Idea Maker On The Go And The Basic Foundation of Production & DJ

The Akai MPK Mini MK2 which is well known used by various DJ & Producer was my first MIDI Keyboard after going through hour less research.

It light and it easy to bring it around. So even when I'm on the road I can bring it along with me if I have a sudden melody idea. The arpeggiator function is also one of the many reason why i have selected it as a lot of budget MIDI Controller does not have this function. Taking advantage of this feature makes my production more interesting

Furthermore, Im also started learning how to DJ with it by mapping DJ Functions with Virtual DJ before I own a proper DJ Controller. Until now, I am still using it to play samples along with my DJ Sets once in a while

One draw back may be the responsive of the key, somehow they count be detect if you are playing it too fast

Best budget MIDI Controller with a twist

In the earliest day of my music production, I have been looking for a budget 25 keyboard MIDI Controller as a foundation of learning music production. Back then there are a lot of choice such as the Novation Key, Alesis V25 as well as Arturia Keylab Mini, M-Audio back in 2017.

After much research I narrowed down to the Novation LaunchKey 25 and the Akai MPK Mini Mk2. But because I already own a Novation Launchpad Mini which has the same software, I went of the Akai MPK Mini MK2 instead.

But still I have to agree that the Akai MPK MIni MK2 is consider the king of budget MIDI Controller of a specific function which stand out a lot from other competitor, the Arpeggiator function which I'm still using it often until today.

Other than that, this controller is also part of my DJ Setup until today

Great MPC-style pads as one might expect, but mediocre keys

Pros:

• Just like the MPC, the MPK pads are responsive, appropriately firm and feel good to hit. They're also bigger than the Arturia Minilab's pads, making finger drumming easier.
• The knobs are smooth and not "jumpy."

Cons: - The synth-action keyboard is stiff and doesn't feel good. Since the keys are hard to press, it's hard to play with even velocity. - The MPK mk2 editor software DOES NOT work on current Macs. It immediately crashes when you try to change anything.

its good for beginners

it is my first midi keyboard and its good! however one of the keys (first from the left G#) stopped working

Great portable controller

Fits in a backpack and has plenty of buttons to map to whatever software you're using. The keys feel a bit cheap but that's about the only trade-off. Tons of functionality, great portability, and a low price point make up for any shortcomings.

A great starter midi controller

Compact and Versatile is what describes this Akai midi controller. Provides all the essentials to create beats whether you are a pro or just a beginner getting your foot in the door! The 8 pads included are extremely sensitive which provides a quick response. 25 keys is fine especially for it being a mini controller, the only minor complaint I have about it are the small keys. Can create some tension in your arms when you using for a period of time, other than that I am satisfied!

Great little beginner MIDI keyboard! Great pad sensitivity and very functional keys for the low price.

The Akai MPK Mini Mk2 is an exceptional little MIDI keyboard, well worth its retail value. In addition to 25 non-weighted keys, the keyboard has 8 velocity sensitive pads and 8 programmable knobs. There are also two banks of pads, which means that you functionally have 16 pads. The compatible software makes customizing your experience stellar.

Decent Little Keyboard

The MPK Mini MKII is worlds apart from the MKI and is a lot better. The USB cable is now full sized rather than Micro USB, and there is now a Sustain Pedal input for the serious keyboard players. It even comes with more software including Sonivox Wobble and Air! Hybrid 3.

Nice Controller!

This is a sweet controller! It's hard to complain about it, as it does everything it is advertised to do. I see a lot of reviews where people complain about the action of the key bed and the size of the knobs, although this product is not designed to be the optimal keyboard controller for performance. This controller is designed for portability. Keep that in mind. The construction is pretty solid. The keys do feel a bit flimsy though. Also, the joystick feels a bit cheap. But once again, this thing is only 100 bucks. Can't complain about too much for that price. The arpeggiator is a really nice addition as well.

This thing is really fun!

It's really practical and fun to use, pads are good keys are ok, you can get a lot more of it when used with the midi editor included, the only reason why I give it 4 stars is because 2 keys started to fail on me so I had to open the thing to clean it up, easy fix but not everyone would do it.