Arturia
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3
$299
Released 2023-05
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs nanoKEY2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. nanoKEY2 is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Korg
nanoKEY2
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2011
Which is better: the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 or nanoKEY2?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The nanoKEY2 is the cheaper at $99.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | nanoKEY2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 Arturia store MSRP (US$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 |
| Release | 2023 | 2011 |
Sources — KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: arturia.com (verified 2026-06-19). nanoKEY2: korg.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and nanoKEY2?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: New mid-panel screen and refreshed, tidy layout; Deep, near-seamless Analog Lab V integration; Strong scripted multi-DAW integration across the major DAWs.
Flagged: No CV outputs; Cannot shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live; ARP/Chord/Scale modes require menu diving.
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.)
Praised: Velocity response is far more consistent than the original nanoKey, and keys no longer stick against the edge of the casing; Improved design and build with notably better key feel, at a highly affordable price (listed at £48 / $65); Class-compliant USB-powered operation across the nanoSeries 2 — no drivers or external power supply needed.
Flagged: The original nanoKey's CC Mode was removed, so functionality was lost from the first series rather than the feature-set being expanded; Very light, non-traditional key action still feels a little awkward and takes getting used to; Deeper settings such as velocity curve and pitch/mod button timing still require the separate Kontrol Editor software.