# MPK Mini MK3 vs nanoKEY2: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional) and nanoKEY2 (Korg) among midi keyboards. nanoKEY2 is the cheaper of the two at $99.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | nanoKEY2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $119 | $99.99 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Korg |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2011 |
| Keys | 25 | 25 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 0 |
| Faders | 0 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start | Korg Kontrol Editor |

## Key differences

- Drum pads: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs nanoKEY2 0
- Knobs: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs nanoKEY2 0
- Bundled software: MPK Mini MK3 MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start vs nanoKEY2 Korg Kontrol Editor

## What reviewers say

**MPK Mini MK3** — Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, reviewed this exact model hands-on over 10 days, scoring it 7.6/10. They call it an excellent, affordable all-round USB-MIDI keyboard praised for velocity-sensitive pads, endless 360-degree knobs and bundled MPC Beats software, but flag unforgivably stiff pads and missing onboard transport controls. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

**nanoKEY2** — One verified review of this exact model survives: MusicRadar (by Computer Music), 1 June 2011. It rates the nanoKey2 a clear improvement on the original nanoKey — velocity response is now consistent regardless of where you strike the key, the keys no longer catch on the casing, and the overall feel is much better — while noting the action stays very light and a little awkward, and that the original's CC Mode was removed. The verdict is 'The new hardware looks and feels better, though some may be disappointed that certain features have been left behind.' All judgements are subjective; no measurements are published. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- MPK Mini MK3: https://www.gearnews.com/akai-introduces-the-mpk-mini-mk3-keyboard-controller/ (gearnews.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- nanoKEY2: https://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/nanokey2/ (korg.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-korg-nanokey2/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPK Mini MK3 ($119) vs nanoKEY2 ($99.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-korg-nanokey2/
License: CC BY 4.0.