Chris SennerAfter spending over two months with the Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3 88, I can confidently say this MIDI controller is a fantastic value for its price and has been added to my best MIDI controllers post. With a host of features tailored for both studio and stage, it stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or usability.
The Keylab Essential Mk3 and the Novation Launchkey dominated the budget range 88 key controller market. The Essential MK3, in my opinion, edges the Launchkey by having a slightly better keybed.
Build Quality and Design
You probably landed on this page in search of a reliable, yet affordable 88 key MIDI controller. If so, I think you’ll be happy with the overall build quality and design on this controller. While this is not as durable as the older Keylabs, it’s far lighter and still more durable than my Launchkey.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the KeyLab Essential Mk3 is its construction. Despite its plastic chassis, it’s built like a tank and is durable. The semi-weighted keys are velocity-sensitive and provide a satisfying balance between a traditional piano feel and the flexibility of a synth-style keybed. The keys feel solid and responsive, making it suitable for both beginner pianists and seasoned producers. However, it’s worth noting that it lacks aftertouch—a feature some might miss, especially during expressive performances.
In terms of design, Arturia has opted for a minimalist aesthetic with curved edges and a clean, off-white finish (also available in black). The redesigned mid-panel display is sleek and functional, offering real-time feedback on parameters. The layout of buttons, encoders, and sliders is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and control without feeling cluttered.
Core Features
The KeyLab Essential Mk3 is packed with features that cater to modern music production workflows:
- Keys and Pads: The 88 semi-weighted keys offer a hybrid experience, while the eight RGB-backlit pads are velocity and pressure-sensitive, ideal for finger drumming or triggering samples.
- Encoders and Faders: Nine rotary encoders and nine faders are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor controls to your workflow.
- LCD Screen: The 2.5-inch full-color display provides clear, real-time feedback, reducing the need to constantly look at your computer screen.
- Chord and Scale Modes: These features, along with an arpeggiator, open up new creative possibilities for composition and live performance.
- Connectivity: USB-C powers the device and handles MIDI communication, while a 5-pin MIDI output and pedal input allow for deeper integration with external hardware.
DAW Integration
I love that it works seamlessly out of the box with every major DAW. It was pre-mapped and really easy to use.
Bitwig Studio: Integration with Bitwig is great, allowing control over mixer faders, panning, scene launching, and device parameters. However, navigating between devices in an effects chain still requires a mouse, which slightly hampers the otherwise immersive experience.
Cubase: The Cubase script provides basic functionality with Quick Controls and mixer adjustments but feels less comprehensive compared to Bitwig or Ableton. The lack of bank switching for faders limits its usefulness in larger projects.
Ableton Live: Integration with Ableton Live is smooth and intuitive. Clip launching and scene navigation are a breeze, and the pads’ RGB lighting reflects clip statuses accurately. However, like Bitwig, switching between devices in a chain isn’t possible directly from the controller.
Software Bundle
The KeyLab Essential Mk3 comes bundled with an impressive array of software:
- Analog Lab V: A standout inclusion, Analog Lab V provides access to over 7,000 sounds from Arturia’s renowned V Collection. Integration with the controller is seamless, allowing you to browse presets, tweak parameters, and create inspiring sounds directly from the hardware.
- Ableton Live Lite: A capable DAW for beginners and pros alike.
- UVI Grand Piano Model D: A rich-sounding piano plugin that complements the keyboard.
- Melodics and Loopcloud: Additional tools for practice and sample library exploration.
Analog Lab V deserves special mention for its effortless integration. Navigating the library and tweaking sounds feels natural, making it a joy to use.
Performance and Usability
Arturia has prioritized ease of use with the KeyLab Essential Mk3. The workflow is streamlined, thanks to the thoughtful placement of controls and the intuitive interface. The Undo button is a particularly useful addition for quick corrections during creative sessions. The semi-weighted keys offer a good balance for various playing styles, though advanced pianists may find them slightly lacking in weight.
That said, the lack of aftertouch is disappointing, especially for those who rely on it for dynamic expression. Additionally, while the DAW integration is strong, the inability to switch focus between devices in some DAWs without a mouse feels like a missed opportunity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy build quality and sleek design
- Seamless integration with Analog Lab V and select DAWs
- Intuitive layout with customizable controls
- Excellent software bundle
- RGB-lit pads and responsive keys
- USB-C connectivity for modern setups
Cons:
- No aftertouch
- Limited DAW integration for some features
- Cubase control feels basic compared to other DAWs
- Requires a mouse for certain navigation tasks
What I Like
- Great key action that feels satisfying to play.
- All controls work seamlessly out of the box.
- Simple yet effective—nothing crazy, but it just works.
- Excellent DAW integration with minimal setup.
- High-quality bundled software, especially Analog Lab V.
What I Dislike
- No aftertouch, which limits expressiveness.
- DAW integration could improve by allowing seamless device switching.
- Plastic build, while solid, lacks the premium feel of higher-end models.
- Slight menu-diving required for ARP/Chord/Scale settings.
Here’s a couple tables of the Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 88 vs its competitors:
Vs The Novation Launchkey Mk3 88
| Feature | KeyLab Essential Mk3 88 | Novation Launchkey Mk3 88 |
|---|---|---|
| Keybed | Semi-weighted, waterfall | Semi-weighted |
| Pads | 8 x RGB-backlit, velocity-sensitive | 16 x RGB-backlit, velocity-sensitive |
| Encoders/Faders | 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders | 8 rotary encoders, 9 faders |
| Software Integration | Analog Lab V, deep DAW scripts | Deep Ableton Live integration |
| Screen | 2.5-inch full-color LCD | No screen |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Power | USB-C powered | USB-B powered |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs | 18.08 lbs |
Vs The KeyLab Mk2 88
| Feature | KeyLab Essential Mk3 88 | KeyLab Mk2 88 |
| Keybed | Semi-weighted | Fully-weighted, Fatar TP/100LR |
| Pads | 8 x RGB-backlit | 16 x Velocity-sensitive |
| Encoders/Faders | 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders | 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders |
| Aftertouch | No | Yes |
| Software Integration | Analog Lab V, Ableton Lite | Analog Lab, Ableton Lite, Piano V, more |
| Build Quality | Plastic | Metal chassis |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5-pin MIDI Out | USB, MIDI In/Out, CV Outputs |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs | 32.4 lbs |
The KeyLab Mk2 88 is more premium, with better key action and aftertouch, but the KeyLab Essential Mk3 88 offers great value at a lower price point.
Chris Senner
