Arturia Keylab Essential mk3 USB Midi Keyboard Controller, 88 Key - White

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 White is an 88-key USB MIDI keyboard controller for music production, composition, performance, and DAW control. It provides a full seven-octave playing range for piano parts, layered arrangements, bass lines, and virtual instruments without adding an internal sound engine to the setup. Its white finish suits clean studio, classroom, and live-performance workspaces. A computer, compatible software instrument, or external MIDI sound module is required to produce sound.

This controller is designed for players and producers who want piano-range access alongside practical hands-on production controls. The velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keybed supports expressive MIDI performance while remaining suited to programming synths, drums, and keys. Pitch bend and modulation wheels add direct performance control. A pedal input can be assigned for sustain, expression, or footswitch operation.

KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 combines keyboard performance with an integrated control surface. Nine rotary encoders, nine 30 mm faders, transport switches, command switches, and eight RGB pads provide tactile access to common DAW and instrument functions. The pads respond to velocity and pressure for drum programming, clip launching, and MIDI triggering. A 2.5-inch LCD display and contextual buttons provide visual feedback while browsing and adjusting controls.

Creative performance tools help turn basic note ideas into usable musical parts. Scale mode constrains played notes to a selected scale, while chord mode can trigger chord voicings from single notes. The multi-mode arpeggiator creates repeating patterns from held notes and chords, with a Hold function available for sustained operation. Semitone transpose and programmable split functionality support flexible performance setups.

For software-based systems, KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 connects by USB-C and can also send MIDI to external equipment through its 5-pin DIN MIDI output. It includes dedicated integration for Analog Lab and custom DAW scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio, with MCU/HUI compatibility for additional workflows. Up to six user presets allow custom MIDI-control assignments. The included USB-A-to-USB-C cable supports a straightforward connection to a computer.

Key Features

• 88-Note Semi-Weighted Keybed: Provides a full piano-range layout with velocity-sensitive response for playing virtual instruments and MIDI hardware.
• Hands-On DAW Controls: Nine faders, nine encoders, transport controls, and command switches reduce mouse use during recording and mixing.
• RGB Performance Pads: Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads support finger drumming, clip launching, and MIDI note triggering.
• Creative Play Modes: Scale, chord, arpeggiator, Hold, and transpose functions help build parts and explore ideas quickly.
• 2.5-Inch LCD Display: Displays parameter and preset information with contextual controls for clearer navigation.
• USB-C And MIDI DIN Connectivity: Connects to computers by USB-C and sends MIDI to compatible external instruments through 5-pin DIN output.

Design & Installation

The KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 uses a streamlined full-length controller layout with a white enclosure, 88-note semi-weighted keybed, dedicated performance wheels, and a central display-and-control section. Its control surface groups pads, faders, encoders, and DAW commands for accessible operation during tracking or live use. Arturia identifies the KeyLab Essential mk3 line as eco-designed, using recycled plastic and recycled packaging practices. The controller measures 49.53 inches wide and weighs 18.08 pounds.

Place the controller on a stable keyboard stand or desk with sufficient support for its 49.53-inch width. Connect the included USB-A-to-USB-C cable directly to a computer USB port for power and MIDI communication, then install and register the included software through Arturia's software tools. Connect an optional sustain, expression, or footswitch pedal to the control input, and use the 5-pin MIDI output when controlling external MIDI gear. Select the appropriate DAW script, Analog Lab configuration, MCU/HUI mode, or user preset for the intended workflow.