AKAI Professional LPK25 Wireless – Bluetooth-enabled 25-Key Velocity Sensitive Mini Keyboard for Production and Performance, suitable for iOS, Mac and PC applications, Editing Software Included
| Weight: | 454 g |
| Dimensions: | 9.65 x 34.04 x 2.79 cm; 453.59 Grams |
| Model: | LPK25 Wireless |
I got this for my son who’s 15, he really likes it, it’s quite professional, but like most teenaged now says he wants a better one
I’m trying to get into music production and this is perfect. Nothing over complicated, just what you need with some nice tools.
Would definetly reccomend.
Needed a cheap midi player to make some music for a podcast, this does the trick. Ableton is the program it works best with (I’m sure others out there). Keys feel oddly stiff and you need to jab them to get instant sound, rather than just lay on like normal. All in all, pretty good for the price, should highly recommend getting one if your looking for something that just does the job rather than blow your budge
EDIT: still pleased with this, but it’s very difficult to find a case that will fit. Khanka does one but it’s been out of stock for weeks
I wanted this keyboard to travel with, so I could continue my chord and scale studies. It hooked up to the iPad with no problems, although the iOS connection instructions were out of date in the manual for iOS 15. Go into Garageband settings and it’s under ‘advanced’, not ‘song’. I can see I’ll be writing and recording with it as well in quiet moments, using Garageband.
I chose the wireless version of the Akai because it’s battery powered and you don’t need a powered camera adapter to make it work with the iPad. That’s 30 or 40 quid saved and I can use it anywhere, without needing a power outlet.
Is this keyboard good for beginners, Amazon asked? Not really if, like me, you’re learning piano. It only has two octaves. Go for something with at least 61 ideally full sized keys. I bought a Yamaha PSR 373, also from Amazon Warehouse, and it’s a very good starter instrument.
But if you’re looking for something portable, to learn your chord inversions while watching TV, the Akai is great (albeit with rather stiff keys). It’s also fun for making tracks in Garageband if you’re an iPad user on the move.
Overall, it’s decent quality, does what I want, and is excellent value for money, in my opinion.
Update: either the keys are bedding in or my fingers are getting stronger. The keys have become less stiff.
Great keyboard, but the reason I’m giving 4 stars is that the cable is too short for my tastes. I’m sure for most people it would be fine, but just for me it was a bit shorter than I had expected. Otherwise I would highly recommend this keyboard, works seamlessly with all the DAWs that I use and the expression feature is great.
This thing has helped me write many nice pieces of music and has a wonderful arpeggiator and octave shifting feature. Great value for money and makes workflow way more enjoyable.
Needed something for my mac book and garageband software so i didn’t use the laptop keyboard when adding piano/synth to my projects.
This works great plugged it in and off it went! no issues at all.
I am a begginer but it works fine with my DAW i us Ableto
Awesome product at a great price. Sadly had to return mine due to damage from shipping.
I bought this to use with Magix’s Music Maker 2021 premium edition and Acid Music Studio 11 to be able to better utilise the virtual (VST) instrument capabilities of both. Being a relative newcomer to music production I needed something easy to install and set-up, and this keyboard is ideal as it’s plug and play in Windows 10 (i.e. there’s no external drivers to install). Once connected via the USB cable it was just a case of going into Music Maker’s audio/MIDI settings and choosing Magix’s low latency 2016 driver for the audio playback device and LPK25 for the input device. And that was it; the keyboard was ready to use. As for Acid Studio, there was nothing I needed to do in the settings as the keyboard worked straight away.
The included CD contains editor software and a quick-start user guide for both it and the keyboard. The keyboard can be used without installing the editor as many of the functions are directly accessible from the keyboard itself, but by installing it, up to four presets can be created, edited, stored and uploaded to the keyboard, and it adds a number of otherwise unavailable but useful functions, such as transpose and an arp (arpeggiator) clock to synchronise the arpeggiator to an external BPM timing to keep it in unison with whatever software one happens to be using. If a disk drive isn’t available then the editor software can be downloaded from the Akaipro website.
