Akai MPK Mini MK4 Black Master Keyboard

MPK Mini MK4 Black — Portable MIDI Controller with Pro-Level Features

The Akai MPK Mini MK4 Black is a compact 25-key MIDI controller designed for producers and beatmakers who want studio-grade control in a backpack-friendly form. Built around an upgraded third-generation keybed, this model weighs only 1.05 kg, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag. You receive the Studio Instrument Collection, which provides immediate access to over 1,000 sounds from AIR, Akai Pro, and Moog.

What Sets the MK4 Apart

Unlike most controllers in this class, the MK4 includes true mechanical pitch and modulation wheels rather than touch strips. This gives tactile control that won't trigger accidentally. Visual feedback comes from a full-color screen paired with a detent navigation encoder, so parameters and DAW state are always in view.

Keybed and Pads — Expressive Control Surface

With keys, pads, and wheels, the controller covers finger-drumming, lead lines, and modulation duties.

• Keys: 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys with 10-octave range via octave up/down buttons
• Pads: 8 RGB backlit MPC pads — velocity- and pressure-sensitive across 2 banks for 16 assignable slots
• Precision is enhanced by mechanical pitch and mod wheels instead of touch strips, reducing accidental changes during performance.

Knobs, Encoder, and Connectivity — Hands-On Workflow

Every parameter is reachable without menu-diving, and connections support both modern and legacy setups.

• Rotary Knobs: 8 assignable 360° endless encoders for tactile sound-shaping and DAW control
• Navigation Encoder: Push/turn detent encoder paired with a full-color screen for menu browsing
• You can connect via USB-C for computer and bus power, use the 1/4" TS sustain pedal input, or employ the 5-pin MIDI output for external hardware.

Arpeggiator, Scale/Chord Modes, and Bundled Software

Onboard creative tools and a substantial software bundle get producers started immediately.

• Arpeggiator: 7 play modes with Pattern, Freeze, and Mutate functions for evolving sequences
• Scale & Chord Modes: Onboard scale locking and chord transposition to keep ideas in key
• Included software offers the Studio Instrument Collection (1,000+ presets), Ableton Live Lite 12, and Komplete Select NKS integration.