Best NEW budget MIDI keyboard? Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 Review

[@SanjayC]

⬇ Links to all keyboards ⬇ (Correction: Keys are synth action, not semi-weighted) 7% off DistroKid (sponsor) distrokid.com/vip/sanjayC 1. Keylab Essential MK3 geni.us/lSIiN 2. M-Audio Oxygen Pro Keyboard geni.us/SqpPXxX 3. Novation Launchkey MK3 geni.us/rGqe8Hh 4. Native Instruments A-Series bit.ly/2Sx0DRx

[@DielectricFailure]

No wonder your channel is big. Your demos/reviews are excellent!

[@Deano.]

I was actually considering buying the mk2 a few days ago. But then I remembered that at the beginning of the year you said there could possibly come a new Keylab this year. So happy that I waited!

[@SanjayC]

Yup…Sanjay’s prediction was right! Woohoo! Glad you waited.

[@XVIIIPRO]

me, not so lucky 😂

[@XVIIIPRO]

me, not so lucky 😂

[@tutubeos]

@@XVIIIPRO ouch 😅 always listen to Sanjay 😇

[@XVIIIPRO]

@@tutubeos lol i must have missed that video… it’s cool mk2 or mk3 i still suck on the keys lol

[@SanjayC]

Correction: Keys are synth action, not semi-weighted.

[@crouge]

Feels same as MK2 ?

[@SoundsFromGerome]

@@crouge 🥰

[@crouge]

@GeromeTV i just got mine last week, and today, a new model was announced. That sucks haha

[@imaginarytube]

​@@crouge return it. No?

[@beaujaymes75]

Cause it's getting heavy

[@HotelHero]

Searched this keyboard and this video dropped 30 mins ago. Excellent timing. Great video!

[@SanjayC]

Haha thanks

[@eyarouziel3528]

Between the big screen and the Analog integration, this is a fantastic buy

[@mikescofield]

Thanks Sanjay. Based on this thorough review I just ordered one. I always enjoy your videos.

[@ThatsPety]

I'm glad to see Bigwig support out of the box is becoming more common. It's such a good DAW and deserves more respect!

[@edwardcolon8614]

I'm greatly looking forward to seeing these updates implemented in the Keylab MkII. I would also add that more attention should be paid to the DAW controller elements such as adding 100mm faders, solo & mute buttons positioned near the faders, and perhaps rotary (pan) knobs with lighting to correspond to the knob position. That would really make the unit an indispensable controller for producers.

[@axoplanet6081]

Or good quality encoders, not these sh*t encoders like on the Keylab mk2, Minilab… And btw, the controller you are talking about is on the market, it is called Novation SL mk3.

[@blastofo]

I'd be willing to pay a good chunk of change more if it had aftertouch. But overall, awesome for the price, especially with the software included.

[@arvinsim]

Wow, the screen with the chord and scale mode is amazing!

[@AceeSoul]

For the money it's fantastic.

[@SanjayC]

Yo Acee!! Thank you so much my buddy!

[@TheMostChaoticMusicChannel]

Hi Sanjay, I just wanted to say thank you so much for your review and comparison videos on midi keyboards. I'm a musician but new to digital music production, so your content was really helpful for me to decide what I wanna get :D I was kind of lost before discovering your channel. After a long time watching different videos I ended up deciding for this one and I can hardly wait lay my hands on it and dive into this new world of midi keyboards and virtual instruments :D I'm super excited! Thanks for your help :D

[@abhishekrao6017]

After so long they updated this series and it's the update I wanted and you covering is also just the best

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much buddy.

[@abhishekrao6017]

@@SanjayC🙌

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

How daaaaare you releasing this new product today, of all days, after 8 years of waiting for Push 3's presentation!! Kidding, happy to see a much needed refresh of the Mk2!!! Definitely a great contender on the "budget " keyboards!

[@SanjayC]

😂 Push video is coming soon!!

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

​@@SanjayCcan't wait to see your take on it! 😊

[@WolfgangRP]

Thank you for going into so much detail esp. about the chord and scale modes

[@droppmusic4761]

I can’t wait how far they went with the keylab mk3!!! I have high high hopes for a screen competitive with the ones in Native Instruments!!