Please note that the CD only contains the editor and quick-start guide, and not the free MPC Beats software, which has to be obtained via the above-mentioned website, whereby an account needs to be created and the keyboard registered to obtain the serial number and download link for it. I haven’t installed MPC Beats, but from reading about it and watching tutorials it seems to be a powerful and capable application with many desirable and advanced features. The box the keyboard comes in mentions an offer for a discount for Ableton Suite or Ableton Live but I haven’t bothered with that either.
The keyboard is small enough to be portable but still large enough to be able to comfortably play. Although there’s only twenty-five keys (slightly over two octaves) there’s buttons on the left that shift them up or down so that an entire nine-octave range can be covered. The middle octaves are easily identified as the buttons aren’t lit, but as soon as the octaves are shifted then the appropriate button lights. All well and good, but it would be handy to have an indication showing exactly what octaves are selected. However, it’s likely assumed that hearing alone is sufficient for identifying which range is selected, with the middle not being illuminated probably as a quick reference guide. The keys are velocity-sensitive and work well enough, but I found them slightly stiff compared to other keyboards I’ve used.
As well as the octave buttons, there’s four additional buttons: a sustain button which when pressed and held either sustains notes or latches the arpeggiator to keep it running (also allowing additional notes to be added to the sequence if desired), a program button for accessing stored presets uploaded from the editor, and two arpeggiator buttons — one to activate it and the other a ‘tap’ button for manually tapping its speed when not synchronised with external timings.
By pressing and holding the arpeggiator button, followed by one of the keys with a red option above it, a fairly wide range of arpeggiator effects can be initiated, such as time division, mode and octave (including the ability to sweep through octaves) for exciting and varied sweeps.
If the editor is used then presets can be created with the following parameters: transposition (+/-12), octave (+/-4), arp octave (0–3), arp enable, arp mode (up, down, inclusive, exclusive, order and random), arp time division (1/4 to 1/32 and triplets), arp clock (internal or external), arp latch (sustain), tap tempo taps (2–4) [for selecting the minimum number of taps of the tap button before a new speed can be set], and tempo BPM (30–240).
The keyboard doesn’t produce sound on its own as it’s only a controller. It is though universally compatible so should work with most applications. There are no other input or output connections on it apart from the supplied one-and-a-half metre USB cable (which also powers it). The keyboard is polyphonic so can be used for playing chords. It doesn’t have pitch and modulation wheels, and neither does it have pads for creating beats, but the keys themselves can be used for the beats or drum parts. Overall build quality seems to be reasonable, although the function buttons seem a little flimsy.
For the price of it, and the extra capabilities and ease it brings, the keyboard is an excellent buy.
Works very well and it is very responsive, I have been using it for a few years and it still works great.
here are a million reviews of this product online. what I like is being able to link it to my phone and using it wherever I like…
I bought this for my son to help with his school work and it works brilliantly with logic pro. My only grumbles are that there are no real instructions included on how to set it up – there are a few buttons that could have benefitted with an explanation but my son I think eventually figured them out.
The mac software supplied would have been nice to try but they have not yet updated it to 64bit so would not install on his new MacBook which is a real pain as Mac’s have been running a 64bit operating system for over a year now.
However, as I puchased it primarily for his school work I’m not complaining. – He’s already knocking out some amazing tunes! So it’s a win overall as far as I’m concerned.
Brilliant little keyboard- portable size and weighs next to nothing, takes up very little space on my desk and even though its small the keys are still big enough to use well (well, I have quite small hands so that may not be the case for everyone).
It was really easy to set up and I am using it in cubase pro 9 with no issues
This is a handy portable keyboard, great for throwing in a backpack with a laptop or iPad. The Bluetooth connectivity is solid and the range seems fine. The thing that lets it down a little is the keybed – the travel on the keys is unnecessarily long for something this size, and it’s easy to catch your fingertips under adjacent keys when playing. It’s a minor issue, though, and for the price, it’s a bargain.
Bought for my teenage son for his mini recording studio. He says he is happy with it and it does what he wanted it for.
