Thanks for correcting me on the Alesis Q25, I am interested still interested in the Akai Pro MPK mini for the drum machine pads. Having said that, reading reviews both models have their pro's and con's the Akai Pro MPK mini pads are claimed to be mot very sensitive while it is not clear to me the difference, (advantage), in key sensitivity between the Alesis Q25 and the Akai Pro MPK mini.

As a newbie, wanting to start from a good base, I feel it would be good to start by purchasing a midi controller with good key sensitivity, if views are that they are comparable than I am inclined to go with the Akai Pro MPK mini.

I'd recommend spending a bit more if you can ... Novation's SL MkII and Impulse keyboards deliver a lot for the money (touch-sensitive faders and pots, X-Y Pad, Automap, LCD screen, aftertouch, drum pads, midi ports). You're less likely to want to upgrade later if you start out with something decent.

@lionscub68 - subjective I know but how do you find the Q25? Only read reviews that seem a bit 'meh' about it's action. Sounds like you know what you're doing re: velocity sensitivity, so makes the grade? Cheers.

It's okay, nothing special. Synth action keys. The velocity is even (playing soft -> hard results in even steven midi numbers (0-127), which is important if you have expressive synths. I like that I can switch midi channels relatively quickly. I had a Korg microkeys 37 but the combination of the small keys and the lack of a sustain pedal just killed me, so I switched. The local shop had it on clearance at $39, so it was a no-brainer.

Keep in mind I don't do any ripping solos on the Q25. I use my main controller for wide ranges of notes, this one is used for simple stuff. But my main requirements have always been: pitch& mod wheels, steady velocity curve (see above), a susain jack. Having a true real MIDI out is a real bonus.

Funny thing is I also own a Novation Notrun 49 with all those buttons and what-not. I hated the action and also particularly can't stand program the board over and over... My brother has since borrowed it, and I don't miss it one bit.

When I was looking for a mini keyboard about a year ago, my main criteria was it had to have real keys. That is why I went with the Alesis Q25. Is it the best key action I've ever use? No, but it does the job when I can't be at my main keyboard. It is solid and consistent and just dead easy to use. I just plug it in and it works. If you want pads or an x-y controller, there are Korg and Akai options for that. I bought a Korg LPD8 for pads and knobs, and it works just fine.

Good luck with your endeavors.

Thanks lionscub68.

I'm a... 'minimal' keyboard player at best so ripping solos aren't on the agenda... My aging roland controller is generally fine but has no real response at the lower end, velocity wise. Playing very gently just doesn't register at all. It seems a while back they were a few semi-weighted 25 key boards around but now you have to move up to the m-audio axioms etc which is overkill for what I need.

Wish I could find a q25 for $39, new over here is £55, ~$87...

I'm about to pull the trigger on the Alesis Q25, I note that there may be a driver issue with Windows 7 64 bit, is this the case?

i dunno about a Windows 7 issue; I'm a Mac user.

Nano key is a joke, LPK 25 is not too bad, but more for occasional use in hotel rooms etc ... i use it also for key switches. buy something more serious with min. 37 keys.

Actually, the Q25 doesn't require a driver for Win7. Mine worked first time right out of the box.

Thanks for clarifying the driver issue.