Akai mpk249 midi keyboard sticky keys fix

DISCLAIMER! THIS IS NOT A STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL. PLEASE DO THIS AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. I AM NOT LIABLE OR CAN I ASSIST IN YOUR ABILITY TO COMPLETE AND FIX YOUR KEYBOARD. THIS IS KZbin.
Wait don't give up yet! Akai MPK249 and midi keyboard clean and fix.
However, please do this with your own discretion, there are also other hard to find videos similar to this process.
1. remove screws on the rear of your keyboard
2. slowly slide and remove the L and R plugs from the board (may be hot glued so pull gently and label them L and R so they aren't mixed up)
3. remove the screws from the "yellow" backing of your keys (there are two yellow circuit boards for the keys, keep in mind your are removing them in reverse order since you flipped the keyboard over)
4. remove the springs with pliers by pulling upwards (being careful not to let go as they will fly), clean keys that are sticky and clean them with rubbing alcohol paying attention to clean all areas of contact
5. install in reverse order and test before fully screwing everything back up
Music track during video was made by me with this same keyboard.
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/ mervsz
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[@beefyjoe]

Thank you so much!!!!! This issue was driving absolutely mad for so long. Since i didnt want to shell out more money on this keyboard, this was the only solution, after doing all these steps and cleaning everything and applying new grease the keyboard plays like a dream again, no more dead notes, no more super loud notes. This is the fix.

[@mervsz3347]

I'm glad it worked out for you and saved you a bit of cash. Happy playing!

[@HarryCollis97]

Good to know it works for super loud notes as well

[@joelsagayanatan2325]

Thanks alot bro, my akai 249 has the same sticky note issue . actually i dint know wat was the term for such an issue and how to search for the solution.. so i put in google search, issues with midi keyboard then i got ur video and the solution..thanks alot again 🙌

[@mervsz3347]

Google always has the answer to your question! Except anything medical, you'll want to see a doctor for that :) Good luck on the deep clean and fix.

[@joelsagayanatan2325]

@@mervsz3347 😅 lol

[@user-id9pl7pf5y]

Brilliant, just what I needed. Many thanks

[@jsn1900]

just took apart my mpk261 to fix similar issues, a few things I've found that may be useful to y'all: 1. it may be easier to remove the keyboard cables from the keyboard PCB side, rather than from the rear panel PCB side 2. the springs from the black and white keys seems to all be the same, just that it is stretched longer for the white keys 3. for the keyboard, there are tiny markings on the top of the keys and the plastic frame that help you reassemble it, it seems that the black keys have some kind of order to them too (marked with 1-4) but i messed it up, prob best to take detailed pictures before removing the keys 4. you are very likely to wipe off the lubrication if you decide to do a thorough clean and take off the keys, please really consider buying some before disassembly 5. after wiping the contacts on the PCB all keys are working, but some keys still have slightly off velocity curve, subtle but annoying, i really don't know if the disassembly has messed up the spring/misaligned the rubber pads, anyway if you want to use it professionally i would not recommend fixing it yourself 6. this thing is heavy, best to find some helping hands

[@tristanseanpaulcinco7018]

you know what would've been great? if you actually showed the disassembling and re-assembling process. otherwise, it's a helpful video

[@mervsz3347]

If you watch the video completely you will see me removing certain parts with explanations. Installing and reinstalling is just the reverse order. Good luck!

[@tristanseanpaulcinco7018]

@@mervsz3347 wow. Surprised you actually responded! Thank you for taking the time. But yeah i have to kindly disagree. The video skipped a lot of details such as the removal of the two ribbons from the circuit thingie (which was not easy at all btw), the fact that the keys themselves are not actually labeled, which means if not careful, you can end up misplacing the order of the keys, and even the opening of the internals itself I know that these are relatively very obvious in hindsight but as someone who barely handles such niche types of electronics, I ended up having to be doubtful of your walkthrough and spending bit more time and effort to look for external sources to make sure what I'm doing won't mess up the keyboard Still, I really appreciate the video and of course your feedback. Kudos!

