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Review MIDI keyboard Arturia Keystep. Where to buy it?

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 Keystep 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.

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • Eight-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI Input/Output, CV/Port Output, Sync Input/Output, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply

review arturia-keystep
This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €102/£89/$101 and has 32 thin sensitive keys, which will allow you to play melodies and chords, and certain compositions thanks to its 3 octaves.

Other useful functions of a DAW are the transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and the touch strips or tactile sliders for pitch bend and modulation.

Since the Arturia Keystep is also a polyphonic sequencer, which means that it can create sequences (loops) with notes that sound at the same time (creating harmonies), it allows us to create up to 64 different steps (sequences) and create loops, be they percussion, bass, harmonies (chords), melodies and so on. With a maximum of 8 notes per step. If you want to understand this in more depth, I recommend you to watch the second video later in the post and it’s called “Why the Arturia KeyStep sequencer is amazing”.

It has the arpeggiator function with eight different modes, and it also has a single note chord performance mode.

The connections it has are USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In.

Now that we have seen the features of this Arturia Keystep keyboard look at these related videos to learn more.

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Arturia Keystep vs Arturia Keystep Pro

The Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard is priced at €102/£89/$101 while the Arturia Keystep Pro is priced at €379/£339/$375. Since we found a superior model, it will be an interesting comparison, let’s go for it.

  • Both controllers have 32 thin keys with sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), aftertouch function (it is a common detection system on keyboards that generates when notes are held), where the Keystep Pro also has the function of having an LED for each key.
  • Both have a step sequencer with up to 64 steps, which in the Keystep up to 8 notes of polyphony and in the Keystep Pro up to 16 notes of polyphony).
  • Functions that only the Keystep Pro has: 24-part polyrhythmic drum sequencer, step recording, step editing. And a metronome with a speaker included.
  • Both have pitch bend and modulation touch sliders.
  • The connections for both are USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In.
  • And only Keystep Pro has OLED Display, 4 CV / Gate / Mod outputs + 8 gate outputs for 3.5mm mini-jack drums, and 2 MIDI outputs.

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

Arturia Keystep

Arturia Keystep Pro

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI Input/Output, CV/Port Output, Sync Input/Output, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply

 

  • 37 note slimline keys
  • Sensitive speed and aftertouch
  • LEDs above each key for efficient visual feedback
  • 4-track step sequencer with 16 step buttons
  • Up to 64 steps per sequence and up to 16 polyphony notes per step
  • 24-part polyrhythmic battery sequencer
  • Interpretation-oriented sequencer
  • Melodic sequencer with real-time recording
  • Step Recording
  • Step editing (pitch, velocity, gate length, time change and probability for each note)
  • Arpeggiator
  • Chord mode
  • Controller mode
  • OLED screen
  • 4 CV / Gate / Mod + 8 gate outputs for 3.5 mm mini-jack battery
  • MIDI input
  • 2 MIDI outputs
  • USB port
  • Clock synchronization
  • Metronome with built-in speaker and line output
  • Input for 6.3 mm sustain jack pedal
  • Includes external power supply and USB cable
  • Dimensions: 589 x 38 x 208 mm (width x height x depth)
  • Weight: 2.7 kg

As we can see in many of its sequencer functions the Arturia Keystep Pro, outperforms its younger brother, so if you have a goal to produce electronic music or sequences and a style like that the Arturia Keystep Pro will be a great choice. If you are looking for a more basic MIDI controller with sequencer functionality, the Arturia Keystep Pro is for you.

And here’s a video of the Arturia Keystep Pro

Arturia Keystep vs Arturia MiniLab MKII

The Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard has a price of €102/£89/$101 when the Arturia MiniLab MKII has a price of €91/£82/$91, but this can change according to the store where you quote the price.

