KeyLab 61 MkII

First, this arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Now that’s out of the way, this is simply the best MIDI controller currently on the market. Sturdy metal construction, massive amounts of connectivity (including cv), all the controls you could possibly need, quality overall construction, extremely flexible with 3 modes for the pads, 3 modes for the central controls and 3 pages of knobs, buttons and sliders, gorgeous metal pitch and mod wheels, tons of RGB backlighting without looking gaudy, and the best feeling semiweighted aftertouch keybed I’ve played in a long time. Connectivity, setup and customization are extremely easy, there’s constant real-time feedback on the screen of everything you’re doing (including MIDI cv values for damper pedals, etc), works well with most DAWs and VSTs, and it’s one of the most affordable of its contemporaries. This will effortlessly control your DAW, VSTs, outboard MIDI gear, outboard modular gear and more, right out of the box. Unless you’re working exclusively with Native Instruments software (in which case the Komplete Kontrol controllers may be a better choice) or require onboard sequencing and arpeggiation (in which case you can’t beat the Novation SL MKIII), this is almost certainly the controller you need. Order now, you can thank me later.

This thing is awesome. Solid build quality and lots of functionality. Analog Lab mode is great for quickly browsing or switching between presets in the included software and tweaking them. There are labels on the knobs that show their default analog synth-style mapping, which allows you to basically use the controller like a standalone analog synth without looking at a computer. DAW mode was easily set up with Reaper and it's fast to switch back and forth between modes for a productive workflow. User mode allows you to customize (most of) the controls to do whatever you want, like a more conventional MIDI controller. I like the LCD too, it provides just enough info to allow you to put something else up on your computer screen (I often display sheet music on mine) but isn't too redundant with the computer software's interface. Overall, this thing strikes me as the perfect balance between the integratedness but high cost of a workstation keyboard and the flexibility of a MIDI controller, would recommend unless you don't like Arturia's software or insist on having built-in sound making capabilities.

I traded a Novation Impulse for this one. I also tried some of the Nektar offerings, and the difference is night and day. Yes, the Arturia is quite more expensive (the Essential line is more in pair price wise with the Nektars, but I haven't tried those), but you can feel the quality when playing. Even though in this 61 keys the action is just semiweighted, the keyboard feels responsive at any velocity level, which some controllers don't. Yes, it is expensive, but the old adage of you get what you pay for is true. If you don't own already Arturia's software offering, KeyLab, then the price of the controller becomes an even better deal, because the soft synth is included, with an infinity of great sounds. All in all, recommended if it's within your budget.

Plenty has been written about this keyboard. I'm happy I made the purchase, which is more than I've spent on controllers in the past, but which got me super value in terms of the build, the software, the depth of quality. Well done Arturia. It's heavy though. More for being at the center of a home studio than to traipse around to jams.

This is insane. I only really needed a new keyboard, as i already have a ton of great piano sounds and synth plugins- i wasnt concerned with the included software but it is DOPE. The included synth library is almost the full suite of Arturia synths. You get many thousands of presets. They are not filler either, the sounds are fantastic, and you can tweak them directly from the tactile knobs on the keyboard. Yes, the DAW controls actually work. I have Reaper. Win 11. This is probably the only device ive ever purchased that "just works". Setup was easy. And the DAW integration is by far my favorite part of this. I save a ton of time inbetween takes. Way easier than using hotkeys on my keyboard and taking my hands off the piano. I didnt expect to use the drum pads as much as i do, but i actually really like them too. Overall, I wish i had splurged on this sooner; i literally salivate when i think about playing this after work.

I love how all you need is a laptop and headphones and you are live! It integrates nicely into Ableton (comes with the Lite version). Very sturdy build, and comes with a lot of great software out of the gate. So many sounds in Analog Lab V.. wow.. would take months to explore them all. My set up includes this keyboard, with an Akai APC40 MkII, attached into my laptop. Both integrate very well. Please make sure you download the ASIOALL MIDI driver for your laptop or you may run into latency issues with the Windows 11 drivers. Being a piano player, I am was going to buy the 88 fully weighted keyboard, but I already have a Yamaha DGX 660 fully weighted 88 keyboard that I can use to play traditional pieces with. The semi-weighted keys of this KeyLab 61 are passable for me, but much better than a traditional off the shelf keyboard. I love the after touch affects. The velocity sensitivity of the keyboard is not as good as my Yamaha, but it does the job since I am using it primarily for composing music rather than performing. Overall, I love this thing, it will make you a sound wizard.

Love this thing. It feels like quality. I feel more inspired when playing something that feels and looks good. Great keyboard if you just have it sitting in the same location, probably less convenient if you need to move it around a lot (weight makes it heavier and harder to move).

Arturia always makes great products with great value for the money. This is not a toy, it’s not just a keyboard, it’s a workstation interface for your DAW. This can great for gigging or for the studio. Spend the extra money, and get the right tool, right off the bat.