Arturia Midi Keyboard: A Complete Buyer's Guide

No Arturia midi keyboard buyer's guide is complete without acknowledging what makes the range stand out: the combination of price, included software and hardware quality covers more ground than almost any other single keyboard controller brand. That breadth is its greatest asset and, for buyers, its biggest source of confusion. Chloe has used Arturia controllers extensively in production and cuts through the options with a clear framework for each type of buyer.

Before You Buy: Key Decisions

Three questions narrow the field immediately:

• How many keys do you need? 25 minikeys (MiniLab) for portability and software control; 49 full-size keys for comfortable two-hand playing; 61 keys if you want full two-octave span for classical or jazz; 88 weighted keys if you are a pianist wanting realistic feel.
• Do you need weighted or unweighted keys? Producers working with samples and synths usually prefer unweighted (lighter action, faster performance). Keyboard players who cross between instruments prefer semi-weighted. Pianists who also compose with a DAW need a hammer-action weighted keybed — only the KeyLab 88 mk3 provides this in the range.
• What budget are you working with? MiniLab starts at around £85. KeyLab Essential 49 is around £150. KeyLab 49 mk3 is around £350. KeyLab 61 mk3 is around £450. KeyLab 88 mk3 is around £900.

The MiniLab Range

The MiniLab 3 (£85) is the right choice for producers who work primarily with software instruments, record from a desk, and want the smallest possible footprint. Twenty-five minikeys, eight rotary encoders, two touch strips and Analog Lab software. It is USB-powered and bus-powered from any computer. It does not have a DIN MIDI port, pads, or faders — if you need those, step up to the KeyLab Essential.

The KeyLab Essential Range

The KeyLab Essential 49 (£150) and 61 (£185) represent the best value in the range for most buyers. Full-size unweighted keys, 16 pads, nine faders, eight encoders, plus Analog Lab. The 49 is portable enough for home studio use while still offering a practical number of keys for two-hand performance.

The KeyLab Essential 88 (£350) adds a semi-weighted 88-note keybed — an unusual option at this price — though the semi-weighted action is notably lighter than the professional KeyLab mk3. It is the most practical option for keyboard players who want 88 keys without spending on the premium line.

The KeyLab mk3 Range

This is the professional tier: aluminium construction, improved keybed, USB-C, MIDI 2.0, and motorized faders on the 61 and 88-key versions. The motorized faders are significant — they recall fader positions when you switch presets, which is invaluable for live performance and session work where consistency matters.

The KeyLab 49 mk3 (£350) is the recommended choice for producers who want premium feel without the cost of the larger units. The KeyLab 61 mk3 (£450) adds ten additional keys and motorized faders. The KeyLab 88 mk3 (£900) provides a hammer-action weighted keybed for players who need authentic piano feel with full production integration.

The Bundled Software Question

Every Arturia keyboard includes Analog Lab — a substantial inclusion worth at least £50 in standalone value. Higher-tier purchases bundle additional V Collection instruments and Pigments. Before buying a competing brand at a similar price, calculate whether equivalent software would cost extra. In almost every price tier, the Arturia bundle makes it a strong value proposition.

Which Should You Buy?

• Producers, desk workers, portable use: MiniLab 3
• Home studio, playable keys, best all-round value: KeyLab Essential 49 or 61
• 88 keys without the premium price: KeyLab Essential 88
• Premium build, motorized faders, live performance: KeyLab 61 or 88 mk3

For a breakdown of the specific models within each tier, see the best Arturia midi keyboards for the money. For an explanation of the features and how they all work, the overview covers the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions