Key Information About the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 Black MIDI Controller
- New workflow with a 2.5-inch LCD screen and contextual encoder for seamless navigation and editing without interrupting creativity.
- Expressive playing thanks to 61 velocity-sensitive keys, RGB pads sensitive to velocity and pressure, and ?Scale,? ?Chord,? and arpeggiator modes.
- Immediate DAW integration via Mackie/HUI, dedicated transport controls, and 9 faders + 9 rotary knobs for live mixing and automation.
- Arturia ecosystem ready to play with Analog Lab V and its 2,000 presets, Pigments and V Collection compatibility, plus Ableton Live Lite included.
A 3rd Generation That Modernizes a Best-Seller
With the KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3, Arturia renews its iconic controller by refining the design and streamlining every step of the creative process. Compared to previous versions, this generation gains a bright
2.5-inch screen, a
stepped contextual encoder, and more responsive
RGB pads, enabling modern control of virtual instruments and DAWs.
Designed for Producers, Beatmakers, and Home Studios
Whether composing in Ableton Live, Logic, FL Studio, or controlling hardware synths, the KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 integrates effortlessly. Its
MIDI DIN output expands possibilities beyond the computer, while the USB-C
Class Compliant connection ensures plug-and-play setup on Mac, PC, and compatible mobile devices. Ideal for confident beginners and for accelerating professional workflows alike.
New Features and Functionalities to Go Faster and Further
Display and Contextual Control
The 2.5-inch LCD screen provides clear feedback on parameters, sound categories, and presets. The central
stepped encoder simplifies navigation within Analog Lab V and internal menus, reducing submenus and mouse detours.
Playing and Performance
The
61 velocity-sensitive keys deliver a natural musical response. The
RGB pads respond to velocity and pressure for finger drumming, clip launching, or step input. The ?
Scale? and ?
Chord? modes secure harmony, and the
arpeggiator instantly sparks rhythmic ideas.
Arturia Software and DAW Integration
The keyboard natively connects to
Analog Lab V, granting access to
2,000 presets covering vintage, hybrid, and modern sounds.
Mackie/HUI compatibility and the
transport section with function keys provide direct control of your DAW. Ableton Live Lite is included for composing, recording, and performing right away.
Simple and Universal Connectivity
USB-C carries power and MIDI data, the
MIDI DIN output controls your external synths, and the
pedal input extends expression. Lightweight and robust, the 61-key format remains comfortable both in the studio and on stage.
Technical Specifications
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys
- 8 RGB velocity-sensitive pads
- 1 stepped encoder
- 9 rotary knobs
- 9 faders
- Transport section with 4 function buttons
- 2.5-inch LCD screen
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- ?Scale? mode
- ?Chord? mode
- Arpeggiator
- Mackie/HUI Control compatible
- 2,000 presets via Analog Lab
- 1 control pedal input (6.3 mm jack)
- 1 MIDI output (5-pin DIN)
- 1 USB-C port (MIDI and control data, power)
- Class Compliant USB port
- Included: 1 USB-A to USB-C cable and Ableton Live Lite
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 890 x 240 x 70 mm
- Weight: 3.08 kg
- Color: Black