# KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs nanoKEY2: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia) and nanoKEY2 (Korg) among midi keyboards. nanoKEY2 is the cheaper of the two at $99.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | nanoKEY2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $299 | $99.99 |
| Brand | Arturia | Korg |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2011 |
| Keys | 49 | 25 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 9 | 0 |
| Faders | 9 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din | usb |
| Bundled software | Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month | Korg Kontrol Editor |

## Key differences

- Keys: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 49 vs nanoKEY2 25
- Drum pads: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 8 vs nanoKEY2 0
- Knobs: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs nanoKEY2 0
- Faders: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs nanoKEY2 0
- Connection: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 usb_midi_din vs nanoKEY2 usb
- Bundled software: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month vs nanoKEY2 Korg Kontrol Editor

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**nanoKEY2** — One verified review of this exact model survives: MusicRadar (by Computer Music), 1 June 2011. It rates the nanoKey2 a clear improvement on the original nanoKey — velocity response is now consistent regardless of where you strike the key, the keys no longer catch on the casing, and the overall feel is much better — while noting the action stays very light and a little awkward, and that the original's CC Mode was removed. The verdict is 'The new hardware looks and feels better, though some may be disappointed that certain features have been left behind.' All judgements are subjective; no measurements are published. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: https://www.arturia.com/store/keylab-essential-49-mk3 (arturia.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- nanoKEY2: https://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/nanokey2/ (korg.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-korg-nanokey2/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 ($299) vs nanoKEY2 ($99.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-korg-nanokey2/
License: CC BY 4.0.