This was apparently unveiled at the same time as the Akai LPD 8 but somehow we managed to miss that. Anyway, Akai has announced this new ultra-portable midi keyboard for release on the 29th of this month. From the looks of it we can clearly see that the build quality and likely, the playability should exceed that of it’s closest competetion – the Korg NanoKey – which is quite fragile and unimpressive to play.

Features include 25 velocity sensitive keys, octave up and down buttons, sustain, 4 programmable banks and a f#@king arpeggiator! The unit measures approx 13 inches wide and weighs in at about 1 lb.

The MSRP is listed at $129.99 but all online retailers we checked have the listed retail price at $69.99, making this an affordable solution for the on-the-go music producer. More information can be found on Akai’s website.

UPDATE: Multiple reports are filtering in from people who got an early buy on the LPK 25 keyboard confirming our suspicion that it in fact does destroy the Korg NanoKey in every way. Good job Akai!

Wanna grab one of these sooner than later. Love the sounds and key action (in spite of it’s semi cheap plasticy feel). This video was recorded by a guy who makes beats under the name Dorian Concept. Scope out his MySpace for more tracks.

IT’S SO LIGHT!