---
product_id: 219672758
title: "Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White"
brand: "akai professional"
price: "$332"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Akai Professional"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/219672758-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mk3-25-key-usb-midi-keyboard
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys 8 backlit MPC-style drum pads 8 endless assignable knobs Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White

**Brand:** akai professional
**Price:** $332
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Your studio, your vibe — create anywhere, anytime with MPK Mini MK3!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White by akai professional
- **How much does it cost?** $332 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/219672758-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mk3-25-key-usb-midi-keyboard)

## Best For

- akai professional enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted akai professional brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Beat-Making Made Effortless:** 8 backlit MPC pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for pro-level drum programming.
- • **Seamless Studio Integration:** Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) support for instant access to premium Native Instruments sounds.
- • **Plug, Play & Produce Instantly:** Includes MPC Beats software, 3 virtual instruments, and 2GB of sounds to jumpstart your creativity.
- • **Compact Powerhouse for Creators:** Ultra-portable 25-key USB MIDI controller designed for on-the-go music production.
- • **Dynamic Control at Your Fingertips:** Velocity-sensitive keys and pads plus a 4-way joystick for expressive pitch and modulation.

## Overview

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a sleek, USB-powered 25-key MIDI controller featuring velocity-sensitive keys and 8 backlit MPC-style pads. It offers dynamic pitch/modulation control via a 4-way joystick, 8 assignable endless knobs, and built-in arpeggiator. With Native Kontrol Standard integration, it seamlessly connects to Native Instruments software, bundled with MPC Beats and 2GB of sounds. Lightweight and compact, it’s perfect for both beginners and pros seeking portable, professional-grade music production tools.

## Description

Buy Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

Review: Perfect beginners controller! - For several years I have fancied dabbling in music production and I wanted a MIDI controller that would be easy to use and have as much versatility as possible. For me this I meant having both pads and keys. I looked at several options but settled on the MPK mini as it appeared to offer the best combination of features and value for money. Firstly, it really looks the part, I have the black and white version which has a cool simplistic look with inverted black and white keys. Aesthetically I preferred this to the black/red or white/black options. Setup was easy but this is where a few people will find some difficulty. This is a MIDI keyboard which means that it will work 'out of the box' with almost ant DAW (digital audio workstation) software with no almost no configuration. Personally I use Ableton Intro and it is simply a case of plugging in the keyboard and selecting the MPK mini as the input device in the options. This of course, will vary depending on your software. The keyboard can then be further programmed when you have a bit more experience with your DAW. The keyboard does come with several software synthesizers and the basic version of Akai's own DAW, MPC Beats. The synthesizers can be a little tricky to set up as you will need to set up the authorisation system that they use. All I can advise is that you read the instructions carefully and it is fairly easy to do. You will need to register your keyboard with Akai but then you will have access to the installer which will help you install everything you need to get started. It is worth noting that these synths are not required for the use of the keyboard but will give you a really nice variety sounds to play with and I really do recommend you taking the time to install these. Personally, I use several Native Instruments synthesizers and sample players and this keyboard works really well with all of them also with little to no configuration. Both the keys and pads are velocity sensitive so the volume of my notes/drums will vary depending on how hard I press them. The infinite knobs (meaning the rotation doesn't have a start and end point) are really nice to use and can be configured to control almost anything within your DAW. The built in arpeggiator is a nice touch and is easy to use to create some cool note repeats, a great tool for use in EDM. The pitch/bend joystick control feels a little different to the traditional wheel controls but is really useful when you get the hang of it. The 8 drum pads are really nice to use, they have a really positive feel and react well to being tapped. You can also program a second bank of drums which can be switched easily giving you access to 16 different drum sounds. In my opinion the pads are on par with the pads on the (more expensive) Native Instruments Maschine Mikro beat maker. (I also own this controller and if you're into beatmaking I highly recommend it). This is a really great controller for the beginner, which I very much am. I really enjoy playing with it and I am constantly impressed with the quality and the features of the keyboard. Once you get past the installation of the synths, which is easy if you follow the instructions carefully, you can start making music almost immediately Spend the time to learn how it works - there are literally hundreds of helpful videos on Youtube that will assist you in getting started. I honestly believe that this is the best MIDI keyboard you can buy as a beginner and can't be beaten at the price.
Review: It deserves the accolades given by professional musicians. - The perfect mini mobile controller to complement my Hoton Ampero Multi Effects Pedal and BOSS RC-30 Loop Pedal. My principal instrument is electric violin, but also play guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. This Akai mini controller is perfect for creating rhythms and backing loops for my solo performance as a busker. It's fun to play with but also a serious piece of high quality kit for any musician using pedals, or a composer who needs a mini keyboard that's compact and has a rich pallette of sounds. The keyboard feels well made. It's NOT a guitar pedal that's used on the ground. The AKAI is an instrument that will be used and treated with care and respect like any other keyboard. So, it's build quality is comparable to larger keyboards like my Yamaha. I had no problem connecting the AKAI to my Smartphone and Tablet using a Piano App. Whilst the controller is designed to be used with a DAW on MAC or PC, I like being able to learn, practice, and experiment with chord inversions and progressions on the go, as I recently started learning keyboard with Pianote. The AKAI is not a substitute for a digital piano or keyboard but it's a very useful tool with a lot of potential. IMPORTANT! Don't use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone or tablet as you'll have latency problems. Use a cable and there's no latency issue. (The age and quality of your PC, smartphone or tablet could issues. But it works fine with my Huawei P20 Pro, DELL XPS 17, and Neocore Tablet. There are plenty of YouTube videos that provide excellent instruction and reviews by professional musicians who give in depth, hands on analysis of the keyboard. Every review I've watched and read is full of praise for this MIDI Controller. Another 'best buy' for me.

