Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$129.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (13)
$129.00
Amazon
4.6 (2215)
$129.00 New
$115.81 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$104.49 New
$76.04 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$129.00
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$129.00
B&H
5.0 (3)
$129.00
Thomann
4.5 (200)
$102.00

Average Price: $117

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 25-key Portable Keyboard and MIDI Controller". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity on the go with the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 25-key Portable Keyboard and MIDI Controller. Designed for musicians who find inspiration everywhere they go, this compact powerhouse makes it easy to transform your ideas into full-fledged melodies without being tethered to a power source. With over 14 hours of battery life, the MPK Mini Play3 ensures your creative flow isn't interrupted, while an upgraded built-in speaker delivers a richer, more immersive audio experience.

The heart of the MPK Mini Play3 beats with the Gen 2 keybed, offering dynamic performances and accurate velocity response that will captivate both your fingers and ears. The tactile, velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads bring an authentic feel to your percussion parts, making every beat count. Beyond its performance capabilities, this keyboard doubles as a potent MIDI controller, easily connecting to your favorite DAW for seamless music production.

Equipped with a suite of powerful software, including MPC Beats and plug-ins from AIR Music Technology, the MPK Mini Play3 is not just an instrument but a comprehensive music creation station. Whether you're crafting beats on a park bench or laying down melodies in your studio, this controller adapts to every environment. Its portability, combined with a vast array of sounds and intuitive controls, offers a limitless canvas for your musical expressions.

Key Features:

  • 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action mini keys
  • Over 100 built-in drum and instrument sounds
  • Enhanced built-in speaker with expansive low-end response
  • Gen 2 dynamic keybed for expressive performances
  • 8 MPC drum pads with velocity sensitivity
  • 4 assignable knobs for versatile control over MIDI parameters
  • Battery-powered for ultimate portability, also USB powered
  • Includes MPC Beats DAW software, plus instruments from AIR Music Technology
  • 1/8" headphone output for private listening and composition
  • Plug-and-play compatibility for easy integration with your music production setup

Owner's manual

Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 25-key Portable Keyboard and MIDI Controller User Manual

Product specs

Type Keyboard & Pad Controller
Number of Keys 25
Type of Keys Mini-keys
Velocity Sensitive Yes
Pads 8 x Velocity-sensitive MPC Drum Pads
Other Controllers Pitchbend/Mod Joystick
Encoders/Pots 4
Presets Over 100 internal Drum/Instrument sounds, 8 x User Favorites
Headphones 1 x 1/8"
Pedal Inputs 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain)
MIDI I/O USB
USB 1 x Type B
Computer Connectivity USB
Features Built-in Speaker, 7-mode Arpeggiator
Software MPC Beats, AIR Music Technology Instrument Bundle, Melodics Educational Package
Power Supply USB bus power / 4 x AA batteries
Height 2.3"
Width 12.5"
Depth 7.0"
Weight 1.9 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 have built-in sounds?

Yes, the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 features over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds, allowing you to play without needing a computer.

Can the Akai MPK Mini Play3 be used without a computer?

Yes, the MPK Mini Play3 can operate independently using its built-in speaker and battery power, making it ideal for on-the-go music creation.

Is the Akai MPK Mini Play3 suitable for beginners?

The Akai MPK Mini Play3 is beginner-friendly, offering a compact design, built-in sounds, and included software that makes it easy to start creating music right away.

What power options are available for the Akai MPK Mini Play3?

The MPK Mini Play3 can be powered via USB bus power or with 4 AA batteries, providing flexibility for both studio and portable use.

How does the Akai MPK Mini Play3 connect to a computer?

The Akai MPK Mini Play3 connects to a computer via USB, allowing seamless integration with DAWs and virtual instruments.

