Defining “Best”
When searching for the best keyboard for making beats, “best” doesn’t always mean “the most features and capabilities.”
If you were looking for the absolute-top-of-the-line-dominates-all-others-ever-of-all-time-keyboard, you’d be looking at something that would most definitely break your bank. In this article, we will not be looking at keyboards of that caliber (or rather, price-range).
Lets define best as “the best value for a keyboard under $120.” With this as our heading, you’d likely be looking at the Akai Pro MPK Mini MKII.
Introducing the Akai Pro MPK Mini MkII
The Akai Pro MPK Mini MkII was released in early 2014. This new and improved model truly demonstrates what 5 years of quality customer feedback can do. The public spoke, they made their opinions on the original MPK mini clear, and after intent listening, Akai delivered.
This new system holds a total of 25 mini velocity sensitive keys. Two octaves from C to C provide you with the perfect opportunity to play both simple and complex chords with one hand, while editing on your computer with the other. Though seemingly small, the two octaves do provide adequate room to perform two handed chords as well, should you want to play them.
Located on the top left corner of the keyboard is the 4-way pitch bend and modulation joystick, arguably the best upgrade on this instrument. 8 MPC standard drum pads are installed above the keys. To the left of the pads are the 8 Q-Link knobs, all capable of being mapped to meet your needs. Through the complimentary software, you’ll have access to countless sounds and beats.
Speaking of complimentary software, Bonus Alert: Amazon is throwing in 3 top-notch pieces of software when you buy this keyboard!! You’ll get full access to Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Air Music Tech Hybrid 3 Synth.
Some other features I won’t get into but are worth mentioning are the arpeggiator with tap-tempo, octave shift, note repeat, full-level button, and the sustain pedal compatibility.
Best of all, the MPK Mini MkII is currently less than $100! (Prices here are subject to change, depending on the vendor). The only other Midi keyboard that brings this level of awesomeness to the table would be the Novation LaunchKey Mini. This midi keyboard has the same size, same weight, same number of keys, 16 pads (as opposed to the Akai’s 8), but doesn’t come with the joystick. Ultimately, it comes down to you and your preferences. Do you want immediate access to more drum pads? Or do you want immediate access to the versatile sound bending joystick? Lets learn more about this fantastic joystick.
Diving into the features
4-Way Pitch Bend & Modulation Joystick
One of the reasons why this keyboard is the best keyboard to make a beat would be the joystick mounted on the upper left hand corner of this instrument. This 4-way pitch bend and modulation joystick comes with 3 assignable modes:
- Pitch Bend
- Modulation 1
- Modulation 2
Pitch bend allows you to squeeze and stretch the sound of your playing, Mod 1 gives you a single assignable sound modulation per axis, and Mod 2 gives you a double assignable sound modulation per axis.
All of this gives you the opportunity to create some really dynamic sounds. If all of the above sounds like gibberish, I highly suggest jumping on youtube and watching some videos on this joystick to see and hear first hand what it’s capable of.
Drum Pads
Another area where this keyboard truly shines is with the drum pads. 
These 8 pads are MPC standard, which is a pretty big deal considering MPC sets the standard when it comes to drum pads.
They’re also backlit, programmable, and velocity sensitive! The velocity sensitivity alone makes this Midi keyboard an incredibly effective tool when considering how expressive it allows you to be with your music.
Many launch pads out there in this price range don’t come with the velocity sensitive pads, which, once again, brings the Akai Pro MPK Mini MkII into the spotlight.
Q-Link Knobs
To the right of the pads, you’ll find 8 Q-Link knobs, ready to be programmed to your preference.
What makes these knobs shine is the 270 degree turning radius. Often times, the knobs you’ll find on midi keyboards are infinity knobs, with no tangible beginning or end.
The limited radius of these knobs help keep you aware of where you are at all times, which can be absolutely crucial when laying down some solid beats.
Mobility
This keyboard is powered solely through a USB connection with a computer or laptop, and is compatible with both Mac and PC.
Now, mobility isn’t necessarily a technical feature aboard this instrument, but it still is a remarkable capability. The mobility that this keyboard provides will save you from the all-too-common musician nightmare of getting inspired, far away from any means of recording. At a friends house?
You’ve got portability. Tiny office space? You’ve got portability. Traveling abroad? Still got it. In the shower? Unfortunately, Akai hasn’t yet made their models water resistant, but you get the idea. You can’t sit down and plan inspiration, but you sure as hell can prepare for it!
Summing Up the Best Keyboard for Making Beats
Even with all of the incredible functions and features of this remarkable music making machine, lets not forget: it is a MINI keyboard.
You’ve got 25 keys, and they’re smaller than normal keys to accommodate the portability of this instrument. You will only have access to 8 drum pads, but hey… they’re still top of the line MPC standard and velocity sensitive.
All this being said, you’ve still got that epic joystick, the ability to shift octaves with the keys, and the possibilities with the programmable drum pads are virtually endless.
Choosing a keyboard with more keys or pads could speed up your music production, but you’d lose the portability. With portability, it doesn’t matter where you are, because you’re not limited by power supplies or size.
The moment your idea enters your head, you can lay it down. So, ultimately, if you’re out and about, receiving massive downloads of inspiration, your ideas will be in safe hands with the Akai.
If you’re still not convinced, make your way over to amazon and check it out yourself HERE!
See The AKAI MPK MINI MKII in ACTION BELOW!
This keyboard is absolutely worth checking out.