[@manelarazo42]

Maybe in the mk4😂

[@droppmusic4761]

@@manelarazo42 maybe not. Arturia is been on a roll lately and really focus on the consumers’ request and needs. I trust them! #trusttheprocess

[@north7295]

@@droppmusic4761 i dont think theyll go overboard with the screen just so they can keep prices lower than native instruments

[@kennyboy7971]

🎉🎉 This is what I been waiting for automatic mapping to any daw its getting better I wish any controller could do this. They should make a mini but keep screen size

[@paulmoadibe9321]

Ahhhhh... new stuff !! (it's about time...) thanks Sanjay !

[@JackLove]

Hello Sanjay would like to hear , how are the keys of Aurturia ? You also had hands on oxygen pro from M-Audio , better or identical or not better .

[@SanjayC]

Hey Jack...I think they're comparable, but I do prefer the Arturia Keylab Essential for the software (Arturia) integration...much better than M-Audio.

[@felipeleoo]

Qual você comprou? estou entre o M áudio Oxygen MKV e este Arturia

[@tayadunhope-cw1yu]

@@SanjayC do you mean arturia much better than maudio because arturia software? how about keybed feel sanjay?

[@kyleoashu]

Why is everyone dropping new gear today?? 😭

[@SanjayC]

Haha! I know right? Push, Logic for ipad, Keylab. What else?

[@towerrunner4675]

Big screen, perfect DAW integration... that's how keyboards should have been since the beginning.

[@pwho405]

Native just dropped a new logo 😢😢

[@annfranksus1531]

Maybe dad will be dropping off the milk he went to go buy

[@fredmanteghian5913]

@@annfranksus1531 I’m sorry that happened, but also, that was so Funny!!

[@CamiloLizarazo]

I had the predecessor of this MIDI keyboard, and the keys themselves were of terrible quality. The keys looked misaligned, resembling crooked teeth. When I searched on the internet for a DIY solution, I found that many users also experienced this common issue. I hope Arturia has addressed and fixed this problem in their latest version of the keyboard.

[@ivmup2232]

They produce more trash nowadays than ever..

[@Talia.777]

What model?!

[@CamiloLizarazo]

@@Talia.777 61

[@clintfoard7332]

Great review. Thanks man.

[@keithlee4963]

I was waiting for that new abelton push 3 review but I’ll take this. Good stuff as always

[@SanjayC]

Thanks Keith. Push video is in the works. 👍🏼

[@towjam2359]

There's been few new keyboard controllers announced over the past several years. I think this is the first of many new controllers we're going to be seeing between now and the end of CY23. Although this looks to be a solid entry-level controller, I'm really looking forward to seeing what NI may be announcing in the not too distant future.

[@SanjayC]

Yes me too. I’m hoping they bring the competition! We all need updated products.

[@paulgrooveside2803]

I've found the NI keyboards to be unreliable, they output random Midi data from the encoders, rendering them useless. Arturia keylab controllers are far better built and reliable

[@melodikmusic]

I would love if they dropped an 88 key version. Probably later…

[@Emily_M81]

Sweet, thanks for sharing! Someone was right about new Arturia hardware incoming. I'm sure a Keylab mk3 is right around the corner, too.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah I hope so. We shall see! 😊

[@MattyP19751]

Sanjay I love watching your vids, I totally went crazy and bought an oxygen pro 61, and An Arturia minilab3!! based on your reviews. lifelong guitar player opening eyes to keys, thank you!! they are so much better than my old alesis qx49. no wonder midi was frustrating with that old thing

[@steverix8181]

Can I please ask which one you prefer? The Oxygen Pro 61 or the Minilab?