The keyboard feels well made. I read a comment about a key falling off but mine is very well made. The only thing I would hack out would be the connection on the left where the micro usb connects, feels cheap
Was looking for a compact keyboard to make it easier for me to key out songs during production on the go. This keyboard is very functional for that purpose, however (through no fault of the device) I realised that it’s near impossible to play some compositions on this many songs spill onto a 3rd octave on sections. If you are planning on learning to play the piano/keyboard get one with more keys, it’ll be larger, but it’ll be worth it.
For me this does what I wanted, it’s near instant to deploy, and requires no drivers to set-up. The keys are a bit mushy, I suspect they made them that way to allow for recording velocity, I would prefer the springs were a little less taught to give more of a classic piano feel. Overall though build quality is great, and the cable it comes with is long enough.
Facile connessione.
Veloce installazione.
Molto compatta e stupenda per chi e’ alle prime armi.
My son age 16 loved this just what he was looking for easy to carry to school not as thick so that was a bonus recommended
Nice little keyboard, as described, using it with a MacBook.
10/10 , plug in and play. Great keys. Not cheap. Makes production and mobile production a JOY !!!! get one !!!!
would have been a nice touch to tell you or include this as I was looking forward to using it tonight it just comes with old mini usb to normal USB A ckable not to connect to a current macbook
The LPK25 keyboard is an excellent device. It seems quite robust (although I have it confined to my studio, rather than on the road, gigging). Although the keyboard only spans 2 octaves, the ‘octave up’ and ‘octave down’ keys are very useful to extend the range. Also the ‘arpeggiator’ and ‘tap tempo’ keys are very effective.
The LPK25 linked easily with synthesizer software on my computer (e.g. ‘plug-and-play’ with Helm and Dexed), making it much easier to play (compared with using the computer keyboard, which works but causes ‘cognitive dissonance’ when the letter on the computer keyboard does not match the note you want).
In short, I am enjoying this device a lot and would highly recommend it.
Really easy set up and linked with my Studio One program with no issues. Not too difficult to figure out, although I’m sure there are other things it does I haven’t figured out yet.
Love this. I don’t play keys but this is f2f At. Plug and play and works instantly with mixcraft 9.
Bought this midi controller for use with Mixcraft in my little studio. Have to say for the price it’s more than adequate. Small and compact but very easy to use. May not suit someone who is an accomplished keyboard player due to small keys, but for us one finger players it’s top notch!! Would recommend also if space is at a premium.
All in all I’m very happy
This little device is brilliant, does exactly as it says. If you’re used to playing a full sized keyboard then you will certainly notice a difference initially when playing the keys on this. However, after a very short while you will get used to it. It’s really light and is very easily portable. Even though it’s tailored more to a laptop/tablet setup, I actually use this for composing on my main desktop PC. It does everything and takes up very little space.
This product is definitely worth the price and I would recommend the product to someone who is looking to buy a space saving portable MIDI controller.
I needed something small and portable and something that didn’t need too much faffing around to set up. This is just the piece of equipment that I needed. It came in a box which said the it should include a CD-ROM to upload the software, but it wasn’t there but in fact it wasn’t needed as my DAW recognised it straight away, so it was just plug in and play.
This is a very small starter MIDI for those that are doing music editing for fun. Any desire to take it more seriously you will need something bigger and better. Connections are a bit flimsy and the keys offer no feedback. Definitely a beginners option.
Blue tooth is great. Small , compact, and useful in many situations. A must have.
I use this quite a lot.. I got into making music on my PC again (FL studio mostly) and wanted something to simply play keys with instead of the actual keyboard.. after using it FL for a while I bought an apple adapter for my phone so I could connect and power a keyboard.. it worked perfectly. I can now control apps on my phone like synth one with the keyboard and use the aux on my pedal to send the sound to. So basically using this keyboard with practically infinite synth sounds. I use the boss RC30 and connect this, a guitar and a bass and can get all sorts of music made without much thought at all.. need a beat open a app to make a beat, loop it.. get some synth and bass going and loop that.. really fun.
