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.