---
product_id: 5176846
title: "AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play"
brand: "akai professional"
price: "A$170"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/5176846-akai-professional-mpk261-usb-midi-keyboard-controller-with-61-semi
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# 61 semi-weighted keys for pro play 16 RGB MPC-style pads, 64 total with banks 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders & switches AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play

**Brand:** akai professional
**Price:** A$170
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Command your soundscape with pro precision and endless creativity!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play by akai professional
- **How much does it cost?** A$170 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/5176846-akai-professional-mpk261-usb-midi-keyboard-controller-with-61-semi)

## 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

- • **Pro-Level Keybed:** Experience unmatched expressiveness with 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys designed for natural piano feel and dynamic control.
- • **Plug & Play Powerhouse:** USB-powered with onboard MIDI I/O, instantly integrates with Mac, PC, and iPads—no extra power supply needed for most setups.
- • **Ultimate Beat-Making Hub:** Trigger, sample, and loop with 16 RGB-illuminated MPC pads expandable to 64, perfect for crafting beats that stand out in any set.
- • **Customizable Control Surface:** Map 24 Q-Link controllers (knobs, faders, switches) effortlessly to your DAW or plugins for seamless workflow and creative freedom.
- • **Industry-Standard Software Bundle:** Jumpstart your productions with included Ableton Live Lite and a suite of professional software, making your studio setup instantly ready.

## Overview

The AKAI Professional MPK261 is a 61-key USB MIDI keyboard controller featuring semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 RGB MPC-style pads expandable to 64, and 24 assignable Q-Link controllers. Designed for professional music producers and performers, it offers deep DAW integration, onboard MIDI I/O, and is USB-powered for hassle-free plug-and-play connectivity. Bundled with Ableton Live Lite and other production software, it serves as a versatile centerpiece for any modern studio setup.

## Description

Complete Workstation Control – Introducing the MPK2 Series Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK261 is a 61-key performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK261 comes fully loaded with a professional production software package plus a comprehensive, customizable interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs and more. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, 8 assignable knobs, faders and switches, and onboard transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs, faders and switches (up to 24 of each), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 64 total). Plus, MPK261 is USB-powered and optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with hassle-free plug-and-play connectivity.

Review: Love it, love Akai. - I’ll keep this short. By far my favorite USB / MIDI keyboard I’ve used. I had tried the cheaper 25 key Akai, but it was just too small and the synth key action I didn’t like. By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more. The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well. Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff. The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models. Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable. (And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times). By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.
Review: Still one of the best for the money. - This keyboard does what I need and then some. The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play. I put my portable pad controller on the shelf. This thing does it all - and it’s a standard in the industry so any DAW is going to pick it up right away. Akai’s support is horrible in my experience- so it’s a good thing it requires almost no support. The feel of the keys, the faders, knobs - you can’t ask for anything more. It has really renewed my love for just sitting down and making music. They keys make you want to play. Just a couple of issues: first, the box shows that it comes with Eighty Eight Ensemble. It does not. Apparently an expired agreement to include it. Most of the software it “includes” are obtained by registering the device and downloading. (Ableton Live Lite is included on a disc- everything else has to be downloaded) while this is not a huge issue, it does mean that the software it comes with is subject to change. If you really want Eighty Eight ensemble, be prepared to buy it. Second, Akai’s website is not for the faint of heart. Try finding any downloads (editor, firmware update, anything) and you’ll likely end up frustrated. Just run it as is. It’s fine. Finally, be aware the device IS USB powered so most people won’t need a power supply - but if you’re using it as a controller for a hardware device or you’re not hooking it up to your Mac or PC for whatever reason - you need to buy a power supply. Definitely would buy again, but the way this thing is built I don’t think I’ll ever have to.

