Arturia · Updated June 2026
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: price, specs & release date
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3, released 2023-05. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: arturia.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for New mid-panel screen and refreshed, tidy layout; Deep, near-seamless Analog Lab V integration.
- Skip if No CV outputs is a dealbreaker.
Is the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 a good buy?
At $299, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is #10 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149. On the spec sheet, its knobs of 9 is the highest of the 12, its faders of 9 is the highest of the 12, and its release of 2023 is above the median of the 12. By release date, it is among the newer of the 12 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 2 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 2 reviews · 2023-08–2023-08-09
Tested by Sound on Sound, MusicRadar
Consistently praised
- New mid-panel screen and refreshed, tidy layout · 2 sources
- Deep, near-seamless Analog Lab V integration · 2 sources
- Strong scripted multi-DAW integration across the major DAWs · 2 sources
- Good synth-style key action / key bed · 2 sources
- Good value for the price
Commonly flagged
- No CV outputs
- Cannot shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live
- ARP/Chord/Scale modes require menu diving
- Entirely plastic chassis, no aftertouch
Where reviewers disagree Both broadly agree it is a strong, good-value refresh. Nuance: Sound on Sound tested the exact 49-note model and singled out several integration limits (no way to shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live, comparatively weaker Cubase mapping, and menu diving for ARP/Chord/Scale), while MusicRadar tested the 61-note version of the same line and was more uniformly positive, flagging mainly the lack of CV outputs and slightly lightweight mod/pitch-bend wheels.
The sources (2)
I really like the refreshed look and layout of the KeyLab Essential Mk3.
No way to shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live.
ARP/Chord/Scale options need a bit of menu diving.
The Keylab Essential Mk3 action is a hybrid synth-piano feel that is precise and reasonably springy, and mechanical noise is kept in check, which we like.
Better and slicker than its predecessor, delivering great controller features, quality design and easy DAW integration at a good price.
Meanwhile, the mod wheel and pitch bend are physically a bit lightweight, but function fine.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $299 Arturia store MSRP (US$299) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Arturia |
| Released | 2023-05 |
| Keys | 49 |
| Key type | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 |
| Knobs | 9 |
| Faders | 9 |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month |
Source: arturia.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by soundonsound.com. Verified: Arturia store lists US$299, 49-note velocity-sensitive (not pressure/aftertouch) keys, 9 encoders, 9 x 30mm faders, 8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads, USB-C + MIDI 5-pin DIN out. MusicRadar review explicitly confirms the Essential mk3 LACKS keyboard aftertouch (only the higher-end KeyLab mk3 has it), so aftertouch:false is correct. Sound on Sound confirms May 2023 release. Bundle corrected to reflect Analog Lab Pro / NI Komplete Select.
Is the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 worth it vs cheaper MIDI keyboards?
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 against its closest cheaper and pricier MIDI keyboards on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Keys | Key type | Drum pads | Knobs | Faders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 this | $299 | 49 | synth | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Launchkey 49 MK4 | $279.99 | 49 | semi_weighted | 16 | 8 | 9 |
| MPK249 | $399 | 49 | semi_weighted | 16 | 8 | 8 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. 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; Good synth-style key action / key bed; Good value for the price. Flagged: No CV outputs; Cannot shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live; ARP/Chord/Scale modes require menu diving; Entirely plastic chassis, no aftertouch; Cubase integration comparatively limited; Lightweight mod and pitch-bend wheels. (From 2 tester reviews.)
How much does the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 cost?
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has a US price of $299 (Arturia store MSRP (US$299)), as of 2026-06-19.
How does the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 compare on price?
At $299, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is #10 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149.
When was the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 released?
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 was released 2023-05.
What are the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3's key specs?
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia): keys 49, key type synth, drum pads 8, knobs 9, faders 9. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.
Price of record: $299 at arturia.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar MIDI keyboards
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Compare with
Head-to-head
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- Launchkey 49 MK4 $279.99
- A-49 $175
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- Komplete Kontrol M32 $129
Step up
- MPK249 $399
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