Rank #2 in Best MIDI Keyboard Controller 2026: 10 Ranked on Price Per Key
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a 25-key USB MIDI controller with 8 MPC-style pads and 8 360-degree knobs. It takes second place in our guide to the best MIDI keyboards, listed at £79.00 on Amazon with 4.6 out of 5 from 30,642 ratings. Its own numbers are the interesting part: £79.00 spread across 25 keys is £3.16 a key, which is more per key than the 49-key M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 at £75 (£1.53 a key) and the 49-key Nektar SE49 at £64 (£1.31 a key).
What the extra money buys on the Akai is not keys — it is 8 pads, 8 knobs, a built-in arpeggiator and bundled software, with the listing naming MPC Beats and a choice of three Komplete 15 Select bundles. The ratings count is the other number worth reading twice: the listing claims 30,642 ratings, while the star breakdown shown covers 100 of them — 77 five-star, 15 four-star, 5 three-star, 1 two-star and 2 one-star. Everything on this page comes from the Amazon listing for the product, not from testing of our own.
How those 30,642 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.6 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £79.00 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5, from 30,642 ratings |
| Number of keys | 25 velocity-sensitive mini MIDI keys |
| Price per key | £3.16 (£79.00 divided by 25 keys) |
| Star breakdown as listed | 100 ratings: 77 five-star, 15 four-star, 5 three-star, 1 two-star, 2 one-star |
| Pads and knobs | 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, 8 360-degree knobs |
| Weight and dimensions | 900 g; 17.7 x 31.7 x 4.9 cm (D x W x H) |
| Size (as listed) | Tastiera |
What buyers actually say
Quoted from customer reviews on Amazon
Verified purchase“Been wanting a mini synth for years. Never had the spare dosh to purchase one. Along came another birthday and instead of spending it on the usual, purchased something for me. Oh boy so glad I did.Although I've still a lot to learn, each time I have a bit of me time I discover another gem sound or technique on this incredible unit (For the money it absolutely brilliant) The software it comes with is also great - especially like the customisability of synth sounds and been able to tweak them. I know a year on I've still barely scratched the surface of what this can do, but it brings a smile to my face every time I plug it in, and away I go 🎹🎶 Happiness is”
Verified purchase“Incredible value for money. Quality product from a well trusted company. Nice compact and versatile product”
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best MIDI Keyboard Controller 2026: 10 Ranked on Price Per Key.
Questions people ask
How much does the Akai MPK Mini MK3 cost?
The listing price is £79.00 for 25 keys, which works out at £3.16 a key.
How many keys does the Akai MPK Mini MK3 have?
25 mini MIDI keys, described in the Akai Professional listing as velocity-sensitive.
Does the Akai MPK Mini MK3 come with software?
Yes. The listing names MPC Beats as supported software and a complimentary NKS bundle — one of three Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band or Electronic.
What is the rating on the Akai MPK Mini MK3?
4.6 out of 5 from 30,642 ratings. The star breakdown shown on the listing covers 100 ratings: 77 five-star, 15 four-star, 5 three-star, 1 two-star and 2 one-star.
Can I plug a sustain pedal into the Akai MPK Mini MK3?
The listing specifies a 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) TS input for a sustain pedal, and USB 2.0 Type B for connecting to a Mac or Windows computer.
Does the Akai MPK Mini MK3 have drum pads?
Yes — 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with Note Repeat and Full Level, plus 8 knobs the listing says can be assigned to plugins for mixing and synth control.
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