[@EDF_FANatic]

@@mervsz3347 totally not. You skipped important parts of the reassembly and disassembly.

[@dumpfiles6438]

Really? You want a tutorial on how to unscrew? how about walking? you want us to teach you how to walk as well? You seem stupd enough to know those simple things.

[@soundofshamash]

Great video dude

[@teakzachary9892]

Super helpful thank you!!

[@mervsz3347]

No problem, glad I can help!

[@ahmedbelmahressia9493]

Thank You For The Video any way

[@firebird92]

I'm looking for new rubber contact stick for Akai Advance 61, and I see that one looks the same. Anybody knows, where can I buy one? Only rubber contact, not whole keyboard.

[@cytasis5529]

Thanks man!!!!

[@mervsz3347]

Hey, happy to help/inform!

[@wellingtontoribio5017]

After doing all this, it fixed the key I wanted to fix, but another 2 keys don't work now. So, now I'll have to take it apart again and see what I did wrong in there.

[@dlew7834]

When I plug mine in, the pads light up white and the screen is lit but has no words on it. No other buttons are lit up and it’s not recognized on my midi setup on Mac or in Logic Pro X. Anyone know what’s wrong?

[@brandonhayes161]

The exact key is stuck for me on my mpk49 lol thank you

[@mervsz3347]

Common issue with these Akai keyboard. Annoying but there's a fix. Glad I could help!

[@k-ledavincci8094]

Mine is the one beside it. So I’m thinking this is a common issue in their manufacturing.

[@dankokozar]

Just wondering: does any of you experience the "stickiness" of: 1. pitch and bend wheel, 2. "Push to enter" button and 3. arrow keys below that button? I'm not talking about the stickiness of the sent MIDI messages, I'm talking about how the material (plastic) became sticky for me. In terms that they are not comfortable to touch. Also, they are catching dust, which sticks to them and is hard to clean (without scrubbing the whole sticky layer down).

[@leonardod.8050]

Yes! That kind of rubber finish feels good on the fingers when it's new. But becomes sticky and awful after some time. I don't undestand why audio gear companies use it everywhere! C'mon. Get rid of it using isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.

[@dankokozar]

@@leonardod.8050 oh, I thought I was the only one and that this happened because of me cleaning the wheels to often! :) You’re right, it’s the same thing with my Focusrite Scarlet 1st gen audio interface - some of the encoders are sticky. This type of plastic should be named and banned! :)

[@vimster]

I have a sticky key and some other issue where I'm getting random CC data. Dreading opening this up and taking it apart but has to be done. Thanks for the info.

[@mervsz3347]

No problem! Hopefully this worked for you. I too was hesitant to do this but it was either live with sticky keys or fix it myself. There was no chance I would send this in for repairs lol

[@HarryCollis97]

Just the video i was looking for! what grease are you using?

[@mervsz3347]

Glad it can give you some help! The grease is very optional but you can use anything really. The silicon grease i'm using was left over from a car project. Honda Genuine 08798-9013 Silicone Grease.

[@EdwardPiggott]

Man i have the same problem, and AKAI support did not even reply to my mail. I will try this hoping that it works

[@Crashkitt]

Does this also help when a is not functioning at all? Just realised that one of my keys is not functioning anymore. Not even sending a midi signal.

[@mervsz3347]

It could be the case, but every keyboard is different and so it would be hard for me to say. If the key is fully dead it wouldn't hurt to take it apart and clean it. Good luck!

[@arunmukherjee704]

how to get new key rubber? and price plz.

[@mervsz3347]

You may want to try and google it. I do not have a solid source for spare parts or replacements.

[@dankokozar]

Hi! Instructive video. I just plugged in my MPK249 after a while and realised one of the black keys always gives the velocity of 127 (also rarely velocities of 0 or 1). I'm wondering do you think this is the same problem that you had and should your fix work with my keyboard? Thanks!

