the MPK225 MK2 corrects the problems of the original MPK225.

Key Differences:

Key Action: The original MPK 225 had keys that were considered by some to be stiff and unresponsive. The MK2 version features semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, which provides a more natural and expressive playing experience.

Pad Sensitivity: The pads on the original MPK 225 were also noted for being less sensitive than desired. The MK2 version has upgraded MPC-style pads with RGB backlighting and improved pressure sensitivity.

Control Layout: The MK2 version features a revamped control layout for easier navigation and access to features.

From Akai:

NEW: Welcome to The World of VIP Music Software | Effortless Integration, Enhanced Workflow

Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK225 and Akai Pro VIP3.0 (Free Download Included a $99.99 Value). VIP3.0 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. The combination of VIP and MPK225 maximizes workflow and ensures a playing experience that feels natural and enhances creativity – the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with the unrivalled processing capability of virtual Instruments. Quickly find sounds based on instrument type, timbre, style or articulation from your entire VST library; sculpt immersive, expressive sounds and textures layering up to 8 separate instruments and patches per VIP instance; load up to 4 different VST effects per instrument channel to sculpt the perfect sound; put power into your performance with Pad Chord Progressions and user-friendly Key Control processors; and much more. From live performance to studio production, VIP’s user-friendly functionality coupled with a diverse feature set guarantees simple, seamless integration into your existing setup and provides the ultimate platform for unrestricted creative expression.

You're In Control

Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK225 is a compact performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. Each member of Akai Pro's MPK series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. MPK225 features 25 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, 8 assignable knobs, 4 backlit buttons, and onboard transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs and switches (up to 24 and 12, respectively), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 32 total). Plus, MPK225 is USB-powered and optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with plug-and-play connectivity.

Made To Play

MPK225 comes equipped with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel. Each key is velocity-sensitive and outfitted with aftertouch for dynamic, expressive performances and recordings. In addition, onboard Octave Up and Down controls allow players to access the entire melodic range; play bass lines, piano harmony, solo leads and much more.

Genuine MPC Functionality

Classic MPC Note Repeat and MPC Full Level are onboard for further inspiration. With MPK225, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years. In addition, an arpeggiator, with adjustable resolution, range, and patterns, enables users to explore complex melodic ideas, effortlessly.

Production Software

MPK225 is armed with powerful production software—Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats—for out-of-the-box music creation. Ableton Live Lite is a fluid audio/MIDI environment that enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas. MPC Beats is a free and fully featured beat making DAW software for both Mac and PC based on the legendary MPC workflow. It also works as a VST plugin inside any major DAW. From the moment you install MPC Beats, you're ready to start creating, fast. Utilize over 2GB worth of content including samples, loops, and built-in virtual instrument plugins to craft your sound. Experience plug and play compatibility with all class-compliant USB controllers. MPC Beats has plenty of power for ambitious creators with over 80 audio FX plugins to warp, manipulate and transform audio into whatever you can think of. Plus VST/AU compatibility means there's room to expand your sonic palette with compatible third-party virtual instrument plugins and audio processing plugins. You can even record instruments or vocals with 2 stereo audio tracks to add live elements to your music.

Virtual Synthesizers

Two high-definition virtual synthesizers bring the best of synthesis technology to MPK225 users. Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Tech, is a versatile virtual synthesizer that combines the warmth of legendary analog synths with a full range of futuristic, digital manipulation capabilities. With over a gigabyte of sounds and 2500+ presets for customization, Xpand!2 has incredible sonic firepower for a multitimbral synthesizer workstation. Together, these powerful instruments give MPK225 users professional music-creation tools that can jumpstart any project.