## Features

- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential - USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesiser control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synth/DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500+ Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production -Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 3 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
- Customize your MPK Mini MK3 - Download the Editor and learn how to manually map the knobs and joystick, adjust the keyboard and arpeggiator, store your own programs, and more
- Get Two Months of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC; Register your product and redeem 60 days of access to Splice Creator plan

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B08874YDB4 |
| Best Sellers Rank | 116 in Musical Instruments & DJ ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments & DJ ) 1 in MIDI Controller |
| Colour | White |
| Compatible Devices | Devices with USB connectivity (such as laptops, computers, and certain tablets smartphones) |
| Connector | USB |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (29,811) |
| Date First Available | 5 Aug. 2020 |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Hardware Platform | x86, ARM |
| Instrument Key | Any |
| Item Weight | 900 g |
| Item model number | MPKMINI3 |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Musical Style | Electronic |
| Number of Keyboard Keys | 25 |
| Product Dimensions | 18.54 x 31.75 x 4.45 cm; 900 g |
| Size | 25 Tasten |
| Styling | Midi |
| Supported Software | Ableton Live and/or Avid Pro Tools and/or FL Studio |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Akai Professional
- **Connectivity technology:** USB
- **Model name:** MPKMINI3W
- **Number of keys:** 25

## Images

![Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YMV6CaqeL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Are the keys full sized or mini?**
A: MPK Mini MK3 features ‘Mini’ sized Keys, these are smaller than full size piano keys and great for working in a tight space or on the move.

**Q: Do I need a computer to use MPK Mini MK3?**
A: Yes, MPK mini MK3 is a USB-MIDI keyboard. This means instead of creating sound on its own, it sends MIDI messages to software on your computer to generate sound. We bundle all the software needed to get started on Windows/macOS.

**Q: Does MPK Mini MK3 require drivers on Windows / Mac?**
A: No, MPK Mini MK3 is a class compliant device which means the drivers are inbuilt to Windows and Mac operating systems – If you need software to make sound, register MPK Mini on the Akai Pro website to download the included software.

**Q: What are velocity sensitive Keys & Pads?**
A: Velocity Sensitive Keys & Pads mean they’re touch sensitive – Both Keys & Pads respond depending on how much force is applied during your performance.

**Q: How can I make the drum pads sound louder?**
A: Press the ‘Full Level’ button to output maximum velocity from the pads – This allows MPK Mini to send a consistent output to your software.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect beginners controller!
*by J***R on 24 June 2021*