[@mervsz3347]

Akai keyboards in general have a tendency to have sticky keys after a while. I know sellers whom have tried to sell these keyboard with 7 keys not working. It can more than likely be the case with your keyboard but I cannot confirm because it is different from case to case. I say if it bugs you enough to try and clean that specific key. There is no harm in trying but please but someone handy when attempting this process.

[@dankokozar]

A2Dsz thanks. In your case the key was producing a weaker sound, whereas in my case it produces the maximum of 127. And also sometimes, minimal velocity of 1. It’s strange that it produces such values, so intuitive if that is a mechanical failure of sticky keys. Interestingly, a lot of people is having the same issue. I’m wondering why Akai doesn’t simply reply them to open their units and clean the contacts.. Anyway, if this keeps bugging me, I’ll open up the unit, and your video was highy instructive and encouraging. Thank you.

[@mervsz3347]

@@dankokozar Agreed! Akai keyboard do have strange issues when it comes to their keys and velocity. I wish they did some upgrading on the contact points. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to dive in and give them a clean. Hope it works out for you and i'm glad you found the video helpful!

[@dankokozar]

The fix is to order the new 200 USD keybed from AKAI supplier. I still didn’t do it, and probably I wont, but I’ll instead invest into another brand.

[@AniketMane-dn5uh]

@@dankokozar so cleaning didn't help in this regard?

[@amirnadeem5357]

I’m having some issue with my Mpk249 keys too. Almost every key sounds like a crashing sound... I think its the same dust issue with mu keyboard. Can you please help me out like how can I clean it? Can I use vacuum to suck all the dust ? because I’m afraid to open my keyboard by myself. Please reply need help. 🙏🏼

[@mervsz3347]

Either you muster up the courage to open it up and clean it yourself or use it with the crashing sounds. There is no in-between my friend! I also cannot help you, do this on your own or find a friend to assist. Good luck!

[@mctzr]

Than you so much for the video.. I followed all steps and it works..but now my screen show only cubes.. Any idea ? I doubled check all connections

[@mervsz3347]

Your screen only shows cubes? I'm not sure what that looks like.. but hopefully you didn't get any type of liquid in-between your connections and try to power on right a way.. that is the only thing I can think of. If you did, disconnect connections promptly, make sure they are thoroughly dry (using a hair dryer for some minutes) then try again.

[@chanchiwang]

Hi, may i kown where you buy the parts? Thanks.

[@mervsz3347]

Hello, this keyboard internals were all kept in original state. In other words, I did not buy anything for this fix. Thanks.

[@michaelfeeney9147]

very helpful video, unfortunately did not fix my problem. few keys react full velocity and sustain every time. Better off not buying akai

[@ahmedbelmahressia9493]

I had the same problem ... went through the process and it was fixed... But after a month all the problems came back with the same keys... this is really a bad choice .... i had my M-audio Axiom the original version for 15 years and it never failed on me and it also had more control parameters than this Akai ... I Really regret replacing it

[@SoundChemist]

i have a black key sticky, i fixed 2 whites and now work, but where does the black key touch ? i cant find where to clean for black key, help pls ty

[@mervsz3347]

The black dots on the rubber contact points as well as the circuit board gold sections. Test the board before you put it all together to save you time.

[@SoundChemist]

@@mervsz3347 thank. I found it

[@keef_cheefr3110]

when i play the keys, all of them get super quite after the first press, and only get louder again when i press the key with full force

[@mervsz3347]

Yeah, the contact points are very bad on this keyboard. If you already cleaned them you have to firmly press down for the contact points to read properly. Assuming you cleaned them properly and are just starting to reuse the keys. Honestly staying away from Akai keyboards due to these reoccurring issues when not in use.

