---
product_id: 50176078
title: "AKAI Professional MPK261-61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls Including 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons And Plug And Play Connectivity"
brand: "akai professional"
price: "R3972"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 10
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/50176078-akai-professional-mpk261-61-key-semi-weighted-usb-midi-keyboard
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 61 semi-weighted keys for pro feel 16 RGB MPC pads with 4 banks (64 pads total) 24 assignable Q-Link controllers (knobs, faders, switches) AKAI Professional MPK261-61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls Including 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons And Plug And Play Connectivity

**Brand:** akai professional
**Price:** R3972
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your studio game — where pro keys meet limitless creativity!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** AKAI Professional MPK261-61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls Including 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons And Plug And Play Connectivity by akai professional
- **How much does it cost?** R3972 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/50176078-akai-professional-mpk261-61-key-semi-weighted-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

- • **Pro-Level Playability:** Experience unmatched expression with 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys and a premium piano-style keybed designed for natural, dynamic performance.
- • **Ultimate Beat-Making Hub:** Trigger your creativity with 16 RGB-illuminated MPC pads featuring 4 banks, giving you 64 pads to craft complex rhythms and melodies effortlessly.
- • **Total Control, Zero Hassle:** Customize your workflow with 24 assignable Q-Link controllers—knobs, faders, and switches—perfectly mapped for seamless DAW and virtual instrument integration.
- • **Plug & Play Studio Powerhouse:** Connect instantly via USB or MIDI DIN ports and command your entire setup with onboard MPC controls like Note Repeat, Arpeggiator, and Tap Tempo.
- • **All-Inclusive Production Suite:** Jumpstart your music journey with included software—Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, Hybrid 3, and Xpand!2—empowering you to produce, mix, and master like a pro.

## Overview

The AKAI Professional MPK261 is a 61-key semi-weighted USB MIDI keyboard controller designed for serious music producers. Featuring 16 RGB MPC-style pads with four banks, 24 assignable Q-Link controllers, and comprehensive MPC controls, it offers versatile, plug-and-play connectivity via USB and MIDI DIN. Bundled with industry-standard software like Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats, this durable, metal-built controller delivers premium piano-style key action and extensive control options, making it an essential centerpiece for professional and aspiring producers alike.

## Description

Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK261 is a performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. Each member of Akai Pro's MPK series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and on-board transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs, faders, and switches (up to 24 each), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 64 total). Plus, MPK261 is optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with USB power and plug-and-play connectivity

Review: Great Hardware - NO Support - I'm impressed with the overall build quality and functioning of the MPK261. It's mainly a sturdy plastic construction on a metal base. All the controls seem to be of good quality. The keybed appears robust and reliable - with a firm sprung action. I have a number of keyboards, including one with a full graded weighted hammer action - and I'd say the Akai is the heaviest / firmest action of them all. That said, it plays well now I'm used to it. The product falls down big-time when it comes to manufacturer support. I've raised 3 support questions / enquiries over the past 8 days and had no response from Akai - aside from an automated "give us your feedback" style email. The product is very capable and flexible and, therefore, quite complex to set up. I found the Logic-Pro set-up procedure didn't work as expected and therefore need some help with it. I have managed to set something up for myself, but it took a couple of fairly full days to do it - but I've only sorted out basic mixer and transport controls so far. Also, the bundled plug-ins that come with the MPK don't work on Mac Catalina. The plug-ins promise to be really useful - and so their current failure is very disappointing. At this point it's touch and go whether I return the product and look for an alternative. The absence of help from Akai is becoming very frustrating. I'll wait for Akai's response for a couple more days with the protective film still in place over the display and the packaging nearby.
Review: Didn't live up to the hype... - Bought this hoping to replace my current keyboard and pad controller setup but sent it back as I was really unimpressed with the performance of the pads. I liked the tension and sensitivity of them, but unless you hit the pads fairly centrally with the right jabbing motion you occasionally get double triggered notes. This means it's particularly difficult to perform rolls without unwanted midi notes creeping in and screwing up your timing. I never experienced this with my first Akai MPD16, it doesn't happen with my NI Maschine and it doesn't happen with the pads on my Nektar Impact LX49 either. I also recently trialed Akai's MPD226 which had the same annoying issue. The MPK261 seems like the best product of its kind in terms of features but I can't justify tolerating issues like this for a product this expensive.

