Exclusive details about Akai’s MPC Sample Key

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/Akai_Sample_Key_DSC01934_WEB.jpeg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Akai teased its new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1021405/akai-open-source-mpc-sample-key">MPC Sample Key</a> on Instagram earlier this week, and said it plans to open-source its software so the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware">modding community</a> can hack it to their hearts' delight. While there's no word yet on when the device will launch or how much it will cost, <em>The Verge</em> has received exclusive images of the upcoming instrument that offer some details about its feature set. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the Sample Key shares many of the same controls as the MPC Sample - including the three context-sensitive encoders, a large main encoder - it seems designed for pitched sample playback, rather than chopping up drums. In fact, the "chop" button from the MPC Sample is m …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1023649/akai-mpc-sample-key-exclusive">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>