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

MPK mini play mk3 | Play Music Anywhere

Video thumbnail for MPK mini play mk3 | Play Music Anywhere by AkaiProVideo

MPK mini play mk3 | Play Music Anywhere

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for CoffeBeats #36 - Live looping with AKAI mini play and iPhone by coffebeats

CoffeBeats #36 - Live looping with AKAI mini play and iPhone

coffebeats

coffebeats

Reviews

PROS

  • Surprisingly good sound for its size

  • Customizable velocity curve enhances playability

  • Built-in sounds and effects offer broad creative potential

  • Portable, fits easily in a bag for on-the-go use

  • Dual-purpose Favorites feature for sound and program selection

  • Joystick adds expression control, unique for mini MIDI controllers

  • Editor software allows sound and setting customization

  • Can be used standalone with built-in speaker or headphones

  • Good build quality and responsive keys and pads

  • Suitable for all levels, from beginners to more advanced users

CONS

  • Initial software setup can be confusing and problematic

  • Editor lacks option to invert control change values for joystick

  • Built-in speaker quality is not the best

  • Modulation joystick made of scratchy foam, feels cheap

  • Limited to 270° knobs due to onboard sound features

  • Lacks infinite encoders and CC/PC message options for pads

  • Onboard sounds could use more variety and quality improvements

  • Headphone jack is 3.5mm, not standard 1/4" for music gear

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 25-key Portable Keyboard and MIDI Controller.

Build quality

  • The joystick on the MPK Mini Play3 has been noted to have a noticeable wiggle, impacting precision during use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The built-in speaker on the MPK Mini Play3 is criticized for being too quiet, limiting its effectiveness for portable practice.

    Source
  • The MPK Mini Play3 includes an aux port for connecting to external speakers, recommended to overcome the weak built-in speaker.

    Source
  • The MPK Mini Play3 lacks a sequencer, limiting its ability to save and transfer MIDI work to a DAW later.

    Source
  • The MPK Mini Play MK3 requires 4 AA batteries, compared to 3 AA batteries for the original Play, offering potentially longer battery life.

    Source
  • Pads on the MPK Mini Play MK3 have a more authentic MPC feel despite being smaller, providing a tactile experience preferred by some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Arturia Keystep is mentioned for superior build quality compared to the MPK Mini Play3, particularly in terms of keybed feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its limitations, the MPK Mini Play3 is valued for its portability, allowing practice around the house without needing additional equipment.

    Source
  • Ideal for casual use, like noodling while watching TV, but not effective for serious music production due to its limitations.

    Source
  • It's considered suitable for long road trips with kids, although a 32 or 49 key variant might be more desirable for extended play.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The MPK Mini Play3's sequencer integrates well with MPC software, efficiently placing notes and allowing easy switching to chords and scales.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest purchasing from Amazon or Sweetwater for better return policies, especially noting a price point under $100 as a worthwhile risk.

    Source
  • The MPK Mini Play MK3 typically costs about $160 USD when purchased used, compared to around $100 USD for the older Play model.

    Source

User experience

  • The upper half of the MPK Mini Play MK3's design is angled towards the user, enhancing ergonomics during play.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPK Mini Play MkIII

soundonsound.com

The Akai MPK Mini Play MkIII is an intriguing blend of portable keyboard and MIDI controller, featuring decent onboard sounds and an enjoyable arpeggiator. However, its dual functionality can lead to confusion, especially when connected to a DAW, where documentation is lacking and usability becomes tricky. While it excels as a standalone instrument thanks to its improved keys and vibrant design, it falls short as a MIDI controller—lacking essential controls and experiencing compatibility issues. Ultimately, it offers fun for casual playing but doesn't fully realize its potential in a professional setting.

Akai MPK Mini Play MK3 review: flexible and portable with passable onboard sounds

musictech.com

The Akai MPK Mini Play MK3 presents a mixed bag for musicians on the go. Its compact design and portability are definite highlights, along with impressive MPC drum pads that elevate performance. However, the onboard sounds lack depth and originality, coming off as somewhat generic, while the built-in speaker can distort at higher volumes. The build quality feels plasticky, which may deter those looking for durability. While it serves as a handy tool for sketching ideas, the MPK Mini Play MK3 may not fully satisfy those seeking robust sounds or a premium feel, making it a decent, if not exceptional, choice in the portable controller market.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thejamiesimpson

Love it!

I love the stand alone feature on this midi controller! Although it would be cool if you could edit the sounds and use your own for when it's in stand alone mode, still it's great. Whenever I feel inspired, I can just pick it up and start playing it right then and there.

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Gear IQ 2138

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If you just need a midi go for the midi version but if you want internal sound use the play

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