[@MattyP19751]

@@steverix8181 hi!! The oxygen pro 61 is fantastic and feels like a real piano with full size keys And has a lot of great features, the mini lab 3 has An awesome upper left corner touch sensitive ultramodern expression fader substituting for the old school expression wheel I find myself using it way more in composing and expression. They are both fast with relaying any midi signals, so I actually love them both and I use both of them if you can get both go for it!!!! If you are a lifelong piano player then go for the oxygen pro 61 if you are a creator of modern sounds go for the mini lab 3 if you cannot get both

[@deehoward6228]

I’m battling between the 49 Key Arturia essential and the m-audio oxygen pro 49. But seems like really I want the M-Audio with the Arturia screen.

[@Ryan.Rivera]

What did you choose?

[@Tenly_UK]

Bought today ❤

[@CallMeTeci]

Heyo, you brought up the M-Audio Oxygen Pro briefly in the video and im wondering how both of them compare because the 61 key variants have basically the same price where im living. And if they are generally comparable then the Oxygen seems to have many benefits over the Arturia, besides the looks (but looks are not a priority for me). Gonna use Waveform tho. Would be really nice - gonna test out the Minilab 3 and the Oxygen Pro 61 soon. (One for size and feel-comparisons, but also for compatibility. So if i prefer the size of the Oxygen, but the feel of the Minilab, then i guess the Keylab E 3 would be a good choice?) Edit.: Maybe also how the Oxygen Pro Mini compares to the Minilab 3)

[@alana4222]

Yeah! I'd love a comparison between the Oxygen Pro and Minilab. I leaning toward Oxygen Pro 61 but would love a direct comparison.

[@heisenpizza]

Hey bro, I have the same question! What did you choose after all?

[@Ryan.Rivera]

What did you choose home slice?

[@michelnassarofficial]

It looks so nice!! ❤ thank you Sanjay

[@Debangshuification]

Such a beautiful. And wonderful demonstration

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@skyfreak42]

any news if and when the keylab MK2 49/61 (the non-essentials) will be updated to MK3?

[@vinylstudi0]

Hi Sanjay please review Push 3

[@SanjayC]

Coming soon!

[@thomandy]

Just bought this. First time with a synth keyboard, and first time in a DAW! My first impression after testing it a bit in Ableton was: "how am I ever going to make something good with this?" Is that just something that will go away once I start understanding all of this, or am I ruined by having played piano for years?? Any input on this would be nice :)

[@thegreat1548]

🤣😭

[@thomandy]

@@thegreat1548 Update: It did go away 🤣

[@DerekPower]

You know me ... I'm waiting for the big Keylab mk3 =D

[@SanjayC]

Ahh…I hope they update that one soon too. What do you think of the new features on this MK3?

[@DerekPower]

@@SanjayC Definitely looks and functions sweetly, especially since I've been in the Arturia ecosystem since 2009 (if you can believe). If I was looking for a controller at that price point and size, it can serve me well. While this may be a long shot, I'm hoping that its big brother will have expressive keys. Thus my upgrade will also be a consolidation as I don't really have to have the ROLI LUMIs. (And yes, I know the RISE 2 exists and that's a fine option too =] )

[@donit.]

I asked them at Superbooth a week ago and they said they didnt start planning it yet. So its probably still gonna be a couple of months at the very least.

[@DerekPower]

@@donit. I can be patient ... all good things come to those who wait ;) =]

[@rivaltheproducer]

Now I have to get one. These looks so beautiful. I wonder if they will be recreating the 88 key lab essential?

[@iamshiv21]

That looks promising 😮

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, other keyboards should follow with better screens.

[@margaretchristo6859]

What a beauty! And the way you play is heavenly! I wish I could listen to you, on keyboards, all day long. You are the best when it comes to demonstrating a new product. Thank you.

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@anarchist3x]

Great review, thanks! 🙌 I know you’ve done a separate video on it but I’d love to get your thoughts on how this compares to the Launchkey MK3 in 2023? (I’m debating the two and can’t decide between them!)

[@michaborkuak3247]

Same here, did u find an answer? 🙂

[@albertwingz]

Arturia done one of right improvement same with MiniLab 3 is behind single Pedal input become multi function use not just a sustain only.

[@tonylancer7367]

I'd love a video of you comparing this to the Novation Launchkey, as I know you are an Ableton user. I know the Novation was made for Ableton, but it would be nice to know where or if there's an area where Arturia excels.