For several years I have fancied dabbling in music production and I wanted a MIDI controller that would be easy to use and have as much versatility as possible. For me this I meant having both pads and keys. I looked at several options but settled on the MPK mini as it appeared to offer the best combination of features and value for money. Firstly, it really looks the part, I have the black and white version which has a cool simplistic look with inverted black and white keys. Aesthetically I preferred this to the black/red or white/black options. Setup was easy but this is where a few people will find some difficulty. This is a MIDI keyboard which means that it will work 'out of the box' with almost ant DAW (digital audio workstation) software with no almost no configuration. Personally I use Ableton Intro and it is simply a case of plugging in the keyboard and selecting the MPK mini as the input device in the options. This of course, will vary depending on your software. The keyboard can then be further programmed when you have a bit more experience with your DAW. The keyboard does come with several software synthesizers and the basic version of Akai's own DAW, MPC Beats. The synthesizers can be a little tricky to set up as you will need to set up the authorisation system that they use. All I can advise is that you read the instructions carefully and it is fairly easy to do. You will need to register your keyboard with Akai but then you will have access to the installer which will help you install everything you need to get started. It is worth noting that these synths are not required for the use of the keyboard but will give you a really nice variety sounds to play with and I really do recommend you taking the time to install these. Personally, I use several Native Instruments synthesizers and sample players and this keyboard works really well with all of them also with little to no configuration. Both the keys and pads are velocity sensitive so the volume of my notes/drums will vary depending on how hard I press them. The infinite knobs (meaning the rotation doesn't have a start and end point) are really nice to use and can be configured to control almost anything within your DAW. The built in arpeggiator is a nice touch and is easy to use to create some cool note repeats, a great tool for use in EDM. The pitch/bend joystick control feels a little different to the traditional wheel controls but is really useful when you get the hang of it. The 8 drum pads are really nice to use, they have a really positive feel and react well to being tapped. You can also program a second bank of drums which can be switched easily giving you access to 16 different drum sounds. In my opinion the pads are on par with the pads on the (more expensive) Native Instruments Maschine Mikro beat maker. (I also own this controller and if you're into beatmaking I highly recommend it). This is a really great controller for the beginner, which I very much am. I really enjoy playing with it and I am constantly impressed with the quality and the features of the keyboard. Once you get past the installation of the synths, which is easy if you follow the instructions carefully, you can start making music almost immediately Spend the time to learn how it works - there are literally hundreds of helpful videos on Youtube that will assist you in getting started. I honestly believe that this is the best MIDI keyboard you can buy as a beginner and can't be beaten at the price.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It deserves the accolades given by professional musicians.
*by F***U on 20 August 2021*

The perfect mini mobile controller to complement my Hoton Ampero Multi Effects Pedal and BOSS RC-30 Loop Pedal. My principal instrument is electric violin, but also play guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. This Akai mini controller is perfect for creating rhythms and backing loops for my solo performance as a busker. It's fun to play with but also a serious piece of high quality kit for any musician using pedals, or a composer who needs a mini keyboard that's compact and has a rich pallette of sounds. The keyboard feels well made. It's NOT a guitar pedal that's used on the ground. The AKAI is an instrument that will be used and treated with care and respect like any other keyboard. So, it's build quality is comparable to larger keyboards like my Yamaha. I had no problem connecting the AKAI to my Smartphone and Tablet using a Piano App. Whilst the controller is designed to be used with a DAW on MAC or PC, I like being able to learn, practice, and experiment with chord inversions and progressions on the go, as I recently started learning keyboard with Pianote. The AKAI is not a substitute for a digital piano or keyboard but it's a very useful tool with a lot of potential. IMPORTANT! Don't use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone or tablet as you'll have latency problems. Use a cable and there's no latency issue. (The age and quality of your PC, smartphone or tablet could issues. But it works fine with my Huawei P20 Pro, DELL XPS 17, and Neocore Tablet. There are plenty of YouTube videos that provide excellent instruction and reviews by professional musicians who give in depth, hands on analysis of the keyboard. Every review I've watched and read is full of praise for this MIDI Controller. Another 'best buy' for me.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Buy
*by L***D on 7 January 2026*

Love it, still trying to figure out everything, its fantastic, does what its meant to do, definately recommend

## Frequently Bought Together

- Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White
- LTGEM Case Compatible with Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 / MPK Mini Play MK3 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, Black+Gray(Case Only)
- 6Ft Long Cable USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-B High Speed Cord for Audio Interface, Midi Keyboard, USB Microphone, Mixer, Speaker, Monitor, Instrument, Strobe Light System Laptop Mac PC

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/219672758-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mk3-25-key-usb-midi-keyboard](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/219672758-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mk3-25-key-usb-midi-keyboard)

---

*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-03-04*