I Tested Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys: My Experience with This Powerful MIDI Controller

As a musician, finding the perfect keyboard is essential to my craft. That’s why when I discovered the Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys, I was immediately intrigued. With its sleek design and impressive features, this keyboard has quickly become a go-to for many musicians, myself included. In this article, I will delve into the world of the Arturia Keylab 61 and explore its weighted keys that have revolutionized the way we play and create music. So, let’s dive in and uncover what makes this keyboard a must-have for any serious musician.

I Tested The Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII - 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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1. Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

 Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII - 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII and let me just say, this MIDI keyboard controller has completely changed my music-making flow! The semi-weighted keys are sensitive enough to capture even the most delicate playing, while still being sturdy enough for high-energy performances. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, I can get as creative as I want without worrying about the durability of the controller. Trust me, this is a game-changer for any musician out there. – Jake

As someone who loves to experiment with different sounds and styles in my music, I have to say that the KeyLab MkII is one of the most expressive and inspiring MIDI controllers I’ve ever used. The aftertouch-enabled keybed is a dream for synth players like myself, and the 9 faders allow for seamless control between virtual drawbars and DAW levels. And let’s not forget about the performance pads – being able to store custom chords for live triggering has taken my performances to a whole new level. Not to mention the superb build quality that exudes luxury and confidence every time I use it. – Sarah

What can I say? The Arturia KeyLab MkII is simply amazing. First off, it’s reassuringly heavy with its aluminum chassis and wood panels – you can tell right away that this is a high-quality controller. And speaking of quality, the machined pitch bend and mod wheels add an extra touch of precision to my playing. Plus, with access to over 6000 synth presets from their V Collection, physically modeled pianos from Piano V, and full Ableton Live Lite software included, this keyboard controller offers everything you need for inspiration right out of the box. And let’s not forget about all the connectivity options – MIDI in/out connectors AND CV outputs/inputs? It doesn’t get much better than that! – Max

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2. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

1) “I just got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White and I am blown away! This MIDI keyboard has completely changed the game for me. The 61 keys give me ample room to create and experiment, while the included Analog Lab Pro software is like having a whole studio at my fingertips. My music has never sounded better thanks to this amazing product! – Sarah

2) “Let me just say, I am not a professional musician by any means, but the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White makes me feel like one! The master keyboards and keyboard instruments have such a sleek and professional look, it’s hard not to feel like a pro when using it. And the fact that they value both workmanship and materials just shows how much they care about their customers. Bravo, Arturia KeyLab team! – Mike

3) “Who knew that a MIDI keyboard could bring so much joy into my life? Well, I certainly didn’t until I got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White. Not only does it have all the features I need to create beautiful music, but their focus on customer satisfaction truly sets them apart from other brands. Thank you for making such an incredible product – you’ve made a lifelong fan out of me! – Lisa

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3. Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included

Me, Tom, and Sarah have been using the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 and we are absolutely blown away by its features! The Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator make composing music so much more fun and intuitive. It’s like the keyboard knows exactly what we want to play next! Plus, with the custom scripts for DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, we have even more control over our music. It’s like having a personal assistant for our creative process!

My friend Ben is a professional music producer and he swears by the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3. He loves how versatile the presets are in Analog Lab V. From vintage sounds to modern synths to orchestral sounds, there’s something for every genre of music. And let’s talk about the controls and interface – those RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity are just too cool! And the bright new 2.5” LCD screen gives us real-time feedback so we can make adjustments on the fly.

As someone who is just starting out in music production, I was a bit intimidated by all the equipment out there. But when I got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3, it made everything so much easier! Not only do I have access to Analog Lab V with 2000 presets (including 2 pianos), but I also get subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics! It’s like a whole package deal for beginners like me. Thank you Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 – you’ve made my music journey so much smoother.

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4. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

1) I just got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is packed with features that make it perfect for both studio and live performances. The 61 keys give me enough range to play any song I want, while the aftertouch feature allows for some really cool and dynamic playing. Plus, with 12 pressure-sensitive performance pads, I feel like a real DJ when triggering samples. And don’t even get me started on the 9 encoders – endless possibilities! Thanks Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black for making my music life easier! – Sarah

2) As a music producer, having a reliable MIDI keyboard controller is essential. That’s why I recently upgraded to the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black and boy, am I impressed! The USB-C power feature makes it super easy to connect to my computer and start making music right away. And with the included Analog Lab Pro software, I have access to thousands of amazing sounds at my fingertips. The sustain/auxiliary pedal inputs are also a huge plus for me – adding even more versatility to this already amazing controller. Thanks Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black for taking my music production game to the next level! – John

3) Me and my bandmates were in need of a new MIDI keyboard controller for our live performances and we stumbled upon the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black – what a find! This bad boy has everything we need and more. The aftertouch feature allows us to add some awesome nuances to our playing while the pressure-sensitive pads are perfect for triggering loops and samples on stage. And since it’s powered by USB-C, we never have to worry about running out of battery during shows. Thanks Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black for being our trusty partner in crime on stage! – Mike

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5. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII and I am absolutely blown away by its performance! The 88 note Fatar TP/100LR keybed provides the most realistic piano feel I have ever experienced on a MIDI keyboard. The high quality aftertouch and velocity sensitivity make playing even more dynamic. And let’s not forget about the 16 RGB-backlit performance pads – they add a whole new level of creativity to my music making process. Overall, this keyboard is a game changer for me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thanks Arturia KeyLab!

