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Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, 64 Step Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Software Suite Included, for Beat Makers
Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Bottom line: The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller: 37 mini keys give 3 full octaves for two-handed chords and solos; main trade-off: mini keys are narrower than full-size, so piano players need adjustment.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 37 mini keys give 3 full octaves for two-handed chords and solos
  • ✓ CV/Gate plus MIDI I/O drives modular gear and outboard synths
  • ✓ 64-step sequencer records drums and melody without a computer
  • ✓ 8 RGB MPC pads with Chords and Scales modes for in-key performance

Cons

  • ✗ Mini keys are narrower than full-size, so piano players need adjustment
  • ✗ Only 8 pads, half the 16-pad grid on full MPC hardware
  • ✗ Sequencer limited to 2 tracks at 8 notes each
  • ✗ Larger footprint than the 25-key MPK Mini it builds on

Manufacturer description

The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus stretches the compact MPK Mini formula to 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys, giving you three full octaves for two-handed chords, arpeggios, and lead lines without swallowing your desk. It's USB-powered, so a single cable connects it to your DAW, and the Gen 2 dynamic keybed keeps the familiar MPK layout beat makers already know. Where this model separates itself is connectivity: CV/Gate plus MIDI I/O let you drive modular gear, synthesizers, and sound modules directly, while the built-in 64-step sequencer runs one drum track and one melodic track at up to 8…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. Akai Professional's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keys does the MPK Mini Plus have?

It has 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys using the Gen 2 dynamic keybed, which is three full octaves of range.

Can I use it without a computer?

Yes. The built-in 64-step sequencer has one drum track and one melodic track, each holding up to 8 notes, and MIDI plus CV/Gate outputs connect it to hardware sound sources directly.

Does it work with modular synths?

Yes. CV/Gate outputs alongside MIDI I/O let you control modular gear, sound modules, and synthesizers from the keyboard.

What software comes with it?

MPC Beats with thousands of drum samples and plugin presets, your choice of one Komplete 15 Select NKS bundle (Beats, Band, or Electronic), and 60 days of the Splice Creator plan after registration.

Key Features

  • Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance; Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
  • Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O; Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new sound sources into your music production
  • Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
  • Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
  • Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for melodies or chords, with up to 8 notes each
  • Control Your DAW - Transport section for intuitive hardware control of your DAW; Arm and start recordings, stop playback, rewind or fast-forward for easy navigation of large sessions and projects

Full Specifications

Size37 Key
BrandAkai Professional
ColorBlack
PlatformMac, Windows
InstrumentKeyboard
Model NameMPKMINIPLUS
Model Year2022
Unit Count1 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Control TypeKeyboard Controller
Model NumberMPKMINIPLUS
Material TypeDurable High-Grade Plastic
Noise ControlNone
Product StyleMIDI Keyboard only
Connector TypeUSB
Control MethodTouch
Instrument KeyAny
Item Type NameMPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Music Production Software
Number of Keys37
Outer MaterialPlastic
Full listing titleAkai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, 64 Step Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Software Suite Included, for Beat Makers

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Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, 64 Step Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Software Suite Included, for Beat Makers is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, 64 Step Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Software Suite Included, for Beat Makers
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