Detail 01
49 velocity-sensitive hybrid synth piano-feel keys
The keyboard is designed for melodic lines, chord work, and rhythmic parts with velocity response.
Product detailSKU #1500000475108
ArturiaKeyLab Essential 49 mk3 MIDI Keyboard Controller - Aquamarine
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines a 49-key hybrid synth-piano-feel action with direct DAW controls, pads, faders, and encoders in a USB-powered MIDI controller. The layout supports clip launching, MIDI note triggering, transport control, and parameter adjustment without leaving the controller. Pitch and modulation wheels, a configurable pedal input, Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and a multi-mode arpeggiator extend the playing and writing workflow. This Aquamarine version is blue.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Building songs in Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, or Bitwig Studio.
- Launching clips, finger drumming, and triggering MIDI notes from the eight pressure-sensitive pads.
- Writing chord parts and rhythmic ideas using Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and the arpeggiator.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who need more than 49 keys in a single controller.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
8 touch- and pressure-sensitive pads
Pads can launch clips, support finger drumming, or trigger MIDI notes with visual RGB feedback.
Detail 03
9 rotary encoders and 9 faders
They provide hands-on access to parameters including track levels, panning, envelopes, and instrument controls.
Detail 04
2.5-inch LCD display with contextual buttons
Preset names and parameter values remain visible while navigating controls.
Detail 05
USB-C and 5-pin DIN MIDI output
It connects to a computer by USB-C and also provides a 5-pin DIN MIDI output.
Detail 06
Sustain, expression, or footswitch pedal input
One pedal input can be used for the listed control types.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01A compatible computer is required: macOS 11 or later, or 64-bit Windows 10 or later, with the listed minimum hardware requirements.
- 02It is USB bus powered and connects to a computer through USB-C.
- 03The included cable is USB-A to USB-C.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Which DAWs are listed for integration?
FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio are listed.
02What software comes with it?
The bundle includes Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments Komplete Select, and UVI Model D.
03Can I use a pedal?
Yes. Its pedal input supports sustain, expression, or footswitch control.
04Does it have traditional MIDI output?
Yes. It has a 5-pin DIN MIDI output.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
3 detailsPickups & controls
- Transport Controls
- 8 transport switches
- Command Switches
- 4 switches
- Control Protocols
- NKS compatible, MCU compatible and HUI compatible
2 detailsPlayability
- Number of Keys
- 49
- Scale Mode
- Yes
2 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Blue
- Real Time Feedback
- Yes
4 detailsConnections & power
- USB
- USB-C for computer connection and MIDI Control Center
- MIDI
- 5-pin DIN MIDI output
- Power Source
- USB bus powered
- Pedal Inputs
- Sustain, expression or footswitch input
3 detailsSize & weight
- Unit Dimensions
- 31.10 inch x 2.76 inch x 9.45 inch
- Weight
- 6.08
- Unit Weight
- 6.08 lb.
22 detailsOther
- Wheels
- Modulation wheel and pitch bend wheel
- Subscriptions
- Loopcloud 2-month subscription and Melodics subscription for 40 lessons
- Arpeggiator
- Multi-mode
- Screen
- 2.5 inch LCD display
- Chord Mode
- Yes
- Keybed Type
- Velocity-sensitive hybrid synth piano feel
- Daw Integration
- FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase and Bitwig Studio
- Contextual Buttons
- Yes
- 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
- 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
- Accessories
- USB-A to USB-C cable and registration card
- Encoders
- 1 clickable encoder and 9 rotary encoders
- Faders
- 9 x 30 mm faders
- Plugin Formats
- Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit and NKS
- Software Bundle
- Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments Komplete Select and UVI Model D
- Product Type
- MIDI controller keyboard
- Pads
- 8 touch- and pressure-sensitive pads
- Series
- KeyLab Essential
- User Presets
- Up to 6 user presets
- Instrument Integration
- Analog Lab V
- Hold Function
- Yes
- Transpose
- Semitone transpose
