Enter to Win a $8000 PA System!

Akai Professional APC Key25 mk2 25-key Keyboard Controller

25-key MIDI Controller for Ableton Live with 5 x 8 Clip-launch Matrix, RGB-backlit Pads, Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed, 8 Assignable Rotary Knobs, and Bundled Software (Mac/PC)
Write review Item ID: APCKey25mk2
$99.00

Earn $5 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $3/month with 48 month financing*

In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Akai Professional APC Key25 mk2 25-key Keyboard Controller
In Stock!
$99.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Unleash Your Performance Potential

As any user of Ableton Live knows, its performance mode is a cornucopia of opportunity, allowing for modular playback and on-the-fly adjustments for a versatile live show. True to Akai’s APC series, the Key25 Mk2 is precisely modeled to indulge the flexible opportunities afforded with Ableton Live. The 25-note range returns, this time outfitted with a Gen 2 dynamic keybed. Like its predecessor, you’re getting an ergonomically designed array of fully assignable 360-degree rotary knobs, alongside a 40-button grid for launching, managing, and controlling clips and scenes. Production pros at Sweetwater appreciate the thoughtful, quality-of-life updates made to the user experience, such as the RGB-backlit pads. Each APC Key25 Mk2 also comes boxed with the powerful, versatile virtual instruments of AIR Music Technology, as well as a copy of Ableton Live Lite.

Set the scene

With the APC Key25 Mk2, the 40-button, 5-inch x 8-inch control grid returns, designed to mimic the respective placement within your DAW grid. The RGB-backlit buttons allow them to be color coded to represent the clips on-screen more accurately, glowing vividly for unwavering execution in any performance. The pads themselves have been enlarged to encourage a more fluid workflow. Scenes can be cued all at once via the righthand column of buttons, with dedicated shift controls for click-free navigation. Along the bottom, directional pads allow you to move through your clip matrix with ease.

Clutter-free workflow

Akai’s deep history of beat making means they know a few things about efficient production, and the little things can go a long way. The APC Key25 Mk2 tidies up its interface for a smoother, uninterrupted workflow. All of the buttons are now polygonal, maintaining clean ratios of distance and shape, relative to one another, drastically reducing visual clutter. Similarly, labels are now directly in line with their respective buttons. Each of the eight assignable knobs features a 360-degree rotation with an ergonomically satisfying feel, doing away with distracting, clock-like marks.

Improvise at every level

Now designed with Akai’s Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed, the 25-note keyboard provides excellent response across its synth-weight keys. Expression and range aren’t limited to just 25 notes, however, with dedicated buttons for octave up/down, and sustain, supplementing your sound with plenty of dimension. To inspire your time with the ivories, Akai has bundled the APC Key25 Mk2 with a virtual instrument pack from AIR Music Technology. Their award-winning sound design comes in the form of three plug-ins. Hybrid 3 evokes iconic, analog synths with polyphonic playback. Mini Grand delivers evocative acoustic pianos, while Velvet is comprised of vintage-sounding electric pianos.

Akai Professional APC Key25 Mk2 25-key Keyboard Controller Features:

  • 5-inch x 8-inch grid matrix includes 40 buttons for launching clips in your session
  • RGB-backlit pads ensure vivid representation of on-screen information
  • Streamlined visual layout ensures a clutter-free experience
  • Righthand buttons let you launch and manage entire scenes
  • Shift controls allow for click-free control of clips and scenes
  • 4-way navigation buttons enable painless movement throughout your clip matrix
  • 8 assignable rotary knobs feature 360º range of motion to accommodate use in with any parameters
  • 25-note Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed provides responsive, synth-weight keys for instrumental performance
  • Dedicated oct up/down, and shift buttons drastically increase range of key-based playback
  • Included AIR Music Technology plug-ins add inspiring instruments across numerous synths and pianos

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 25
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Pads: 40 x RGB Pads
  • Other Controllers: 8 x 360-degree Knobs
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Software: Ableton Live Lite Music Production
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 1.9"
  • Width: 12.4"
  • Depth: 7.6"
  • Weight: 2.1 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: APCKEY25MK2

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 2/5

It's OK

It's good for trigger Ableton scenes but the keyboard is not very good. I have to hit the keys hard to trigger them and the notes don't sustain unless I press really hard.
Close Close $8,000 PA System Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, test has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!