Akai Professional LPK25 25-Key USB-MIDI Keyboard Controller

The product is amazing

Overall the controller does what it's supposed to. It's a pretty simple, limited-functionality MIDI keyboard with a couple buttons to adjust the octave, sustain, etc. It's also got a built-in arpeggiator or repeat button to continuously fire MIDI signals into your DAW, which allows it additional rapid-fire capability. The keys are also velocity-sensitive, which is a thoughtful addition. But... The primary issues I have with this controller are usability-related: - The springs under the keys are unusually stiff, bouncier and harder to press than I would have expected. As mentioned, the keyboard has velocity detection, but the hard springs make it hard to get the velocity just right. I don't expect piano-like accuracy, but at the same time, this doesn't feel quite right either. - The arpeggiator function seems nice in theory, but there's only the single button to manually tap the tempo. So this would really only be useful for a live performance where you set the tempo on-the-go: trying to record or produce music and set the arpeggiator tempo exactly to what the DAW is set to is not practical. - The buttons to change the octave seem like an incomplete feature. By default, both up octave and down octave buttons are unlit, signaling that you're around the C1-C2 range. When you up the down the octave, that respective button lights up. The issue with this however is that although it tells you whether you're up or down from the default range, it doesn't tell you how many octaves you are up or down. So the up button is lit up, but am I two octaves up? 5? You don't know until you tap a key and find out for yourself, making it a semi-risky functionality to use when gigging and you can't immediately tell which octave you're in. Overall, it's not a bad product, but it seems like you can get much better for not that much more money. Subsequently I can't really say I recommend it.

I use this with my Mac mini and and travel gear, so that I can compose anywhere. The smaller keys are just right for my fingers. They spring right back for a good rapid repeat note. I only use it to compose so all of the preset features I have not used but it comes with an easy to understand user guide on a CD. It is plug and play. No lengthly process to hear your work. Love It.

I am adult male that wants to learn to play keyboard. I travel a lot for business so I wanted to buy a keyboard I can travel with and practice in my hotel room. This unit was small and fits in my suitcase which is why I purchased it. I am just a beginner. The problem with this unit is that the keys are hard to press and nearly half the time they don't make a sound. It is not well made for someone trying to play it like a real keyboard. I am definitely going to return this unit.

This keyboard is priced right for what you get. It filled a need I had for a limited use keyboard to get song ideas down when traveling. Compact and extremely light.

Good for use on my software and my Maschine MK3!