Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 MK3

Q: Is the keyboard weighted like a real piano?

A: It is semi-weighted, not hammer-action. This means it has more resistance than a standard synth but is much lighter and "springier" than a traditional piano. It’s perfect for players who want 88 keys but also need to play fast synth leads or drum parts.

Q: Do I need a computer to use it?

A: It is primarily a MIDI controller designed to control software. However, you can use it standalone to play hardware synths via the 5-pin MIDI Out port, provided you power it with a standard USB power adapter.

Q: Does it have Aftertouch?

A: No. While the pads are pressure-sensitive, the keys do not feature aftertouch. For an 88-key model with aftertouch and hammer-action, you would need the KeyLab 88 mk3.

Q: What software do I get?

A: It includes a massive bundle: Analog Lab Pro (2000+ sounds), Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D, Native Instruments The Gentleman piano (or Komplete Select for 2026 registrations), plus subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics.

Q: Can I plug an expression pedal into it?

A: Yes. The single pedal input is universal and can be configured for Sustain, Footswitch, or Expression control in the settings.

Keybed: 88-note velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keyboard (hybrid synth-piano feel).

Display: 2.5” High-brightness LCD with 4 contextual buttons for easy navigation.

Controls: * 1 Clickable Encoder.

9 Rotary Knobs.

9 x 30mm Faders.

8 RGB Backlit, velocity and pressure-sensitive Pads (2 banks).

6 Transport buttons; 4 Command buttons.

I/O: * MIDI Out (5-pin DIN).

Control Pedal Input (Sustain, Expression, or Footswitch).

USB-C (Power and MIDI data).

Power: USB-C bus powered.

Creative Performance Tools: Built-in multi-mode Arpeggiator, Chord Play mode, and Scale mode to keep you in key.

Smart DAW Integration: Includes custom scripts for seamless control of Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio.

Deep Analog Lab Sync: Browse presets, select sounds, and tweak parameters directly from the hardware with smart-mapped controls.

Split & Layer: Program a split point to play two different sounds simultaneously or layer them for rich textures.

Eco-Designed: Built with at least 40% recycled plastic and 100% recyclable packaging.

NKS Support: Native Kontrol Standard compatibility for direct control of thousands of NI and third-party instruments.

If you decide a product is not suitable within 14 days of delivery, you can return it to us for a replacement or refund. Returns must be unused and in their original, undamaged packaging.

Some items are excluded from our money back guarantee:
- Computer software that has been unsealed or registered
- Any item that comes directly into contact with the nose, ears or mouth

To arrange a return, just contact our customer service via our customer support form.

Every product at Blip comes with a full manufacturer's warranty for long-term peace of mind. As a specialist UK retailer, we fully support your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If your gear arrives faulty or develops an inherent problem in the first 30 days, we will provide a full refund or replacement. For faults developing after 30 days, we will facilitate a swift repair or replacement through the manufacturer's official service channels to ensure your gear is back in the studio as quickly as possible.