Akai Professional
MPK Mini MK3
$119
Released 2020-08
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
MPK Mini MK3 vs nanoKEY2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. nanoKEY2 is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Korg
nanoKEY2
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2011
Which is better: the MPK Mini MK3 or nanoKEY2?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The nanoKEY2 is the cheaper at $99.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | nanoKEY2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $119 US street price / MSRP | $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 |
| Release | 2020 | 2011 |
Sources — MPK Mini MK3: gearnews.com (verified 2026-06-19). nanoKEY2: korg.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the MPK Mini MK3 and nanoKEY2?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Excellent value as an affordable all-round MIDI keyboard; Velocity-sensitive pads and endless 360-degree knobs; Rare built-in OLED screen and bundled MPC Beats software for beginners.
Flagged: Pads are unforgivably stiff, hard to finger-drum consistently; No onboard transport controls, making live performance harder; No MIDI-out port and a thumbstick less intuitive than touch strips.
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.)
Praised: Velocity response is far more consistent than the original nanoKey, and keys no longer stick against the edge of the casing; Improved design and build with notably better key feel, at a highly affordable price (listed at £48 / $65); Class-compliant USB-powered operation across the nanoSeries 2 — no drivers or external power supply needed.
Flagged: The original nanoKey's CC Mode was removed, so functionality was lost from the first series rather than the feature-set being expanded; Very light, non-traditional key action still feels a little awkward and takes getting used to; Deeper settings such as velocity curve and pitch/mod button timing still require the separate Kontrol Editor software.