The only downside is that is is pretty cheaply made and after not long one key started sticking a little. It’s still like it and I don’t notice it that badly, but it was an issue after not long from having it. That said it does work just fine but kinda feels funny on that key sometimes.. works a treat with most midi things though, really compact and ideal for just finding what you’re looking for keys wise on a lot of programs. Bigger with more functions would be better, but this is ideal to start with.
This took a bit of setting up on my computer, as I was unfamiliar with the systems to use. However it is now linked to Sibelius and works really well. It’s tiny, so very portable and takes up only a small space on the desk. The keys are still easily used.
A good piece of kit, the keys are slim so if you are getting this to learn how to play this isnt for you.
If you are looking for something to produce then its perfect.
Its plug and play so synced up to macbook air straight away and works flawlessly with software.
The keys arent over sensitive so i suggest working of a hard surface and not on your lap.
For the price you are not going to find bette
he keys are stiff as hell. Upgrade and get the bigger one more money but a lot easier to use.
I bought the device on a discount, then found a voucher code for ableton included in the package! When I redeemed I literally got a license for 8 quid! (ableton was also on a discount).
Very happy days
Didn’t expect it to be sensitive even if it’s only a little bit, great size and value for the price
Bought this to connect to my iPad as a portable keyboard to use with a piano tuition app (Simply Piano).
Works perfectly via Bluetooth and the keys are very responsive. Also great for use with GarageBand for music composition.
It is very compact, it works well with pretty much every music making software, the only thing that I dislike is that the keys are velocity sensitive, but that’s not the end of the world
Bought as a smaller alternative to my studio 49 key Alexis as to leave it plugged in due to space restrictions. Can’t fault the build quality. I have both APCMini and MidiMix slaved to Ableton and all are solidly built despite their small footprint.
Would recommend.
However, as a beginner myself I have quickly found the controller itself limiting because it has no CV or Midi outputs, just USB. So I’ve outgrown it already and need to replace it with something more sophisticated. That’s my fault not the keyboards, so I’ve rated it based on what it does, but I personally haven’t found much long-term use for it. Ultimately I knew nothing about CV and midi when I started so probably should have done more research prior to buying this.
If you’re looking for a controller or keyboard, ask yourself what your long-term goals are, and what you think you might need. If you know you just need something basic, then this might fit the bill.
It’s difficult to imagine that this Midi Keyboard is over a decade old and can still keep up with its modern day counterparts.
Small and compact (as you can see in the image) and completely portable to boot. Mine came with a (substantial) discount voucher for Ableton Live software (also seen in the image).
This is not a stand-alone keyboard and you will need some sort of music software to make use of it – and there is plenty free stuff out there.
Perfect for the beginner and the pro on the go.
This is little treat. It handshakes with GARAGE BAND on the IPAD. So if you want to add done keyboards to home recording it’s the beep.
Fantastic piece of kit for this novice. But make no mistake, this is not a toy, nor does it feel like one.
I bought mine to help get to grips with music theory.
First the bad news:
AKAI customer support is abysmal, as are the supplied software opportunities, music lessons behind a paywall, but it’s the software that makes the difference with the Pro LPK25.
If you are on Apple or Android lucky you, there’s loads of great free midi controller VST & DAWs apps in the app stores.
If like me your Galaxy S9 doesn’t have a USB socket to plug into, then you’ll need Windows compatible software for pc & laptop.
I only mention it because I was going loopy(no pun) trying to find anything I could actually use.
The good news:
My salvation came in the shape of ‘IGNITE’ by Air Music Technology.
Free download to AKAI customers, courtesy of the serial number on the back of the instrument, that doubles as your activation key.
Being Windows 7&8 compatible it is probably quite old but the 1.3.0 version runs beautifully on Windows10 pc & laptop.
Current version is 1.4.0 but costs about 50.
There must be hundreds(1000s? a lot) of voices for every instrument folk using this are likely to need, plus live input from mike or instruments.
Look for excellent Ignite Air ‘how to’ tutorials on You Tube, they actually use AKAI midi controllers.
The bundled Ignite Air tutorial videos downloaded on your pc need Adobe Flash Player, that no longer functions.
