Arturia
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3
$299
Released 2023-05
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs Komplete Kontrol M32
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Komplete Kontrol M32 is cheaper at $129. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Komplete Kontrol M32
$129Cheaper
Released 2019-03
Which is better: the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 or Komplete Kontrol M32?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Komplete Kontrol M32 is the cheaper at $129.
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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 | Komplete Kontrol M32 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 Arturia store MSRP (US$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 |
| Release | 2023 | 2019 |
Sources — KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: arturia.com (verified 2026-06-19). Komplete Kontrol M32: native-instruments.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and Komplete Kontrol M32?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
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.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Studio-grade build with satisfying, clicky buttons and encoder; Best touch-sensitive knobs in its class; keybed in the same league as Arturia; Integrates seamlessly with NI's Komplete Kontrol software.
Flagged: Failed on Windows 10 out of the box; needed a firmware update; No drum pads; Barely portable for its size/weight (18.7in, 2.3lb); fiddly Ableton transport setup.