableton Live can resolve issues with key mapping, notably affecting the highest six keys on the APC Key 25 MKII.
Source
0 0

Enabling "Remote" in MIDI input settings allows remapping of the APC Key 25 MKII's knobs, contrary to some user experiences.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Akai APC Key 25, having only 25 keys, may be limiting for those wanting to play piano rather than just create beats.
Source
0 0

Both the APC Key 25 and Akai MPK Mini MK3 share the same key bed, offering a similar tactile response despite different feature sets.
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0 0

The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is noted for its internal sound capabilities, allowing standalone use, unlike the APC Key 25, which is a pure MIDI controller.
Source
0 0

The APC Key 25 MKII's knobs are locked to preset functions like Volume/Pan/Send/Device and cannot be remapped directly through Ableton, unlike other controllers.
Source

Comparisons

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An older Roland controller with 71 keys and proper MIDI ports is noted for its superior build quality compared to the more basic Akai APC Key 25.
Source
0 0

The APC Key 25 excels with Ableton integration, whereas the Akai MPK Mini MK3 offers standalone sound capabilities, providing different user experiences for specific needs.
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0 0

A newer alternative, the Mini Plus, offers 37 keys and an internal chord mode, appealing to users seeking more functionality than the APC Key 25.
Source

User experience

0 0

The Akai APC Key 25 is considered an entry-level model, with some users comparing its build quality unfavorably to brands like Behringer and Alesis.
Source
0 0

Some users experience issues with key mapping on one computer but not another, suggesting potential software or configuration discrepancies rather than hardware faults.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Ensuring Ableton's input is set to control and output to keys can resolve functionality issues with the APC Key 25 MKII.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai APC Key 25 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Pro APC Key 25 is a compact powerhouse for mobile musicians, perfectly blending keyboard functionality with extensive clip-launching capabilities. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for travel, fitting snugly alongside your laptop. However, the keyboard’s squishy feel might disappoint those seeking a more responsive touch, and the lack of pitch and mod wheels could be a downside for expressive performances. Despite these limitations, its practical layout and robust control options make it a compelling choice for live setups, especially for those who prioritize portability. If you're looking for a versatile tool to enhance your live performances, the APC Key 25 is worth considering, but be prepared for some trade-offs in key feel.

positive

Full Review

Akai APC Key 25 Ableton Controller Review

soundsandgear.com

The Akai Pro APC Key 25 shines as a compact, intuitive controller designed for Ableton Live users. With 25 synth-action mini keys and a seamless clip launch matrix, it enhances both performance and composition. The reviewer praises its ease of use right out of the box, making it a fantastic option for mobile setups. However, the absence of modulation and pitch-bend controls is noted as a significant drawback, leaving room for improvement. Despite this, its overall functionality and integration with Ableton secure a strong recommendation, with hopes for even larger versions in the future.

positive

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Electronic

Metal

Rock

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