[@sonatuh]

I knew it i was literally gonna buy a mk 2 61 keylab but i had a feeling they would start dropping mk3s i hope a mk3 of their non essential series start coming out soon and ill be buying that instead

[@borshetskiy]

Hi! Good review, just looking to buy this one for myself. Can you answer does Keylab essential mk3 keys feel the same as on arturia minilab 3 model?

[@indigosnow_]

Dope, I’ve been saving up for the 88 but honestly this looks like more than enough

[@alexdiaz23.]

Sanjay! Are you sure the keys are semi weighted? I read they're synth action like the mk2

[@jillwilson8896]

Hey man what is the song you’re playing at 2:39? It’s beautiful

[@amindamok]

Artruia kills it with everything they do.

[@midiman5045]

Looks nice for the price. To me they are missing Reaper DAW integration out of the box., I have a MPK 261 it has midi in and out along with USB ports. Yes I cost more but it gives you more. To me it comes with more i DAW integration out of the box and also the plugins that come with the keyboard. No doubt Fatar make the best key bed. I am not a keyboard player but I can tell and have asked keyboard players.

[@SanjayC]

Reaper would’ve been nice but they do have that HUI option

[@midiman5045]

@@SanjayC Yes it would have since right now it is a very popular DAW. My AKAI didn't have it either I had to set it up also not a total down side just a comment. I sent you and email. Please read and thanks for your KZbin channel. It has helped me. Peace.

[@bangjo7133]

Is this also standalone (can be used without DAW) mate?

[@prod.lanista]

Notif team, fire video 🔥🔥

[@SanjayC]

Thanks Lanista. What do you think of the new keyboard?

[@SledgemanGuitar]

It looks great! I have the 61 key Keylab MK2 and i love it. Even if they release the MK3 i'm not sure i will get it. We'll see if GAS hits! 🙂

[@MrAnca]

About your sponosr distrokid, How safe is it to upload music if i don't know how cpyright stuff works? If i don't register my songs in my country, do i have the risk of someone potentially stealing it?

[@42tai-chan]

i have to push keys down all the way to get sound out of this, is there a way to tweak it? not being able to have soft feel is gonna completely ruin it for me

[@randomcommenterhaha7889]

I bought this thanks to your review

[@TaterRogers]

I would love one of these for Christmas

[@borshetskiy]

Hello Sanjay! I think you have best experience in midi keyboards. Can you help me? Im choosing between Keylab Essential MK3 and M-Audio Oxygen pro 49. Can you say which keys are better? Now im using Arturia minilab3 and love my keys.

[@honeyhillbeats]

nice video! Is the Arp and the Scales build in to the Keyboard or in the Software? So does it record the actual MIDI output in the DAW or the trigger notes?

[@islandtony5009]

Great review thanks! So as a MIDI newbie - I have a Yamaha CK88 piano with a MIDI in port; it has great organ functionality with drawbars, leslie controls etc. But since the fully weighted keys aren't the greatest for organ, I've been looking for a controller to use to trigger the sounds on the CK. That part is easy, what the MIDI newbie in it is wondering is: with something that has faders and customizable controls like the Keylab, would I be able to control the drawbar settings with the faders, assign something to the leslie etc? Or would I be stuck with playing leys on the Keylab but still need to be using the physical drawbars etc on the Yamaha? Any help would be super appreciated!

[@fonesrphunny7242]

I'm super late, but: Look in the CK88 manual for MIDI implementation chart (every MIDI device has one). It lists all supported input/output signals, with the corresponding CC numbers etc. Sadly, not all recognised CC values are labelled in the CK88s Manual, but at least it gives you some values to try out.

[@KlassikMafiaProduction]

Which one I should buy this one or maudio oxygen pro 49?? With the after touch?

[@thepianojuggler]

Hey Sanjay. Thanks so much for this review! I just wanted to double check about aftertouch. Sweetwater has it listed as having aftertouch but sounds like that must be a mistake. This keyboard does not have aftertouch, right? Thx!

