Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller main image

Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller image 2

Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller image 3

Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller

^# 79

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

$88.00 to $198.36 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (12)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Alesis VI25 25 Key

5 community setups

3 wishlisted

26 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (1539)

$198.36

View Deal

4.0 (5)

$88.00 2 available Used

View Deal

$179.00

View Deal

Average Price: $155

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller 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

Unleash your musical creativity with the Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller, a powerhouse of expressive capability and seamless software integration. Designed for the modern musician, the Alesis VI25 bridges the gap between your musical ideas and digital execution, allowing you to bring the sounds in your head to life with precision and clarity. Whether you're crafting intricate melodies, laying down bass lines, or programming beats, the VI25's 25 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with aftertouch offer a responsive and dynamic playing experience.

The Alesis VI25 is not just about keys; it's a comprehensive control surface that puts the power of your music software at your fingertips. With 8 assignable knobs and 24 assignable buttons, tweaking parameters, activating effects, and manipulating virtual instruments becomes second nature. The 16 velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads not only provide exceptional response for finger drumming and clip launching but also add a visual flair to your performance, ensuring you both sound and look the part.

Integration with your digital audio workstation is effortless, thanks to the VI25's plug-and-play compatibility. A single USB connection to your Mac or PC provides both power and MIDI functionality, allowing you to dive straight into your creative process without any setup hassles. The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech software offers a comprehensive platform for recording, producing, and performing, ensuring you have everything you need to start creating music right out of the box.

Key Features:

25 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for expressive performance
16 velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads for beat production and clip launching
8 assignable knobs and 24 assignable buttons for in-depth control over your music software
Seamless visual feedback via LED screen, illuminated buttons, and knobs
Pitch and modulation wheels for added expression
USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI Out offer flexible MIDI connectivity
Plug-and-play support for Mac and PC; USB-powered for portability
Includes Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech software

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	VI25 USB MIDI Keyboard / Pad Controller
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	25 Keys
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

What type of keys does the Alesis VI25 have?: The Alesis VI25 features 25 full-sized, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
How does the Alesis VI25 integrate with DAW software?: The Alesis VI25 is designed for seamless integration with most DAWs, featuring 8 assignable knobs and 24 assignable buttons for hands-on control, and it comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite for easy setup and use.
Does the Alesis VI25 require an external power supply?: No, the Alesis VI25 is powered via a single USB cable, which also transmits MIDI data, making it convenient for both studio and mobile setups.
What kind of pads does the Alesis VI25 have?: The Alesis VI25 includes 16 multi-color RGB backlit pads that respond to velocity and pressure, ideal for triggering samples, loops, or controlling other parameters in your music software.
Is the Alesis VI25 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Alesis VI25's semi-weighted keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and customizable controls make it a versatile choice for live performance, offering expressive control and visual feedback through its illuminated buttons and LCD screen.

Videos

Add video

Y A R R E D

REVIEW of Alesis VI25 + Ableton Live

Y A R R E D

Alesis Vi25 - USB Controller Keyboard with Drum Pad

GetintheMix

Alesis VI25 Advanced USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Overview

AlesisVideo

Alesis VI25 Live Demo

Dak The Snacc

Alesis VI25 BUDGET Midi Keyboard Under $200 Is One of My Fav in 2021 | Quick Review (MUST SEE)

Xavier Rucker

FaceBook Finds: Alesis VI25 for Cheap!

IFinc Studios

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Well-built with nice synth action keys
Lots of assignable buttons/pads/knobs for versatile control
Easy plug-and-play interface, great for beginners
Responsive pitch and mod wheel
Semi-weighted keys with aftertouch feature
Good integration with DAWs
Portable, suitable for live performances
Full-size keys for a more authentic playing experience

CONS

Requires editor software to change MIDI channels
Editor software can be difficult to find and set up
Inconsistent key and drum pad velocity
Some keys and drum pads squeaky
Aftertouch responsiveness varies across keys
Occasional software disconnection issues
Pitch bend durability concerns
Keys may feel stiff to some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis VI25 25 Key Keyboard Controller.

