# MPK Mini MK3 vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional) and KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia) among midi keyboards. MPK Mini MK3 is the cheaper of the two at $119.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $119 | $299 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Arturia |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2023-05 |
| Keys | 25 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 8 |
| Knobs | 8 | 9 |
| Faders | 0 | 9 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start | Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month |

## Key differences

- Keys: MPK Mini MK3 25 vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 49
- Knobs: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9
- Faders: MPK Mini MK3 0 vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9
- Connection: MPK Mini MK3 usb vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 usb_midi_din
- Bundled software: MPK Mini MK3 MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month

## What reviewers say

**MPK Mini MK3** — Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, reviewed this exact model hands-on over 10 days, scoring it 7.6/10. They call it an excellent, affordable all-round USB-MIDI keyboard praised for velocity-sensitive pads, endless 360-degree knobs and bundled MPC Beats software, but flag unforgivably stiff pads and missing onboard transport controls. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

**KeyLab Essential 49 mk3** — Two whitelisted testers cover this 2023 Mk3: Sound on Sound reviewed the exact 49-note unit, MusicRadar the 61-note version of the same line. Both call it a slick, good-value refresh, praising the new mid-panel screen, deep Analog Lab V integration, scripted multi-DAW support and the synth-style key action. Both are qualitative with no lab measurements; Sound on Sound flags more integration limits. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- MPK Mini MK3: https://www.gearnews.com/akai-introduces-the-mpk-mini-mk3-keyboard-controller/ (gearnews.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: https://www.arturia.com/store/keylab-essential-49-mk3 (arturia.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPK Mini MK3 ($119) vs KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 ($299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3/
License: CC BY 4.0.