[@jennifermcnuttmusic6353]

Wondering the same..guess I have to call SW back lol

[@longlemusic21]

I am currently using the previous version of keylab essential 49 and it was amazing

[@standupyak]

Same

[@WhyteJive]

This is my favorite

[@serpentblade8704]

now i'm just waiting for the new Arturia 88 keylab MK3.

[@gumtree7177]

The right price now and the daw compatibility with logic and Arturia software to tweak tone on the keyboard very nice. Just ordered this keyboard 🎹 How about user mode set up could you please show how to do this and what’s it for to control the saw logic and the Arturia software all in the one place ? Also will this keys split keys on keyboard how to do this ? Please 🙏🏻

[@JBTheMusickaar]

Seems like Keylab MK3 is on the way, right? Was waiting for it for year. What about u?

[@SanjayC]

It has to be. They can’t keep that old model anymore.

[@kriskorat]

Is the new Keylab mkIII on the horizon?

[@ramspencer5492]

That's why i like the Nektar Panarama T series. Yes the keys are really clickity-clacky.... That's the only negative though. Firm, nice feel.... Responsive.... Better feel than any other Nektar keypad. Not only that, but after-touch, expression pedal... Nektarine plugin integration and really good DAW control,.....if your DAW is included. Ableton is not. You'd have to set it up yourself and that sounds like a real chore They all have chord and scale mode.... Not really a useful feature for most people.

[@Raziaar]

I was going to buy the non-essential version of Keylab Mk2. Do you think that Mk3 version will follow shortly after this release?

[@PulledPurk]

It wouldn't cost much for a bigger screen. I think they do it for planned obsolescence. They'll slowly release versions with bigger screens to give people a reason to buy it. they've progressed everything else. The screen is the only card they have left

[@StudioDirector]

novation launchkey 61 mk3 vs arturia mk3 ..Please make a video on which of these two it will be

[@danwool]

What sort of sucks about this keyboard is that it goes to sleep and completely dark after 5 minutes - you have to play a note or wiggle a knob to wake it back up. There's a pref in the CP that lets you set it to 30 minutes, but it doesn't work (Arturia confirmed the bug). Is there a reason it needs to go to sleep at all? ...other than that, it's a wonderful controller. Hopefully there's a fix coming.

[@Jisooee]

I love the new thumbnail concept

[@AdaGordons]

Thank you for that nice review, SOLD!)

[@es__music]

Does the chord mode input the actual chord midi notes when recording, say a triad, or just the one note I play?

[@es__music]

Can you split the keyboard and play one half chords, and the other half regular notes?

[@DJDoubleEdge]

Hey Sanjay C…how would you compare it to the Keylab Essential 61???

[@SanjayC]

This is a nice upgrade from the previous Keylab. The DAW configurations are excellent and the screen is really really useful.

[@DJDoubleEdge]

@@SanjayC Thanks! I’ve had the Keylab E61 for almost 5 months. I was going to do a giveaway. Whatcha think 🤔 💭

[@danielmuhammad731]

is it standalone tho?

[@chetanankola1]

What about it’s out of the box support with Maschine | Kontakt -> native instruments stuff?

[@camilo8cheryl]

Hi Sanjay, my daughter wants to start learning midi keyboard or workstations, what can you recommend also a keyboard she can grow onto in the future like making her own music? Thanks

[@oscarrioshilario5086]

Hello, first of all thank you for your videos, they help me a lot when buying my keyboards!! I just bought the Keylab Essentials MK3 61 and I just tried it, I have a doubt to get used to the keybend, what is the difference between the different options of the curve speed and which one do you use when demonstrating the keybend? Thank you for your amazing videos

[@ElliotRent]

To be honest, Do you think this is better than Novation Launchkey 49 MK3??? Your review is great! Hope for Push 3!

[@gutfergo]

Have the same doubt

[@martonandorka]

Does anybody know when the Keylab 88 MK3 will be released?

[@justjustify85]

Sanjay between Native instrument a49, key lab essential and novation 37....which one would you choose? And why?