[@keef_cheefr3110]

@@mervsz3347 gotta.be honest im a little weary of deconstructing it after just getting it and not knowing how to use it. most likely will just deal with it and if it gets too annoying, I'll just have to get a new keyboard

[@mervsz3347]

@@keef_cheefr3110 It's a good keyboard, in theory. It just has issues with keeping contact points on certain keys. I wouldn't give up on it if it's just one key. You can take it apart and clean that key, if it doesn't work get a new one if need be. Good luck to you sir!

[@madeanotherhit1264]

Hey guys, I have an MPK249 trying to fix exactly what he is fixing. I do wish he went into more detail, but I've been trying to follow along and do it myself. Here's what I do know: 1. Taking those ribbon cables off is challenging. As of typing this, I still haven't been able to remove them. 2. It looks like you need to unscrew the yellow circuit board to remove the keys. At 1:38 in the video it looks like he had unattached that piece. 3. The usb to midi port is messed up on my keyboard. After taking my mpk apart, I can see that the port is loose, and im not sure how to fix it. Let's figure this thing out! Hell I'll upload a video if I need to. All in all though, thanks for the information.

[@mervsz3347]

1. Removing the ribbon cables should not be challenging. Factory does hot glue gun them down but the use of pliers and they should come right off. 2. Yes the process is to remove all screws off of the keyboard. The yellow sections are divided into two parts, from there you will have access to them. Remember that when working on the keyboard it is upside down and so the keys are in reverse order. 3. The usb to midi port should not be effected when removing, unless you unplug this section by mistake.

[@dumpfiles6438]

you're just stupd

[@4711shaun2]

great vid but i don't see why you ned to remove the keys to clean the contacts for miss triggering keys.. it' a lot more work for no gain imo. i've done this with my mpk249.. it was in a damp musty basement type room which wreaked havoc with the contacts.. dust cover is a good tip as well.

[@mervsz3347]

If I am being honest, the mpk249 in general isn't the greatest midi keyboard to begin with.. The thing is if it was a great keyboard this video wouldn't be needed. It's sad that it struggles to work properly due to room humidity or dust. In any case, since the keyboard is within your ownership, it wouldn't harm you to clean it once in a while if you run into faulty keys. Good luck with your music!

[@vimster]

How do you take the keys off?

[@mervsz3347]

At 3:55 you can see me installing the keys by springs. Do this in reverse order to take the keys off, remembering to keep them in order when removing.

[@triangvle]

Anyone knows where to buy the rubber contacts? Mine are broken :(

[@mervsz3347]

You can try google. Here is a link I found. Hoppe this helps! www.mpcstuff.com/akai-mpk-key-contacts-under-key-rubber-sensor/

[@ViRiXDreamcore]

I have an Akai Advance 49 and the same applies.

[@DaBeatm8ker]

So u have to take all they off? Can't just clean the board?

[@mervsz3347]

You can clean whatever is causing the issue, but if you open your keyboard you might as well clean it all. Good luck!

[@lukejbonner]

You don't have to take the keys themselves off. You can just unscrew the circuit board to access the rubber key contacts underneath.

[@Daveosbeatz]

Same key that’s acting up on mines and I just got it.. you’d think for a $500 keyboard this wouldn’t be a problem

[@mervsz3347]

Yep! Unfortunately it isn't the best midi keyboard money can buy. At least there's a solution for the fix. Inconvenient yes, but a solution none the less.

[@JasonStarrRITNC]

What if the pads are sticking

[@theodorekorehonen]

I'm fixing one at the moment. I just used a toothbrush and some dish soap in a stoppered sink. Should clean most everything off unless you've spilled something weird on it. Just make sure to elt it dry

[@wsupwitit]

Howd you get the keys out? My mpk88 is one big fucking piece 😔

[@mervsz3347]

Unfortunately this is the process for an mpk249. I do not have experience with an mpk88, sorry.

[@colinmortimore218]

Had the same problem. Only just out of warranty. I'll never buy another!

[@joshirwin7904]

yeah mine is the same key lol damn

[@ammor6311]

are you there @mervsz ? please reply when you see this