  • While the Keystep has 32 thin keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, the MiniLab MKII, offers 25 mini keys with sensitivity.
  • As the Keystep is a polyphonic sequencer, it offers up to 64 steps and 8 notes of polyphony.
  • The Keystep offers transport buttons and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, while the MiniLab MKII offers 16 assignable knobs (2 of which can be clicked), 8 sensitive and backlit pads, and also touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation.
  • The connections for both are USB, MIDI Input/Output, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply. And the Keystep has CV/Port output, Sync input/output.
  • Since the MiniLab focuses on production using DAWs, it includes the licenses for Analog Lab Lite with 500 sounds in V-Collection 5 quality, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano (software requires a download from manufacturer’s website).

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

Arturia Keystep

Arturia MiniLab MKII

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In
  • 25 speed-sensitive mini keys
  • 16 rotary encoders (2 of them are clickable)
  • 2 banks of 8 speed and pressure-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting
  • Touchstrips for pitch bend and modulation
  • Connection for sustain pedal
  • USB connection
  • Powered by USB bus
  • Dimensions: 355 x 220 x 50mm (width x depth x height)
  • Weight: 1,5kg
  • Includes license for Analog Lab Lite software with 500 sounds in V-Collection 5 quality, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano (software requires a download from manufacturer’s website)

In this comparison, on the one hand, we have a MIDI controller, which is the Arturia Keystep, with a greater number of keys and sequencer functions. On the other hand, we have a MIDI controller, with keys and pads, as well as certain licenses that are mostly valued for beginners. If you need or work with sequences the Keystep will be your best option, if you prefer the Pads and licenses the MiniLab MKII is for you.

Here’s a video of the Arturia MiniLab MKII keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia MiniLab MKII review.

Arturia Keystep vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard has a value of €102/£89/$101 while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII has a value of €875/£789/$867, a difference so big that it will be logical to have more and better features. Let’s go head to head:

  • While the Keystep has 32 thin keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, the KeyLab 88 MKII, offers us 88 keys with sensitivity, aftertouch. And it’s a Fatar plywood keyboard, with hammer action.
  • As the Keystep is a polyphonic sequencer, it offers up to 64 steps and 8 polyphonic notes.
  • The Keystep features transport buttons and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, while the KeyLab 88 MKII features 9 assignable knobs, 16 sensitive and backlit pads, 9 faders (widely used in the mixing of any DAW), and also touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, not to mention transport buttons.
  • The connections of both are USB, MIDI Input/Output, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply. And the KeyLab has CV/Port Output, Sync In/Out. 3 assignable pedal inputs 6.3 mm jack, CV input, and 3.5 mm mini-jack also Tone and Door 3.5 mm mini-jack output. As you can see it is a more complete controller.
  • The KeyLab 88 MKII includes magnetic templates for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper and Mackie/HUI configurations and a score/iPad holder. Plus a removable laptop rack.

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

Arturia Keystep

Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In
  • With 88 keys and CV connections
  • Fatar plywood keyboard, with hammer action (Fatar – TP100LR)
  • Speed sensitive and Aftertouch
  • 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function
  • 9 faders
  • 9 rotating knobs
  • LCD screen
  • Transport section
  • Tone and modulation wheels
  • MIDI Input/Output
  • Input for a sustain pedal and 6.3 mm jack expression
  • 3 assignable pedal inputs 6.3 mm jack
  • 3.5 mm mini-jack CV input
  • Tone and door output 3.5 mm mini-jack
  • Output Mod 1 and Mod 2 3.5 mm mini-jack
  • USB connection
  • Input for 9 – 12 V DC power supply at 1 A
  • Aluminum housing with wooden side panels
  • Includes magnetic templates for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, and Mackie/HUI configurations
  • Score/iPad support
  • Removable laptop shelf
  • The software package contains: Analog Lab 4 with 6000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Wurli V, Arturia VOX Continental V, and Arturia Piano V
  • Dimensions: 1293 x 322 x 112 mm
  • Weight: 15 kg

As we said from the beginning, the difference was going to be something big, and it really is. The Arturia Keystep is a controller/sequencer with basic functions, which is not bad for its price, but if we compare it to the KeyLab 88 MKII, it will look like a toy. The KeyLab 88 MKII has a grand piano keyboard with a very good quality, and many features and connections that make it a very useful music production tool, we invite you to watch the following video to see the possibilities that this product offers us.

