# MPK Mini MK3 vs A-49: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional) and A-49 (Roland) among midi keyboards. MPK Mini MK3 is the cheaper of the two at $119.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | A-49 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $119 | $175 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Roland |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2012-10 |
| Keys | 25 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 2 |
| Faders | 0 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start | Ableton Live Lite |

## Key differences

- Keys: MPK Mini MK3 25 vs A-49 49
- Drum pads: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs A-49 0
- Knobs: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs A-49 2
- Connection: MPK Mini MK3 usb vs A-49 usb_midi_din
- Bundled software: MPK Mini MK3 MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start vs A-49 Ableton Live Lite

## 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.)

## Sources

- MPK Mini MK3: https://www.gearnews.com/akai-introduces-the-mpk-mini-mk3-keyboard-controller/ (gearnews.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- A-49: https://www.roland.com/us/products/a-49/specifications/ (roland.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-roland-a-49/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPK Mini MK3 ($119) vs A-49 ($175) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-roland-a-49/
License: CC BY 4.0.