A Stage-Ready Feel with Studio Precision

Arturia’s KeyLab 61 MK3 introduces a significant leap in feel and immediacy over its predecessors. The 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch give it a professional, expressive touch that appeals to both stage players and studio composers. It feels solid and responsive under the fingers, closer to a performance instrument than a generic controller, which is a big part of its draw.

Equally striking is the inclusion of a 3.5-inch full-color display. This screen brings a level of clarity and feedback rarely found at this price point, making browsing sounds, tweaking parameters, and navigating templates much more intuitive. For producers juggling multiple instruments and DAWs, this display streamlines the workflow and reduces the menu diving typical of earlier models.

Hands-On Control Without the Mouse

Connectivity and workflow are where the KeyLab 61 MK3 shows its modern DNA. The move to USB-C with bus power not only future-proofs the controller but also makes setup simpler and more reliable, particularly for laptop-based producers who want a single cable for data and power.

Arturia has also refined its hands-on control scheme. The expanded transport controls and dedicated DAW navigation buttons let you record, loop, and jump between tracks without touching your mouse, while the pre-mapped integration with Arturia’s own software instruments and major DAWs like Ableton Live creates a seamless experience. For performers who split time between studio and stage, these touches give the controller an almost hardware-instrument immediacy.

A Versatile Centerpiece for Studio and Stage

Beyond its expressive keybed, color screen, and streamlined DAW integration, the KeyLab 61 MK3 also doubles as a deep performance hub. It features pitch and modulation wheels, expression pedal jacks, a generous bank of encoders, faders, and pads, plus CV/Gate and MIDI outputs for controlling modular or external gear.

The build quality gives the controller the durability to withstand regular gigging, while the bundled Analog Lab and V Collection software expand its sonic palette right out of the box.

These touches make the KeyLab 61 MK3 not just a MIDI controller but a versatile centerpiece for both studio and stage. It’s an ambitious update that blends tactile control, thoughtful integration, and a robust software ecosystem into a single, roadworthy instrument.