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

Arturia Keystep vs Arturia MicroLab Black

The Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard has, as mentioned above, a price of €102/£89/$101, and the Arturia MicroLab Black has a price of €79/£71/$78. Unlike the last comparison, we now have an even more minimalist product than the Keystep. Let’s go head to head:

  • While the Keystep has 32 thin keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, the MicroLab Black, offers us 25 mini keys (slightly larger than similar) with sensitivity.
  • As the Keystep is a polyphonic sequencer, it offers us up to 64 steps and 8 notes of polyphony.
  • The Keystep offers transport buttons and tactile sliders for pitch bend and modulation, while the Microlab Black offers tactile sliders for pitch bend and modulation and sustain and shift keys.
  • The Keystep’s connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In, CV/Port Out, Sync In/Out, And the MicroLab USB connection only.
  • Since the MiniLab focuses on production using DAWs, it includes the licenses for Analog Lab Lite with 500 sounds in V-Collection 5 quality, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano (software requires a download from manufacturer’s website). The MicroLab includes Analog Lab Lite with over 500 presets in V-Collection quality, UVI Grand Piano Model D, and the Bitwig 8-Track DAW

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

Arturia Keystep

Arturia MicroLab Black

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In
  • With 25 speed-sensitive keys
  • 2 touch sensors for modulation wheel and pitch bend
  • Native USB/MIDI support, no drivers required
  • USB bus-powered
  • Low power: Can work with Android or Apple iPad devices (required cables or adapters not included)
  • Includes USB cable, Analog Lab Lite with over 500 presets from the V Collection, UVI Grand Piano Model D, and the Bitwig 8-Track DAW
  • Dimensions: 414 x 37 x 130 mm (width x height x depth)
  • Weight: 770 g
  • Color: Black

As mentioned in the introduction to this comparison, there are two minimalist models of MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the Arturia Keystep, a MIDI controller with sequencer functions as well, and on the other hand the Arturia MicroLab with 25 keys, and 2 touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation. Both are good options, but if your budget allows, go to the Arturia Keystep.

And here’s a video of the Arturia MicroLab Black keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia MicroLab Black review.

Arturia Keystep vs Korg microKEY 25

The Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard has a price of €102/£89/$101 when the Korg microKEY 25 has a price of €58/£55/$60, costing almost half as much as the first one, we are sure to find relevant differences.

  • While the Arturia has 32 thin keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, the Korg, offers us 25 mini keys with Natural Touch.
  • As the Arturia is a polyphonic sequencer, it offers us up to 64 steps and 8 notes of polyphony.
  • The Arturia offers transport buttons and tactile sliders for pitch bend and modulation, while the Microlab Black offers a joystick for pitch bend and modulation and keys for up and down octaves.
  • The connections of the Keystep: USB, MIDI In/Out, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply, CV/Output, Sync In/Out. And the MicroLab only USB connection.
  • Since the MiniLab focuses on production using DAWs, it includes the licenses for Analog Lab Lite with 500 sounds in V-Collection 5 quality, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano (software requires a download from manufacturer’s website). The Korg includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite.

 

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

Arturia Keystep

Korg microKEY 25

  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg

Like the last comparison, we found two MIDI controllers with good performance, where the Arturia also has sequencer options, and the Korg only offers us a 25-key mini keyboard, a pitch bend, and modulation joystick, and up/down an octave. For the price the Korg, not bad, and is for beginners in music production.

And here is a video of the Korg microKEY 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Korg microKEY 25 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low 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 functions 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.

Here we will mention two pieces of equipment because certain equipment has apart from the MIDI controller function, they also have the polyphonic sequencer function. On the one hand, we will mention the Arturia Keystep which is really a great piece of equipment, and where it stands out is in its function as a polyphonic sequencer. And as a second MIDI keyboard, we will talk about the Arturia MiniLab MKII that its low price offers us 25 mini-keys and certain control functions that will be very useful in the different fields of music production.

Where to buy the Arturia Keystep keyboard

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:

Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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