AKAI Professional MPK261 - 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls including 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons and Plug and Play Connectivity

My first MIDI controller so probably not the best review but representitive of a beginners experience...Easy to setup initially with your favourite DAW, plenty of info available online if you've never used a similar product. Plug and play with the ability to do more in depth configuration as you progress, with software and hardware.Has enough keys to play a range of melodies (two full octaves with an extra C) can be played two handed however if you are decent at playing piano you may find it limiting. the pitch shifters (one sustained one returns to the middle when you let go) allow you to reach different pitches although, I don't think they shift full octaves alone however with the Octave up and down buttons this is possible.The keys feel decent (even somewhat better than other semi-weighted keyboards ive used from reputable brands) and are relatively accurate as far as the velocity is concerned though it may take a while to get used to if you haven't used anything similar.Ability to plug expression/sustain pedals directly into the back was a nice feature that i didn't even consider using when I first purchased.The latency of input was at first a bit off but I soon realised that the response time can be changed with software which I believe lowers the initial quality of input and allows for the signal to be near instant (quality of rendered sound is not affected e.g. after exporting to .mp3/wav etc.) This isn't really a problem but is particularly useful for doing drum patterns in real time and not having to manually quantize as much if you can't get it perfectly on beat which is something that has a learning curve itself and took me a while to figure out.The pads have a nice feel and aren't too soft/firm. I found it hard to judge velocity which could be a problem however I soon found the 'full level' button which detects all pad input as max velocity, allowing for consistency where necessary. I found this to be the way to go for me though it would be possible to learn the velocity levels I prefer to lay down the drum pattern then go back in the software and change It manually to perfect and reduce velocity for things such as open hats. 8 pads are enough for me with the ability to cycle through 4 banks being a nice extra.I'm still learning with it and haven't used all of the buttons/features such as the knobs, latch and arpeggitator but as far as music production goes, this device has taken me from not being able to create a simple drum pattern to learning how to create complex meoldies using different scales and diverse drum patterns and being able to translate the melodies I can think of directly into digital format which is something I didn't think I would achieve.For anyone who is looking for their first MIDI device this may be a bit overkill however as you progress and climb the learning curve i feel you may find that this has a few extra features that allow you to progress and learn more without being hindered by hardware as early as you might with other devices. If you are serious about learning to create music I would suggest this device and would even consider the models with extra keys (49 and 61 I believe) if you have the room.Durability. I've only put out around 30 hours into using the device however I'm very impressed by the design and feel of it and nothing seems to have degraded/worn out/ no buttons sticking or friction in the keys etc. even with the most used pads/keys. It is slightly bulky and has a fair weight to it however this imo makes it feel more durable. LEDs look good and while they are quite bright they aren't obnoxious or off putting and do serve a function in showing you which bank is selected, which buttons are ON such as the 'Full level' making it possible to see what settings you have selected without having to mess about playing something to see if it sounds different.All in all I would recommend the product however first consider if you will be dedicating some time to learning and perfecting your ability to use it as well as the software you use alongside it. If you aren't sure whether you will continue to use it or get bored with it I'd say get a lesser model such as the Mpk Mini.

Literally just plug in and play with Cubase 12 (and presumably other daws too). Transport function automatically mapped, pads automatically mapped to trigger drums, faders mapped to mixer and rotary knobs automatically adjusting the main parameters in vst synths. I couldn't be happier.If that wasn't enough the build just oozes quality. Faders are a tiny bit flimsy, just enough to make you cautious about transporting it around. Everything else solid, weighty and responsive.The keys feel absolutely wonderful. I have a fully weighted 88 key Roland Fa-08, and unweighted synth keys on my Deepmind 6 and while I really like both of them in their own way, the semi-weighted keys on this play feel better than either (and also way better than other semi-weighted keys I've played in the past).It's more expensive than a standard midi controller of course. You get what you pay for, there's no avoiding that truth, so if you can afford it, and/or are very serious about your music production then I would strongly recommend it.

Excellent keyboard. I can only compare with other cheaper controller keyboards I have owned from IK multimedia and other brands. This keyboard is night and day compared with my irig keys pro, which was an overpriced tacky piece of junk.This Akai keyboard is solidly built (quite heavy too) and oozes quality all over it. I love the action of the keys and they are quite silent compared with the ik keys and not clacky at all.I'm not sure if I'll use all the buttons and controls on this keyboard or if some of them are even necessary but the option is there and could prove useful at some point.Great keyboard.

Great usb/midi keyboard controller I have ever used in 20 years of computer music production. The build quality is brilliant and fabulous weighted keys. I’m not a fan of the VIP 3.1 software free bundle as it keeps crashing.

Why does Amazon want to know how I rate my Akai's thickness?!*Clicks five stars*Anyway...Only speaking from my experience;Getting my Macbook Pro (2020) to recognize that this device is connected was an ordeal.I tried everything:3 different USB cables - Nope.Directly into the laptop instead of via a third party hub - Nada...Powering via separate power adapter - Ha! Guess again...I bought additional cables, followed every bit of advice from every forum known to man. Nothing worked.Eventually, I spoke with Apple who did some funky bootup procedures. Eventually, one worked. The device was listed in the Midi Studio! Hazaar! However, it was only recognized when I plugged it in directly via the cable I'd purchased (USB-B to USB-C). Not only that, but it only works when the USB is plugged in one way (despite the fact that USB-C is non-directional). Utterly bizarre, quite annoying since I can't connect via my hub, but I'm just glad I've got it working since (for the money) this is a great bit of kit that offers everything I need.If you're having issues similar to mine I suggest you invest in a USB-B to USB-C cable and connect directly into your Mac (and if it still doesn't work, try turning the USB-C around *eye roll*)

This Akai Keyboard is of high quality and could work even for professional use.Happy of my purchase.Ps: The box arrived with shoe prints on it and in bad shape. Amazon should make sure that couriers are taking good care of the products.