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KeyLab Essential mk3 | Keys For Modern Creatives | ARTURIA

KeyLab Essential mk3 | Keys For Modern Creatives | ARTURIA

Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Overview

Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Overview

Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Using Analog Lab

Tutorials | KeyLab Essential mk3 - Using Analog Lab

KeyLab Essential mk3 | How To Control Cubase

KeyLab Essential mk3 | How To Control Cubase

Arturia

Description

Designed to make music creation immediate, intuitive and inspiring, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 combines a hybrid synth-feel keybed, velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, dedicated DAW controls and deep software integration into a streamlined creative hub. Custom DAW scripts provide plug-and-play compatibility with major production platforms, while Pitch and Mod wheels and a flexible pedal input support expressive performance techniques. Creative tools such as chord voicings and a built-in arpeggiator help generate ideas on demand, and the included software suite—featuring Analog Lab Pro and Ableton Live Lite—lets you start producing right out of the box. Designed for beginners, experienced producers and everyone in between, KeyLab Essential mk3 removes barriers between you, your DAW and your sound.

Comfortable Hybrid Synth-Feel Keybed With Performance Controls

Arturia's KeyLab Essential mk3 features a smooth, responsive semi-weighted keybed that feels natural for both performance and production. Its hybrid synth-feel action balances comfort and precision, making it well suited for melodic composition, chord work and rhythmic parts. Familiar Pitch and Mod wheels enable expressive bends and modulation, while the pedal input supports sustain, footswitch or expression control—adding flexibility for dynamic playing styles in studio or live setups.

Focused Hands-On Controls for Efficient Workflow

A thoughtfully organized control layout keeps KeyLab Essential mk3 fast and intuitive to use. Velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle clip launching, finger drumming or MIDI note triggering with clear visual feedback, while full-rotation encoders and smooth faders provide immediate access to key parameters such as track levels, panning, envelopes and instrument controls. Plus, dedicated DAW transport and navigation buttons let you move seamlessly between sound design and project management without breaking creative flow.

Essential Visual Feedback and Custom DAW Integration

A bright 2.5" display provides essential real-time feedback, from parameter values to preset names, supported by contextual buttons that simplify navigation. KeyLab Essential mk3 goes beyond basic MIDI mapping with custom integration scripts for major DAWs, along with MCU and HUI compatibility for broad support. Whether you’re working in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio or other environments, the controller adapts quickly and reliably to your workflow.

Creative Performance Tools for Instant Inspiration

Built-in creative features make it easy to turn ideas into music. Chord voicings allow rich, harmonically balanced chords to be triggered from a single key, while Scale Mode locks the keyboard to a selected scale so every note stays in key. The built-in arpeggiator transforms chords and melodies into evolving rhythmic patterns, with a Hold function for hands-free exploration. Used individually or together, these tools encourage experimentation while keeping composition approachable.

Complete Software Package and Flexible Creative Ecosystem

KeyLab Essential mk3 arrives ready to create with a comprehensive software bundle that includes Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite and a wide range of instruments, effects and sound libraries. From classic synths and expressive pianos to modern textures, samples and learning tools, everything needed to grow creatively is included. For producers seeking intuitive control, inspiring features and seamless DAW integration in a streamlined controller, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 delivers a flexible foundation for music making.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 MIDI Keyboard Controller - Rose Quartz

Features

  • 61 redesigned semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for dynamic, nuanced performances
  • Nine touch-sensitive faders and knobs for precise sound shaping and mixing
  • Scale mode locks keys to a scale, avoiding wrong notes
  • Chord play triggers full chords with one key for quick progressions
  • Built-in arpeggiator creates evolving patterns with Hold and Mutate functions
  • 2.5” full-color screen provides real-time feedback for seamless navigation
  • MIDI I/O and USB-C ensure smooth integration with hardware and software
  • Includes Analog Lab Pro and Ableton Live Lite for instant music creation