The printed version is available as a downloadable file, but at over 100pages, using your printer for hard copy might be problematic.
I confess, as a guitarist with no ambition towards keyboard, once I got the wee keyboard and the Ignite talking to each other, plug n play, I discovered hours later I could not put it down.
The motion sensitive keys work really well with the software, mimicking the sensitivity of piano keys. I can just manage a full 7th chord spread with my fingers. So quite a usable mansize.
Great little machine, easy to use and can work on my iPad.
This is great if you use Cubase or Logic or studying music. We use it with both a Mac and PC and it works well. Does what you need with octive changer sustain and reverb buttons. The only issue is that the weighted keys are pretty heavy so not that realistic feel to them. Overall OK. Maybe needs to be 29 in price for what it is.
Fantastic product for the money. Works brilliantly with both Garageband (iOS / OSX ) and Logic Pro (OSX). The software for programming the arpeggiator is not compatible with OSX Catalina as it is still a 32 bit app and Catalina only runs 64 bit apps, but apart from that I can’t fault the product at all. The keys have a decent enough feel to them and are a size that makes playing very easy. Bought to take on the road with me rather than any serious production but it could easily work for both. Highly recommended!
Good equipment, very comfortable to use because how small it is. Thank god for technology.
after checking with another keyboard I found the prob is with Sibelious time delay not the keyboard itself
So cancelled the return and keeping it
Sorry for the past review
Good introduction to MIDI.
Excellent quality as to be expected from any AKAI product.
Easy plug and play set up.
Works on almost all most recording programs.
Excellent price for value.
Nice little portable keyboard from Akai,who have been making professional studio equipment for decades. Very light (plastic) body,the keys are not weighted but are touch sensitive. Obviously only 2 octaves in physical keys which can be shifted with 2 octave buttons. AND a pretty nice arepeggiator which is rare nowadays which can be programmed with a shift button and the keys. Very nice product for the price.
1. It does not produce any sound on its own. It’s designed to work with Virtual Studio Tech (VST) and Digital Audio workstations (DAW) or midi software (Anvil Studio for example). There are plenty FREE to download on the internet.
2. It’s plug and play, works a like a dream with Windows 10. I use it with the SuperSonico 5 stand-alone VST synth and it’s just brilliant.
3. It comes with set-up program on CD if you want to program the Arppeggiator, sustain and octave buttons to behave in a certain way. The user guide is also included.
4. If you buy it and register it with Akai then you can get some free keyboard tutorial software. Ideal for beginners.
5. It fits into the front pocket on my laptop case so is really easy to carry around.
I read some of the reviews before I purchased this product and I can’t understand why anyone would give it less that 4 stars at least. I believe there is a wireless version of this keyboard but that’s not what I bought.
For the price I paid I am more than pleased.
This keyboard is tiny and about the same length as my 15 inch MacBook Pro. It’s great if you have limited space. The keys are a little hard on the fingers. I’m. It sure if that’s due to the size of the keys or not. This meant I’ve had to sell it in and buy one with full sized keys. But if you’re ok with the key bed and size then it’s a great little keyboard for getting ideas down quickly. It even fits in my laptop bag. It’s cheap so you can’t complain but I’m giving it 4 stars because it hurt my hands plying it.
This unit feels robust and performs really well. My only slight criticism is that the key travel is rather long, but I expect this is only a matter of getting used to it. Bluetooth connection to my ipad Pro is flawless.
It is portable and we also bought a hard case for it, so that she could take it to school. It is handy for when there is no piano or keyboard nearby. It has a normal USB plug and that’s fine for our windows computer, but for the Macbook she uses an adapter in order to plug it in. She wouldn’t be without it. It is one of the best purchases we made.
It is only an attachment to be used with another compatible device as you cannot play it on its own. It isn’t a musical instrument.
Great little kb, i use it for bass and drums soft synths, has arpeggiator if you need that. Keys feel fine, little feet keep it in place on table. Unfortunately it arrived in it’s retail box with no outer box or packaging of any kind, and one end was opened! Hence 4 stars rather than 5.
