Review MIDI keyboard Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

Arturia is a company based in Grenoble, France, specializing in the development of music software and hardware, with products aimed at both amateurs and professionals. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

• 61 speed-sensitive keys
• 8 speed-sensitive pads with Aftertouch
• 1 pulse able encoder
• 9 rotating knobs
• 13 assignable buttons
• Transport section with four function switches
• LCD screen
• Tone and modulation wheel
• Mode of interpretation of chords
• Compatible with Mackie/HUI protocol
• USB port
• Midi output
• Connection for sustain pedal
• Input for power supply (not included)
• Native USB support
• Includes Arturia Analog Lab two software, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano
• Dimensions: 882 x 76 x 248mm (width x height x depth)
• Weight: 3,3Kg
• Attention: Internet connection required to authorize the product.

This MIDI keyboard usually costs around €239/£215/$239 and has 61 full-size, speed-sensitive (intensity in MIDI language) keys, which will allow you to sing melodies, chords, arpeggios, and so on.

It also has 8 speed-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 pressable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, and 13 buttons as well, and together they will allow you to have full control over the parameters of your DAW or any plugin you are using.

It has a chord performance mode, it is compatible with Mackie/HUI protocol, USB port, so we also have a connection for a sustain pedal. It also has an input for power supply.

Finally, we can mention that it includes Arturia Analog Lab two software, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano. And it measures: 882 x 76 x 248mm (width x height x depth).

Now that we have seen the features of this Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.

Posts you may be interested in

• Ranking with the best midi keyboards
• My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
• Best MIDI Software to work with.
• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$239 and the Novation Launchkey 25 MKII is priced at €157/£144/$159. We will see their comparison:

• The Arturia offers 61 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation offers 25 speed-sensitive keys.
• The Arturia offers 8 sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 assignable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, and 4 switches in the transport section. While the Novation offers 16 RGB (RedGreenBlue) sensitive pads, 2 Launchpad control buttons, 8 assignable knobs, transport control, pitch bend and modulation wheels, mode buttons and 8 mute/solo buttons and 1 control fader (always useful for processes such as mixing)
• Both have a USB connection and the Novation is powered by the same means. The Arturia can be powered by an external power supply.
• The Arturia includes Arturia Analog Lab 2 software, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano, and the Novation includes Novation V-Station software, Bass Station, Loopmasters sample pack and Ableton Live Lite.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

We found an interesting comparison, the Arturia has a wider keyboard that allows you to have greater comfort in the interpretation, with all controls that we have already mentioned. While the Novation has 25 full-size keys, and more functions, including a fader, which as we always comment is very useful to control the mixing parameters or other plugins. If you have the budget, go for the Arturia and if you need a 5-octave keyboard. If not, Novation is not a bad option.

And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 review.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$239 while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$867, with a relevant difference of 110 euros. Let’s go with your comparison:

• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 has 61 speed-sensitive keys while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers 88 speed-sensitive keys.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 assignable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, 4 switches in the transport section and pitch bend and modulation wheel, while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers 8 assignable pads, 1 assignable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 13 assignable buttons, and 4 switches in the transport section and pitch bend and modulation wheel.
• Both offer a chord performance mode and are compatible with Mackie/HUI Control.
• Both have connection for sustain pedal, input for optional power supply (not included)
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software license, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano, the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII includes Arturia Analog Lab 3 software license, Ableton Live Lite license and UVI Model D Piano license.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

As we had said from the beginning, we found two models that are brothers, they share almost the same characteristics and functions, always those of the Arturia Keylab 88 MKII are something better, counting that it is a superior model and by its price we also recognize it, it was conceived for pianists or keyboard players who need the 88 keys of a grand piano, and if you are one of them, this one will be for you. If, on the other hand, you feel that 61 keys are right for you, the Arturia Keylab 88 MKII will be your perfect choice.