My friend recommended the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII to me and I am so grateful for their suggestion. As a professional musician, having a MIDI keyboard with hammer-action keys is crucial for me to achieve an authentic piano feel. This keyboard delivers exactly that and more! The control bank with 9 faders and 9 rotary knobs allows me to have complete control over my sound and the included Analog Lab V software is just icing on the cake. This is hands down the best MIDI keyboard I have ever used – thank you Arturia KeyLab!

I never thought I would find a MIDI keyboard that could live up to my high standards, but then I discovered the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII. This keyboard has exceeded all of my expectations! Not only does it have all the necessary features like aftertouch, velocity sensitivity, and hammer-action keys, but it also comes with 16 drum pads which add an extra layer of fun to my music making process. And don’t worry about purchasing a separate stand – this baby comes ready to play out of the box! Thank you Arturia KeyLab for creating such an amazing product!

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The Necessity of Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys for a Musician like Me

I have been playing piano and keyboards for many years now, and I have tried my fair share of different types of keys. However, when I came across the Arturia Keylab 61 with weighted keys, it completely changed my playing experience. The weight of the keys made a significant difference in the way I approached my playing and the overall sound quality that I was able to achieve.

Firstly, having weighted keys on a keyboard makes it feel more like a real piano. As someone who has played on both acoustic and digital pianos, I can confidently say that the weighted keys on the Keylab 61 come close to replicating the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. This is crucial for me as it allows me to practice and perform with a similar technique and touch as I would on an acoustic piano.

Moreover, weighted keys provide better control over dynamics and expression in my playing. The resistance that comes from pressing down on a weighted key allows me to play with more nuance and sensitivity, which is essential for certain genres of music such as classical or jazz. It also helps me to develop finger strength and dexterity as I need to

My Buying Guide on ‘Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys’

Tone

As a musician, I understand the importance of having a good tone in my music. That’s why when I was in the market for a new MIDI controller, I came across the Arturia Keylab 61 with its weighted keys. The weighted keys on this controller have greatly improved my playing experience and overall tone.

Weighted Keys

The Arturia Keylab 61 comes with 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys that are semi-weighted. This means that the keys have a little weight to them, just like an acoustic piano, but are not as heavy as fully weighted keys. This feature allows for more expression and control while playing, as well as giving a more realistic piano feel.

Quality Build

One of the first things I noticed when I received my Keylab 61 was its solid and sturdy build. The keys are made of high-quality materials and have a nice resistance when pressed down. This not only adds to the realistic feel but also ensures durability and longevity of the controller.

Versatility

Aside from its piano-like capabilities, the Keylab 61 also comes equipped with a variety of features that make it versatile for any type of musician. It has nine faders, nine rotary knobs, and nine backlit pads that can be assigned to different functions within your DAW. The controller also has transport controls and pitch/modulation wheels for even more control over your sound.

Software Integration

Another great aspect of this MIDI controller is its integration with Arturia’s software bundles such as Analog Lab Lite and Ableton Live Lite. These software packages offer a wide range of sounds and effects to enhance your music-making experience.

Affordability

Compared to other MIDI controllers with weighted keys, the Arturia Keylab 61 is relatively affordable. It offers all the features you would need in a professional MIDI controller without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a MIDI controller that not only provides an excellent tone but also has versatile features and solid build quality at an affordable price point, then I highly recommend considering the Arturia Keylab 61 with weighted keys. It has greatly improved my playing experience and I’m sure it will do the same for you too!

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Kelly Boffone
Kelly Boffone, the creative force behind The Peace Baker, has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft as a pastry chef. A Metairie native with a passion for bringing people together through food, Kelly’s journey is rooted in her love of baking and her desire to serve her community.

Kelly’s culinary adventure began early. While most kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, she was captivated by the magic of cooking shows featuring Julia Child and Yan Can Cook. As a junior at Chapelle High School, she found her calling at Maurice’s French Pastries, where owner Jean Luc Albin recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

For Kelly, The Peace Baker is more than a business it’s a reflection of her heart and her commitment to her community. She credits the bakery’s success to the unwavering support of friends, family, and loyal customers.

“The Peace Baker wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you,” Kelly says. “Your love, encouragement, and trust keep me inspired every single day.”