Akai Professional · Updated June 2026
MPK Mini MK3: price, specs & release date
MPK Mini MK3, released 2020-08. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: gearnews.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Excellent value as an affordable all-round MIDI keyboard; Velocity-sensitive pads and endless 360-degree knobs.
- Skip if Pads are unforgivably stiff, hard to finger-drum consistently is a dealbreaker.
Is the MPK Mini MK3 a good buy?
At $119, the MPK Mini MK3 is #3 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149. On the spec sheet, its keys of 25 is the lowest of the 12, its faders of 0 is the lowest of the 12, and its release of 2020 is below the median of the 12.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 1 outlet has it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 1 review · 1 lab-tested · 2025-06-10
Tested by SoundGuys
Consistently 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
Commonly 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
Where reviewers disagree Only one whitelisted source survived verification, so no cross-source comparison is possible; SoundGuys' 7.6/10 verdict and its stiff-pads complaint are unverified against any other whitelisted tester.
The sources (1)
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent and affordable all-round USB-MIDI keyboard.
The inclusion of eight assignable velocity-sensitive pads and a built-in arpeggiator elevate the product above much of the competition at this price point.
Of all its quirks, the most frustrating is that the pads are unforgivably stiff.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $119 US street price / MSRP |
|---|---|
| Brand | Akai Professional |
| Released | 2020-08 |
| Keys | 25 |
| Key type | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 |
| Knobs | 8 |
| Faders | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Connection | usb |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start |
Source: gearnews.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by support.akaipro.com. Verified: GearNews announcement (4 Aug 2020) confirms $119 US price, 8 MPC-style pads, 8 endless encoder knobs, no faders. Key aftertouch absent (only velocity). USB-only, no MIDI DIN. All draft values confirmed unchanged.
Is the MPK Mini MK3 worth it vs cheaper MIDI keyboards?
MPK Mini MK3 against its closest cheaper and pricier MIDI keyboards on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Keys | Key type | Drum pads | Knobs | Faders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPK Mini MK3 this | $119 | 25 | synth | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| nanoKEY2 | $99.99 | 25 | synth | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Komplete Kontrol M32 | $129 | 32 | synth | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. 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. (From 1 tester review, 1 lab-tested.)
How much does the MPK Mini MK3 cost?
The MPK Mini MK3 has a US price of $119 (US street price / MSRP), as of 2026-06-19.
How does the MPK Mini MK3 compare on price?
At $119, the MPK Mini MK3 is #3 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149.
When was the MPK Mini MK3 released?
The MPK Mini MK3 was released 2020-08.
What are the MPK Mini MK3's key specs?
MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional): keys 25, key type synth, drum pads 8, knobs 8, faders 0. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.
Price of record: $119 at gearnews.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See MPK Mini MK3 on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar MIDI keyboards
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Compare with
Head-to-head
Step up
- Komplete Kontrol M32 $129
- Impact GX61 $129.99
- MiniLab 3 $149
- V49 MKII $149.99
- A-49 $175
- Launchkey 49 MK4 $279.99
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