And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII review.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs Nektar Impact GX 49

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MIDI keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$239 while the Nektar Impact GX 49 is priced at €79/£73/$81. We will see their face to face in the next section:

• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 has 61 speed-sensitive keys while the Nektar Impact GX 49 offers 49 full-size, speed-sensitive keys.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 pushable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, 4 switches in the transport section and pitch bend and modulation wheels, while the Nektar Impact GX 49 offers 14 assignable buttons including transport buttons, octave up and down, transpose, a volume control and pitch bend and modulation wheel.
• The Arturia offers a chord performance mode and is compatible with Mackie/HUI Control. The Nektar offers advanced transport functions: Loop On/Off, Tap On/Off, Go to Locator and Undo, and deep DAW integration.
• Both have a sustain pedal connection, the Arturia has an input for an optional power supply (not included), and the Nektar is USB powered
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software license, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano, the Nektar includes the Bitwig 8-track software (license per download).

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

It is an interesting comparison, where we find the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 that we have already analyzed before, with its functions and price, and we also have the Nektar Impact GX 49 that is 1 octave less, but certain functions that come very well when using a DAW, for example, the advanced transport functions (controls to go forward, backward, etc), where we can go to a locator, turn on/off loops and so on. To be honest for the price of the Nektar I wouldn’t expect much from the quality of its keyboard, but if you have the chance to try it out and it works for you, you can give it a try, if you want to go to a higher level with the features it offers, you can skip to the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61.

And here’s a video of the Nektar Impact GX 49 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Impact GX 49 review.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$239 and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 is priced at €135/£125/$137. Let’s go to the head to head:

• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 has 61 speed-sensitive keys while the Native Instruments has 25 full-size keys with semi-weighting and sensitivity.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 assignable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, 4 switches in the transport section and pitch bend and modulation wheels, the Kontrol A25 offers a 4-way push encoder, 8 encoders with sensitivity to control more specifically the parameters of the DAW in general or some plugin and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo. This means that it is compatible with
• The Kontrol is USB powered, which means that it does not need any external power source. The Arturia has an input for power supply. And both have a jack input for sustain pedal.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software license, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano, and the Kontrol A25 includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

This time we have a somewhat unfair comparison, where our Arturia faces a Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25, of 25 keys that although they are counterbalanced and sensitive, are only two octaves of keyboard, compared to the 5 of the Arturia, in addition in its other functions the Arturia generally exceeds. An important point of the Kontrol is the effects and instruments it offers, and they are not few. The choice will be according to your budget.

Here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs M-Audio Code 25

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MIDI keyboard is priced at €239/£215/$239 and the M-Audio Code 25 is priced at £160, with a difference of €79. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 has 61 speed-sensitive keys while the M-Audio has 25 full-size keys with aftertouch and sensitivity.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 8 sensitive pads with aftertouch, 1 assignable encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, 4 switches on the transport section and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The M-Audio offers an assignable XY pad control, 4 assignable 360 encoders, 5 assignable faders and 5 assignable buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• M-Audio is USB powered, which means it does not require an external power supply (although it does have input and may be purchased separately). The Arturia has a power supply input. And both have a jack input for the sustain pedal.
• The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software license, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano, and the M-Audio includes Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Again we have an interesting comparison, with the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 already analyzed before, and the M-Audio Code 25, which has useful and interesting features, such as the XY control which is a pad that allows you to control parameters or functions in two dimensions in real-time, and is useful for improvising with it, plus only 25 keys that if you settle for it is very good. If you need a MIDI controller with 5 octaves (for two-handed playing, which will be complex and uncomfortable in M-Audio) and moderate control functions, the Arturia is your choice. Both are good for the price.

Here’s a video of the M-Audio Code 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Code 25 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control features as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this post we find great price differences in the controllers we have, however and to answer objectively the question in this section, we can mention that the Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 along with its control functions that include among others: pads, buttons, knobs and 1 fader, plus a 25-key keyboard, a two octave range that is acceptable and useful to start with, as well as a sustain pedal input and certain licenses included that are really valued by beginners. All this adds up to a very targeted controller for beginners.

Where to buy the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

Amazon

• Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

 

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case