## Features

- Pro Keyboard Performance - 61 Semi-Weighted, Velocity-Sensitive Full-Size Keys And A Premium Piano-Style Keybed For Unprecedented Response And Natural Feel
- Beat Making Essentials - 16 Rgb-Illuminated Mpc-Style Pads Each With 4 Banks For 64 Pads - The Perfect Solution For Triggering Samples, Loops, One-Shots, Melodics And More
- Assignable Control - 24 Assignable Q-Link Controllers Comprising 8 Control Knobs, Faders And Switches Engineered For Hassle-Free Daw / Virtual Instrument Mapping
- Your Studio Centerpiece - Take Command Of Your Peripheral Midi Equipment Courtesy Of An Onboard Usb-Midi Interface With 5-Pin Midi Input & Output

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00IJ7J06Q |
| Best Sellers Rank | #70,032 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #246 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
| Compatible Devices | Computers with USB ports and MIDI compatibility, Apple iPads with compatibility for the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,726) |
| Date First Available | June 1, 2015 |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 16.1 pounds |
| Item model number | MPK261 |
| Material Type | Metal |
| Mixer Channel Quantity | 16 |
| Musical Style | Electronic |
| Number of Keyboard Keys | 61 |
| Power Source | USB power; no power adapter required |
| Product Dimensions | 12.28 x 36.65 x 3.39 inches |
| Size | 61 Keys |
| Standing screen display size | 3.5 |
| Supported Software | Ableton Live |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Akai Professional
- **Connectivity Technology:** USB
- **Model Name:** MPK261
- **Number of Keys:** 61
- **Special Feature:** Studio Recording, Velocity Sensitive Key

## Images

![AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LSNnVDkjL.jpg)
![AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91PnZOAeRdL.jpg)
![AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619TplYVgrL.jpg)
![AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512cD+oGt1L.jpg)
![AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bbX280fyL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size, Style** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it, love Akai.
*by A***H on November 16, 2018*

I’ll keep this short. By far my favorite USB / MIDI keyboard I’ve used. I had tried the cheaper 25 key Akai, but it was just too small and the synth key action I didn’t like. By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more. The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well. Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff. The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models. Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable. (And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times). By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Still one of the best for the money.
*by S***E on May 5, 2022*

This keyboard does what I need and then some. The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play. I put my portable pad controller on the shelf. This thing does it all - and it’s a standard in the industry so any DAW is going to pick it up right away. Akai’s support is horrible in my experience- so it’s a good thing it requires almost no support. The feel of the keys, the faders, knobs - you can’t ask for anything more. It has really renewed my love for just sitting down and making music. They keys make you want to play. Just a couple of issues: first, the box shows that it comes with Eighty Eight Ensemble. It does not. Apparently an expired agreement to include it. Most of the software it “includes” are obtained by registering the device and downloading. (Ableton Live Lite is included on a disc- everything else has to be downloaded) while this is not a huge issue, it does mean that the software it comes with is subject to change. If you really want Eighty Eight ensemble, be prepared to buy it. Second, Akai’s website is not for the faint of heart. Try finding any downloads (editor, firmware update, anything) and you’ll likely end up frustrated. Just run it as is. It’s fine. Finally, be aware the device IS USB powered so most people won’t need a power supply - but if you’re using it as a controller for a hardware device or you’re not hooking it up to your Mac or PC for whatever reason - you need to buy a power supply. Definitely would buy again, but the way this thing is built I don’t think I’ll ever have to.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beatmakers look no further!!!!!
*by A***H on March 18, 2021*

Been making beats since 2013; this is easily the best 25 key midi keyboard on the market, but what do you expect from Akai. I had to buy a replacement because my midi cord input jack got ripped out (please beware of this with all MIDI controllers, the jack is very fragile!!) and I noticed that the updated version was a lot sleeker and about 5 pounds lighter ( I had my previous mpk225 for 5 years as a gift from a friend) and it makes for toting it around a lot easier. Akai I would recommend marketing a carrying case for these because it would come in handy. Regardless amazing controller, great arpeggio function and note delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as a midi controller could, don’t stick or lag and respond well in real time playing. For the price, durability (I dropped my last mpk 50-60 times), design, easy compatibility with most DAWs (I’ve plugged it up easily to FL studio 12, FL studio 20, and a friend’s Logic in his home studio setup), and easy assurance you’re getting with a name like Akai, you can rest assured you’re getting every dollar tenfold. I argue that Akai is better than Native Instruments in every debate I have with other producers/engineers because of this controller. I would say that Akai should be sponsoring me because of how sweet I make them sound, but really I should be sponsoring them for this MPK225. If you don’t have one of these to make music on your computer, you are lacking!!!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Akai Professional MPK261 61-key MIDI Controller
- M-Audio SP-2 |Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action, The Ideal Accessory for MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos, Electronic Keyboards & More

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*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-03-17*