We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Rankings are formula-based and never paid for. Disclosure

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3

Ranked #3 of 6 in Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers for Beat Makers and Producers (2026). Here is every spec we scored, where it came from, and how it compares.

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. Learn more.

#3

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3

Best for: Players who want 61 keys plus a full control surface

7.5/10

What we like

  • 61 keys
  • 9 encoders and 9 faders
  • 5-pin MIDI out

Watch out for

  • No aftertouch on the keys (pads only)
  • 8 physical pads (16 via banks)

Score breakdown

Keys 20%
Drum pads 20%
Knobs / encoders 15%
Faders 15%
Key aftertouch 15%
5-pin MIDI out 15%
Keys61
Drum pads8
Knobs / encoders9
Faders9
Key aftertouchNo
5-pin MIDI outYes
Pads8 RGB pads in 2 banks (16 total), polyphonic aftertouch
Display2.5" LCD
FadersNine 30 mm
PriceCheck price
Check price at Sweetwater Guitar CenterAmazon
Specs source:

How it compares

Open the full comparison table

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61
9.8/10
#1 · The most complete feature list here, including key aftertouch
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
7.9/10
#2 · Ableton Live users who want lots of controls in a mid-size board
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
6.4/10
#4 · Komplete and Kontakt users who want deep plugin integration
Akai Professional MPK Mini IV
6.2/10
#5 · Beat makers with a small desk or a backpack setup
Arturia MiniLab 3
5.3/10
#6 · A compact board that still has faders