# KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs Komplete Kontrol M32: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia) and Komplete Kontrol M32 (Native Instruments) among midi keyboards. Komplete Kontrol M32 is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | Komplete Kontrol M32 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $299 | $129 |
| Brand | Arturia | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2019-03 |
| Keys | 49 | 32 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 9 | 8 |
| 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 | Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials |

## Key differences

- Keys: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 49 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 32
- Drum pads: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 8 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 0
- Knobs: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 8
- Faders: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 0
- Connection: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 usb_midi_din vs Komplete Kontrol M32 usb
- Bundled software: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month vs Komplete Kontrol M32 Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials

## 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.)

**Komplete Kontrol M32** — Only one whitelisted, hands-on tester (Engadget) covered the Komplete Kontrol M32 in its five-controller roundup. Engadget praised its studio-grade build, satisfying clicky buttons and encoder, best-in-roundup touch-sensitive knobs and an Arturia-rivaling keybed, but flagged that it failed on Windows 10 out of the box (needing a firmware update), has no pads, and is barely portable at 18.7in/2.3lb with fiddly Ableton transport setup. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: https://www.arturia.com/store/keylab-essential-49-mk3 (arturia.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Komplete Kontrol M32: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-m32/ (native-instruments.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 ($299) vs Komplete Kontrol M32 ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
License: CC BY 4.0.