[@johnwayne346]

By far best reviews on here, so I’m more confused than ever! I want a 49 key keyboard but as easy as possible to use for a beginner so something that has a free DAW would be good and something that has the most plug and play functionality. I don’t want to spend the earth so this one looks good but is it easy to set up for a newbie? Or are there better options? Thanks guys!!

[@Duvoncho]

I was looking at this but decided to go for a Keystep Pro instead. Looking forward to it being delivered in the next couple of days. 👌

[@Ahtazal]

How do I get my keys to make piano sounds? Everything else works but idk how to make the keys play like a piano

[@Mrjblanco1]

How is the keybed compared to the previous version, I sold my mk2 because they were way too light to the touch for me

[@patricks_music]

Hey there! Can the sliders/knobs be assigned to specific user-defined vst automations (in Ableton Live), or are they auto assigned? Thanks! I currently have an 88 key Casio Privia, and this seems like a cool update for the electronic music I make.

[@jasonebenezer7650]

Hi Sanjay, does this work with Garage Band? Is it a plug and play?

[@peabodyscientific2082]

Yes. Yes! Very excited about this after such a long wait. It's awesome to see important improvements on the Essential, I'm SUPER excited about the premium Keylab refresh now. Sanjay, one question though: Can you cycle through Ableton device parameter banks on the keyboard (i.e. access device parameters beyond the first 8)? That would be trump card. Push 3 also released today! This is such an exciting day.

[@Foreclosurenightmares]

What do you prefer the native A series or the Arturia for beat making

[@hkmz455]

Hi thank you so much for this great video. Would this work fine with Reaper ?

[@UNOCASTILLO]

what do you think it is better M-audio Oxygen Pro or Arturia Essential MK3? M-audo has bettrer keys, after touch and more padas, also can be easy to configure in a lot of DAWs ( i do not use ableton)

[@PCB1223]

Hi guys, I'm dipping my toes in producing hip hop music (0 experience in playing music). I want to know which route is more practical? 1. Oxygen Pro Mini, then if I found myself into it I'll buy this Essential 49 and slowly add Native Instruments Maschine Mikro 2. Skip Mini and go straight with the Essential 49 and then Maschine Mikro 3. What are other practical route(s) would you guys suggest?

[@OrshinA_Rise]

hello Sanjay, I wanted to thank you for the amazing work and effort that you are putting, to deliver us such quality content . it is really shown, and nice to the ear and to the eye. thank you for that. now... to my question . I am looking for a 49 keys midi keyboard. I have been searching and watching reviews, looking for the most suitable one for me. for now ,it came down to 3 keyboards 1. Arturia essential MK2/3 2. NI komplete A49 3. M-Audio oxygen 49 pro the all seem to be around the same price. all have good reviews , you know people have different opinions. and it seems to me that all 3 of them have and offer great value. for me, key beds are important, the way they feel, and what they offer. also a good software overall , and good integration . and just overall quality of product I am less of a beat maker , more playing the piano and creating melodies. thank you so much

[@zombierabbit3593]

@SanjayC or anyone else out there: I'm still new to this world of music making and experimentation. I bought into Reason and a copy of NI Komplete 13 standard. I had thought of getting the new NI Komplete s88 MK2 or MK3, however I'd be locking myself into a controller without any faders and pads all in one. Right now, I have no keyboard controller. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment in what keyboard to get. I could get a NI S88 MK3 and NI machine MK3 (for pads - beat making). But what about faders? In using Reason (for sound library and DAW) with NI Komplete am I missing much if I would go with one of the Arturia keyboards (S88 MK2 or MK3)? I might be limited to the Arturia MK2 for 88 keys as I'm not seeing a Arturia MK3 with 88 keys. I suppose integration with Komplete I'm losing a lot.

[@ParadoxOficial]

Hi! Witch one you recomande? This one or m audio oxygen pro 49?thanks!

[@mihajlodjokic596]

Related to choed mode, does Keylab sends entire chord to DAW,s piano roll or just one key you are pressing on?

[@xgf122]

more expensive version of it supports Studio One out of box, this not, is this big deal if I use S1 Artist?