# KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs A-49: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia) and A-49 (Roland) among midi keyboards. A-49 is the cheaper of the two at $175.

## Side by side

| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | A-49 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $299 | $175 |
| Brand | Arturia | Roland |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2012-10 |
| Keys | 49 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 | 0 |
| Knobs | 9 | 2 |
| Faders | 9 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month | Ableton Live Lite |

## Key differences

- Drum pads: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 8 vs A-49 0
- Knobs: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs A-49 2
- Faders: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs A-49 0
- Bundled software: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month vs A-49 Ableton Live Lite

## 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.)

## Sources

- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: https://www.arturia.com/store/keylab-essential-49-mk3 (arturia.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- A-49: https://www.roland.com/us/products/a-49/specifications/ (roland.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-roland-a-49/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 ($299) vs A-49 ($175) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-roland-a-49/
License: CC BY 4.0.