Build quality

0 0

Alesis VI25 offers full-sized keys, which many find beneficial for a more authentic keyboard feel compared to smaller keys on competitor models.
Source
0 0

The pads on the Alesis VI25 are considered acceptable but not outstanding, with some owners preferring standalone pad controllers like the Akai MPD218 for better performance.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Alesis VI25 includes 16 pads, but configuring them beyond triggering drum sounds requires using the Alesis V editor software, which some find challenging.
Source
0 0

Alesis VI25's programmable buttons can be configured to play tracks, similar to Akai's launch buttons, offering flexibility in live performance setups.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Alesis VI25's knobs and switches map easily to DAWs like Ableton, but the pads might need extra setup in the editor for non-drum functions.
Source
0 0

The Alesis VI25 comes with more bundled software compared to the Akai MPK Mini MKII, which might be appealing for users transitioning between DAWs like Cakewalk and FL Studio.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Alesis VI25 is preferred for those looking for a traditional keyboard with additional pads and knobs, while Akai APC is better for clip launching.
Source
0 0

Users note the Alesis VI25's full-sized keys as a significant advantage over the Akai APC Key 25's smaller keys, which might not feel as authentic for pianists.
Source
0 0

The Akai MPK Mini Play offers built-in sounds and a headphone jack, making it a versatile option for those needing standalone functionality beyond MIDI control.
Source

User experience

0 0

Adjusting the sensitivity graph in the Alesis editor can improve key sensitivity, which some users find initially inconsistent out of the box.
Source
0 0

Some owners of similar MIDI controllers like M-Audio's Oxygen series report satisfaction with longevity, hinting at durable build quality across brands under the InMusic umbrella.
Source
0 0

A warranty purchase is common among those considering the Alesis VI25, providing peace of mind given concerns over the longevity of the pads.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Alesis VI25 is ideal for users wanting to trigger drum sounds or samples with pads, providing versatility for those incorporating electronic elements into traditional setups.
Source
0 0

Users suggest the Alesis VI25 for beginners who plan to learn piano, as its full-sized keys offer a better learning platform despite initial unfamiliarity with piano.
Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis VI25 Review - Digital Piano Reviews 2020

digitalpianoreview.com

The Alesis VI25 offers a solid MIDI controller experience with its semi-weighted keys and responsive pads for an affordable price. While praised for its full-sized keys and overall build quality, its software bundle falls short compared to competitors like the Akai MPK225. Users might find the mod wheel placement awkward, and setup instructions could be clearer. If you're willing to invest time into programming and don't prioritize bundled software, the VI25 could be a cost-effective choice.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

opione

about 11 years ago

Best deal at this price

Semi-weighted, aftertouch, velocity, 16 drum pads, pitch bend and modulation wheel, 8 knobs and a little screen, and all of this for 200€. This is probably the best midi piano you can get at this price. The only bad point is that it's not really solid, as my pitch bend broke after only a month.

fevenkitsune

almost 10 years ago

Good with Some (Minor) Flaws

As this is my first keyboard, I am not an expert by any stretch.

Pros: + Lots of knobs for volume control (they can be remapped I assume, volume is just the default control in Ableton) + Lots of buttons. I haven't found a use for these just yet but they can be mapped to basically anything you need them to. + Pitch and Mod wheel are both very responsive. + Built in timeline controls. + Weight of the keys is perfect to not get tired fingers after a while. + Drum Pad

Cons: - Key and Drum Pad velocity is not consistent. Makes velocity-reliant beats very hard to play right. - Two keys are squeaky.

ethan_hamilton

over 9 years ago

Love This Thing - Few Issues

Great features for the price range. Few things:

Aftertouch is touchy. Some keys take lots of pressure to reach 127, others almost none at all. Not an issue if you use aftertouch pretty binarily, but otherwise it can be tricky.
Controller sometimes mysteriously disconnects from software. I have to restart my computer to reconnect. Annoying but not a huge issue when I leave my DAW running.

Those are my only complaints, I;m not addressing the rest because it's safe to assume you'll love the rest of it as much as I do!

tzara

over 9 years ago

Great For Starting Out

This baby has traveled all over with me. Great for live performance and on-the-go producing. The drum pads velocity sensitivity is a bit wonky, and the knobs are a bit too smooth, but the semi-weighted keys and portability made up for that.