Detail 01
61 velocity-sensitive hybrid synth piano-feel keys
Provides a 61-key playing surface for melodic lines, chords, and MIDI parts.
Product detailSKU #1500000402162
ArturiaKeyLab Essential 61 mk3 MIDI Keyboard Controller - White
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
With 61 velocity-sensitive hybrid synth piano-feel keys, the white KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 combines MIDI keyboard input, DAW navigation, and performance controls in a USB-powered format. Eight touch- and pressure-sensitive pads support clip launching, finger drumming, and MIDI note input. Nine faders, nine encoders, transport switches, and a display with contextual buttons keep key controls accessible during a project. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and the multi-mode arpeggiator with Hold provide alternate ways to create and explore keyboard parts. USB-C handles computer connection, with 5-pin MIDI output also onboard.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Recording keyboard parts while keeping DAW transport and parameter control at the playing position.
- Launching clips, playing drum patterns, and entering MIDI notes from the eight responsive pads.
- Exploring chord, scale, and arpeggiator functions while developing new parts in a session.
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
Adds pad-based control for clips, drums, and note triggering.
Detail 03
9 faders, 9 rotary encoders, and 8 transport switches
Keeps track and transport controls on the controller rather than solely on screen.
Detail 04
2.5-inch LCD display with contextual buttons
Shows parameter and preset information while you navigate controls.
Detail 05
Up to 6 user presets
Lets you retain up to six controller setups.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Computer requirements list macOS 11 or later, or 64-bit Windows 10 or later.
- 02The USB-C port connects to a computer and MIDI Control Center; the controller is USB bus powered.
- 03A single pedal input accepts sustain, expression, or footswitch control.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Which DAWs have listed integration?
FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio are listed.
02Can it connect to external MIDI gear?
Yes. It has a 5-pin DIN MIDI output.
03What software is included?
The bundle lists Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments Komplete Select, and UVI Model D.
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
- 61
- Scale Mode
- Yes
2 detailsBody & build
- Color
- White
- 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
