I got my MPC Key 61 today. I'm ecstatic about my purchase coming from an MPC Live 2 Retro (started with 2kXL, then MP1k, then 2500, and then abandoned MPCs until the Live 2 Retro came out like 1-2 years ago).
I'm actually really surprised how much better the pads are than the Retro Live 2. Even though they are smaller, they are way more responsive and articulate. No false-triggers, and no double notes. The keybed doesn't feel cheap. It definitely feels better than most keyboard controllers. I installed an SSD drive with all my stuff from the Retro Live 2 with no issues. The entire unit has a nice weight to it. It doesn't feel cheap. I was apprehensive about the location of the pads, screen, and q-links but they are all within reach and in comfortable spot. I really really appreciate the angle of the top section. The screen is easier to view than the Live 2. Hooked up the cv outs to my modular gear and it was super fun to play/sequence modular synths with it.
I've never liked having cables everywhere and separate keyboard controllers, so having this all in one instrument with keys, pads, sampling, CV, effects, assignable knobs, etc. feels really frigging good.
As I'm typing this, I remember always buying and returning midi controllers that have keys and then pads on top - the pads are always terrible. I'm really impressed with the pads on the MPC Key and I'm glad Akai didn't cut corners with the pads. They feel like an upgrade from the Live 2, even though they are smaller.
I hope this product line continues to evolve. This DAW-in-a-box with the MPC sampling/sequencing dna is really powerful and conducive to creativity. It's so fast and easy to get going, and to craft your own sound.
I'm happy with it as-is, but I would love to see an MK2 version of this with 16 OLED-labeled Q-Link encoders (like the X), and a second screen. The sound design capabilities of this thing with both the synth engines and the sampler are only matched in actual computers, so a second screen would be great so that you don't have to keep flipping back and forth through editor pages. For example, when tweaking samples - it would great to simultaneously see envelopes, start/end points/, filters instead of switching views constantly. Same with any synth. It gets a little annoying going through different pages to edit simple synth things like a filter and an envelope. This is why I think 16x oled encoders is also a must-have.
Overall, happy with my purchase. Sorry, I don't have any links for you to show off. I've been writing music for ~25 years because I love it, not for grammies or YouTube subscribers. I probably suck anyway, but I love this stuff.