Specs

General
  • Product type: MIDI controller keyboard
  • Series: KeyLab Essential
Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 61
  • Keybed type: Velocity-sensitive hybrid synth piano feel
Controls and Pads
  • Encoders: 1 clickable encoder and 9 rotary encoders
  • Faders: 9 x 30 mm faders
  • Transport controls: 8 transport switches
  • Command switches: 4 switches
  • Wheels: Modulation wheel and pitch bend wheel
  • Pads: 8 touch- and pressure-sensitive pads
Display
  • Screen: 2.5" LCD display
  • Contextual buttons: Yes
  • Real-time feedback: Yes
Performance Features
  • Arpeggiator: Multi-mode
  • Chord mode: Yes
  • Scale mode: Yes
  • Hold function: Yes
  • Transpose: Semitone transpose
  • User presets: Up to 6 user presets
Software Integration
  • Instrument integration: Analog Lab V
  • DAW integration: FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase and Bitwig Studio
  • Control protocols: NKS compatible, MCU compatible and HUI compatible
Included Software
  • Software bundle: Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments Komplete Select and UVI Model D
  • Subscriptions: Loopcloud 2-month subscription and Melodics subscription for 40 lessons
Connectivity
  • USB: USB-C for computer connection and MIDI Control Center
  • MIDI: 5-pin DIN MIDI output
  • Pedal inputs: Sustain, expression or footswitch input
Power
  • Power source: USB bus powered
Compatibility
  • Windows requirements: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, 4 GB RAM, quad-core CPU 3.4 GHz, 3 GB free disk space, OpenGL 2.0 GPU
  • Mac requirements: macOS 11 or later, 4 GB RAM, quad-core CPU 3.4 GHz or Apple M1, 3 GB free disk space, OpenGL 2.0 GPU
  • Plugin formats: Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit and NKS
Included Accessories
  • Accessories: USB-A to USB-C cable and registration card
Dimensions and Weight
  • Unit dimensions: 31.10" x 2.76" x 9.45"
  • Unit weight: 6.08 lb.

Reviews

5

7 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing4
  2. Producing1
  3. Production1
  4. Live Recording1
Cons
  1. It takes a little while to set up1
  2. N/A in my opinion1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Novice3
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Easy To Use6
  2. Good Quality6
  3. Functional4
  4. Improves Sound2
  • Very solid experience

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byMichael

    fromFairlawn Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Product works well, great to learn with and advanced enough to keep stimulated with different options on the menu and knobs #sweepstakes

  • Great grab

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 months ago

    byMichael

    fromFairlawn Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Good to learn, but also advanced enough to keep you entertained and invested in new options with the menus and knobs

  • I drove 50+ miles to buy this keyboard

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byRick

    fromTwentynine Palms, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'd do it again too. I had the older Essential 49. This one is much better. The only problem is it made my Faderport obsolete. This does so much!

  • Very intuitive and user friendly MIDI Keyboard

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byNathan

    fromSan Diego

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Comes with pre loaded sounds and the ability to download additional software. Arturia has a great YouTube channel with tones of resources and tutorials available to help get you started.

  • As good as it's gonna get for the price

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJadon

    fromRoseville Mi

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Very solid and advanced keyboard for beginners and pros. This could definitely be looked at as a very good entry level keyboard since it has a plethora of options and things to mess around with as well as some free DAWs. I'm am 100% satisfied with this purchase. It takes a bit of getting used to but I'm also just starting out so that's a given when you get into the more advanced equipment.

  • Simply Amazing

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byCB

    fromDerby, Kansas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I have been in the market for a controller for a while. This beaut caught my attention on one of my previous visits to the store. I was able to play with the machine and fell in love.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byDaniel

    fromCa.

    Does it have aftertouch?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 does not have aftertouch. The keybed is velocity-sensitive but lacks channel or polyphonic aftertouch.
  • asked byCNMATL

    fromAtlanta, GA

    What are included in the box?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    KeyLab Essential Unit USB-A to USB-C cable Registration card
  • asked byMeg

    fromSeattle, WA

    Does this midi keyboard always need to be connected to a laptop while playing?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It needs a computer, not necessarily a laptop.
  • asked bywooiskie

    fromlacombe,la.

    It has 2000 presets....do you need a computer?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Yes you do.