Akai APC Key 25 MK2 Controller

Akai APC Key 25 MK2 – The Compact Controller That Packs a Punch

If you’ve ever wished you could trigger clips in Ableton and jam melodies on real keys without juggling two devices, the Akai APC Key 25 MK2 is here to make your life a whole lot easier. Don’t let its compact size fool you — this little controller is bursting with features that make it an absolute powerhouse for producers, performers, and music creators on the go.

The first thing that grabs your attention is the 40 vibrant RGB pads in a 5×8 grid. These aren’t just buttons — they’re your hands-on command centre for clip launching in Ableton Live. The backlit pads glow in different colours, so you instantly know what’s playing, what’s cued, and what’s free to trigger next. And because the grid is scrollable, you’re not limited to just 40 clips. You can navigate huge Ableton sessions with ease, without ever touching your mouse. Live performance? Total game changer.

Here’s where the APC Key 25 MkII really stands out — it’s not just a pad controller, it’s a keyboard too. With 25 velocity-sensitive keys, powered by Akai’s Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed, you can finally play your melodies and basslines with expression. Need more range? Simple — just tap the Octave Up/Down buttons to span a 10-octave range. There’s even a Sustain button, so you can hold notes and chords just like a full-sized keyboard. For a portable controller, this feels surprisingly natural and expressive.

The APC Key 25 MkII gives you 8 endless 360° rotary knobs that can be assigned to whatever you want — filters, effects, pan, volume, you name it. Switch to Device Mode, and they automatically map to Ableton’s Macro Controls, putting all your favourite synths and effects under your fingertips. Four control modes let you cover more ground, making sound design and live tweaking smooth and intuitive.

Weighing just 2.1 lbs (0.9 kg) and measuring 12.4″ × 7.6″ × 1.9″, this controller is insanely portable. Toss it in your backpack, plug it in via USB power (no adapter needed), and you’re set to make music anywhere inspiration strikes.

Akai APC Key 25 MK2 Features

• 25-Key Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed – Velocity-sensitive keys with octave up/down and sustain button for expressive play.
• 40 RGB Backlit Pads – 5×8 clip-launch grid with vibrant feedback and scrollable access to large sessions.
• 8 Endless Rotary Knobs – Assignable 360° knobs for mixing, effects, and device macro controls.
• Navigation & Scene Launch – Arrow keys, dedicated scene launch buttons, and soft keys for Solo, Mute, Stop, and Record Arm.
• Seamless Ableton Live Integration – Plug-and-play setup designed specifically for Live workflows.
• Bundled Software – Includes Ableton Live Lite plus AIR’s Hybrid 3 synth, Mini Grand piano, and Velvet electric piano.
• USB-Powered & Portable – Compact, lightweight design (2.1 lbs) with simple bus power for music creation anywhere.

Akai APC Key 25 MK2 Specs

Akai APC Key 25 MK2 Manuals Download

• User Guide PDF – DOWNLOAD