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!

[@HotelHero]

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

[@SanjayC]

Haha thanks

[@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

[@eyarouziel3528]

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

[@arvinsim]

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

[@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!

[@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🙌

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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! 😊

[@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! 😊

[@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

[@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. 👍🏼

[@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

[@melodikmusic]

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

[@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 🤣

[@TaterRogers]

I would love one of these for Christmas

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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?

[@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

[@serpentblade8704]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Debangshuification]

Such a beautiful. And wonderful demonstration

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@paulmoadibe9321]

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

[@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 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@danielmuhammad731]

is it standalone tho?

[@dipankarbanerjee2018]

need a comparison between this and Launchkey MK4

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🙏🏻

[@iamshiv21]

That looks promising 😮

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, other keyboards should follow with better screens.

[@WhyteJive]

This is my favorite

[@indigosnow_]

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

[@StudioDirector]

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

[@amindamok]

Artruia kills it with everything they do.

[@kriskorat]

Is the new Keylab mkIII on the horizon?

[@skyfreak42]

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

[@clintfoard7332]

Great review. Thanks man.

[@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? 🙂

[@Cutflower]

Arturia, just release in black!!!!

[@tekrahmuzik777]

it is available in black also right now

[@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.

[@SapphireAdizes]

When will they release an 88 key MK3. Thoughts/prediction???

[@dage509]

This an amazing piano. Can this keyboard control native instruments plugins, like Kontakt?

[@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!!

[@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?

[@markon.1142]

Would people recommend this for an adult that loved playing keys as a 10 year old? Is it too much to start back up initially?

[@jillwilson8896]

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

[@michelnassarofficial]

It looks so nice!! ❤ thank you Sanjay

[@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

[@basketballplayer615]

Can we use this keyboard for live shows

[@JEtienneMusic]

Always love a Sanjay Review! Are we getting an Ableton Push 3 Standalone Review soon?!? 👀

[@SanjayC]

Hey yes my Push video will come out soon.

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@Jisooee]

I love the new thumbnail concept

[@ThomAdams]

Think there's a Keylab MKIII coming????

[@SanjayC]

I would bet on it. They can’t drop this and then not update the top line stuff.

[@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.

[@omlecado]

That’s a sleek looking keyboard 👀 Not gonna lie tho Arturia has been working hard lately

[@rayenbenchtila]

PLZZ HELP ME SHOULD I GET OXYGEN 49 PRO OR THIS ARTRUIA 49 IN THIS VIDEO ?

[@felipeleoo]

Qual você comprou?

[@GospelMusic4Life]

My midi controller just went out and I was tempted all week to get something. I thought to wait to see what’s new. I guess maybe I better wait to see what else is new. I’m really looking for a midi controller in which I can layer to separate midi channels and play all from the keybed simultaneously.

[@thegoodsherman]

A Mpe Controller from aturia would be nice..ITS time for all manufacturer.

[@joca1378]

I want to buy the one with 49 keys but for 50 bucks more i really feel like the 61 keys one is a better deal.

[@gaffster787]

i wish controllers like this had a usb hub/xlr audio interface for us stage players. midi setups are messy and dangerous out in the wild.

[@citygent101]

What really holds all Arturia keyboards back that no reviewers mention is there is no way to assign custom computer keyboard commands like "Ctrl b" or "Shift 1" to any pads or faders. Novation Launchkey is hands down the best midi controller because it can control everything.

[@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?

[@headsman2023]

This, flkey 61 and moreeee I only need to see the New N.I s series with faders, and Arturia premium mk3

[@siahfishin5295]

this keyboard recommended with pro tools?

[@xgf122]

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

[@chetanankola1]

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

[@vinylstudi0]

Hi Sanjay please review Push 3

[@SanjayC]

Coming soon!

[@JULIOAIS]

I want to hear what I'm playing in my Arturia 49 controller through my speakers. What's is the recipe? I love your videos ! (I use also the Minifuse 2)

[@kaywoodparsons5307]

the sound or melody you played there at the beginning was awesome! would that melody be playable on the mini mk3?

[@TheMqyable]

Which to choose, this or M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 ?

[@VERSUXH]

which did you get

[@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! 🙂

[@AdaGordons]

Thank you for that nice review, SOLD!)

[@ianedmonds9191]

Not weighted keys or even semi weighted is a deal breaker for proper keyboard players. Does it have after touch?

[@ianedmonds9191]

No aftertouch? WTF. You got aftertouch on the novation remote 25 back in the early 200o.

[@Mart-E12]

Do you recommend it for an absolute beginner?

[@hkmz455]

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

[@partypao]

Does the feel of the keys of this the same with Arturia Mini Lab 3? If so I think that would be enough for me

[@martonandorka]

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

[@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

[@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

[@fricak1111]

which do you prefer Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 or M-audio oxygen pro ?

[@editsbydaan6048]

I am in the same boat

[@felipeleoo]

Eu também!

[@Talentman18]

What’s better Spectrasonics or the Arturia Bundle? Debating on which one to get.

[@kenzgbr]

Fingers crossed this is the precursor to the Mk3 pro keyboards!

[@msoundz]

Looks great. Wish they would make a fader left version.

[@Foreclosurenightmares]

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

[@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

[@ParadoxOficial]

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

[@oussamaelb-z4c]

I want to know if M audio oxygen pro 61 or Arturia Keylab Essential 61 mk3 is best