For a relatively cheap, portable, midi device this piece of kit serves its purpose pretty well. I have a maschine mk2 and a yamaha, 49 key keyboard. If I had a preference I would use either of these first but when I want to do something quickly, on the go then this is a better option. The arpeggiator can be a bit odd sometimes when changing the pattern but I don’t often use this piece of functionality so it has not been a problem for me. If you want to try out some chords progressions or try out some melodies in your DAW or some soft synth then this perfect.
Not bad at all, if you need something portable this is probably for you, I already with I had got a bigger one with more keys and some pads though!
The keys are a little thinner of course, but you will get used to it. Keys feel nice and have good touch sensitivity. My only negative point would be the cable, wish it was more universal, but fine as long as you don’t lose it.
Nice piece of kit for writing melodies and drums in. Recommended!
If you’re looking for something you can throw in your backpack with your laptop, and don’t need mod wheels, I’m not sure if there’s anything better for the price.
Midi keyboard works well on Windows 10 / Musescore and on a couple of sample electronic instrument programs. Solidly made and nice feel, speeds up composition. Still having difficulty getting it to play with an older Windows 7 machine, though probably a memory issue.
This was bought for a friends birthday. He already has a midi keyboard but is somewhat unhappy with it so I got this one. I have been told that it works brilliantly with FL Studio, and I get the feeling that the recipient is extremely happy with it.
Pros: Win 10 compatibility, Build Quality, worked first time, keys wouldn’t look out of place on a 800 synthesizer. Does all I need.
Cons: Do i really need to take it with me everywhere? No, but i want to!
PS. Did I say I’ve got all I need?
I would highly recommend this Midi keyboard, it’s great for creating music on the go.
Very good little keyboard. Keys feel a bit stiff, but worth for the price.
Really great product. As expected from an amazing company like AKAI!!!
Best gift ever ! My son lived this item and it met his expectations
Attached to my tablet/phone to provide power and connection.
Contentsimo. Es muy cmodo tener un teclado sin cables para el iphone o ipad. Muy cmodo de transportar. Las pilas aguantan bien.
ottimo controller MIDI sia per principianti che per esperti. Prodotto di buna fattura, io lo uso con ableton e non ho mai avuto problemi.
If you want portability, good keyboard feeling and good price, LPK25 is your choice.
Pretty decent tbh, does everything that it says it does but i think the arpeggiators a bit pointless could of had a pitchbend lol but yeah pretty dece
Slight delay between pressing the key and getting a sound – but maybe that’s fault of VSTis im using.
Keys working bit hard as well, but im happy with purchase.
This keyboard is very helpful because it is simple to use for example it uses a simple usb plug in and does not require any software. It is compact so you can carry it around in anything from a handbag to a suitcase. It has an arpeggiator which is controlled by two buttons, an on/off switch and a button next to it that lets you tap your tempo but it doesn’t always work.
I found this when searching for an inexpensive replacement for the Creative Prodikeys keyboard that I had been using to input music into Sibelius, the reason being that the Prodikeys is incompatible with Windows 8 and Creative are no longer supporting this product. This little keyboard is ideal for this purpose – the quality exceeded my expectations and it worked straight away. Have also been using it with my iPad (using the usb connector which comes with the camera connection kit). Although I was angry about the reason for having to buy a new keyboard, it’s actually an improvement on the old one so I’m a very satisfied customer.
Im a UK based producer and composer and this piece of kit has help me so much over the last few months. Its light, portable and works a charm with Cubase and Ableton. I actually have is set up on my desk for quick short melodies so I not messing about with the full size keyboard, its great.
The appreciator is a good feature but a feature I don’t use, everything is easy to use including the 4 programmable parameters.
listen here to it being put to good use everything you hear apart from acoustic guitar was recorded with this gem.
[…]
get it now
This is the perfect keyboard to take around with you. Coming from such a good company as Akai, you know you are getting something that will do the job well. For the price this cannot be beaten and it does all it supposed to do, as well as it should. For MIDI it is the perfect partner, especially when used with a good laptop and software – I use Apple MacBook and Logic Pro 9, a brilliant combination for producing music on the move.