## 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 four banks for 64 pads; the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
- Assignable control - 24 assignable Q-Link controllers comprising eight control knobs, faders and switches engineered for hassle-free DAW/virtual instrument mapping
- Your studio centrepiece - Take command of your peripheral MIDI equipment courtesy of an onboard USB-MIDI interface with five-pin MIDI input and output
- Core MPC tools - MPC mainstay controls included - MPC Note Repeat, arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo and Time Division
- Comprehensive Production Software Package for Mac and PC included - Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & Xpand!2
- The MPC production experience - Includes MPC Beats software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the AKAI Professional MPC series

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00IJ7J06Q |
| Best Sellers Rank | 159,962 in Musical Instruments & DJ ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments & DJ ) 618 in MIDI Controller |
| Brand | Akai Professional |
| Brand Name | Akai Professional |
| Colour | gray |
| Compatible Devices | Computers with USB ports and MIDI compatibility, Apple iPads with compatibility for the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Connectivity technology | USB |
| Connector Type | USB, MIDI DIN |
| Control Method | App |
| Control Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 445 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00694318015575 |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Hardware Platform | PC/Mac |
| Human Interface Input | Keyboard |
| Included Components | VIP 3.0 software, MPC beats software, USB cable |
| Instrument | Keyboard |
| Instrument Key | Any |
| Item Type Name | Compact 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Core Control From The MPC Workstations |
| Item Weight | 16.1 Pounds |
| Keyboard Description | 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch |
| Manufacturer | inMusic Europe Limited |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MPK261 |
| Material Type | Metal |
| Mixer Channel Quantity | 16 |
| Model Name | MPK 261 |
| Model Number | MPK261 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Model name | MPK 261 |
| Noise Control | None |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Number of keys | 61 |
| Outer Material | Metal |
| Platform | Mac |
| Product Style | MPK261 |
| Product Warranty | 2 year manufacturer guarantee. |
| Size | Einheitsgröße |
| Special Features | USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Pad RGB, Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Full Level |
| Special feature | USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Pad RGB, Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Full Level |
| Supported Software | Ableton Live |
| UPC | 139531386809 694318015575 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 count |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Akai Professional
- **Connectivity technology:** USB
- **Model name:** MPK 261
- **Number of keys:** 61
- **Special feature:** USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Pad RGB, Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Full Level

## Images

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

## Available Options

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

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Is the mpk225 suitable for iMac and garage band?**
A: I use mine with Mac just fine and I use with Logic Pro which is basically garage band just higher end. It will work with an DAW as long as it has midi to control.

**Q: Should I be using an audio interface with this, only have the keyboard and my windows pc**
A: Hi, Akai Pro support here! The use of an audio interface is not required. MPK249 will connect directly to your PC and use your computers inbuilt soundcard/speakers to output audio. We'd love to assist further, please feel free to contact us - amzsupport@akaipro.com

**Q: Does this keyboard come with 'smart chord' & 'smart scale' features like some Novation and m-audio do?**
A: Hi, Akai Pro support here! Yes, the supplied software (MPC Beats) will allow you to assign smart chords & scales to the keybed and pads featured on our MPK249!

**Q: Can this control mpc one?**
A: Hi, Akai Pro support here! Yes, MPK225 is suitable for controlling MPC One! We supply you with a USB B > A cable for direct connectivity straight out of the box!

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐ Great Hardware - NO Support
*by N***Y on 3 May 2020*

I'm impressed with the overall build quality and functioning of the MPK261. It's mainly a sturdy plastic construction on a metal base. All the controls seem to be of good quality. The keybed appears robust and reliable - with a firm sprung action. I have a number of keyboards, including one with a full graded weighted hammer action - and I'd say the Akai is the heaviest / firmest action of them all. That said, it plays well now I'm used to it. The product falls down big-time when it comes to manufacturer support. I've raised 3 support questions / enquiries over the past 8 days and had no response from Akai - aside from an automated "give us your feedback" style email. The product is very capable and flexible and, therefore, quite complex to set up. I found the Logic-Pro set-up procedure didn't work as expected and therefore need some help with it. I have managed to set something up for myself, but it took a couple of fairly full days to do it - but I've only sorted out basic mixer and transport controls so far. Also, the bundled plug-ins that come with the MPK don't work on Mac Catalina. The plug-ins promise to be really useful - and so their current failure is very disappointing. At this point it's touch and go whether I return the product and look for an alternative. The absence of help from Akai is becoming very frustrating. I'll wait for Akai's response for a couple more days with the protective film still in place over the display and the packaging nearby.

### ⭐⭐ Didn't live up to the hype...
*by R***Y on 20 February 2017*

Bought this hoping to replace my current keyboard and pad controller setup but sent it back as I was really unimpressed with the performance of the pads. I liked the tension and sensitivity of them, but unless you hit the pads fairly centrally with the right jabbing motion you occasionally get double triggered notes. This means it's particularly difficult to perform rolls without unwanted midi notes creeping in and screwing up your timing. I never experienced this with my first Akai MPD16, it doesn't happen with my NI Maschine and it doesn't happen with the pads on my Nektar Impact LX49 either. I also recently trialed Akai's MPD226 which had the same annoying issue. The MPK261 seems like the best product of its kind in terms of features but I can't justify tolerating issues like this for a product this expensive.

### ⭐⭐⭐ Probably Amazing
*by S***N on 11 March 2021*

Don't buy if intending to use with any new apple products that com with the big sur ios. It don't work yet 😭

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-08-26*