Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Master Keyboard Black

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — a pro-grade 61-key MIDI controller for studio and stage

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black is a 61-key USB MIDI controller engineered for producers, composers and performing keyboardists who want one surface to command software instruments, hardware synths and their DAW. Built around a re-engineered semi-weighted keybed with channel aftertouch and release-velocity sensitivity, it delivers expressive playability while the 3.5" full-colour display, 12 RGB pads and touch-sensitive encoders bring every parameter into immediate reach. This model ships with Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite and a curated software bundle, making it a complete production command centre straight out of the box.

What sets the unit apart in the 61-key controller tier

Two features stand out in this category: the bright 3.5" 480x320 px full-colour screen with eight contextual buttons, which turns preset browsing, velocity-curve editing and arpeggiator setup into on-board tasks rather than software dives; and the deep Analog Lab Pro integration that auto-maps over 2,000 presets from the V Collection, Augmented Series and Pigments to the encoders, faders and pads. NKS compatibility, MCU/HUI control and dedicated DAW scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio and Bitwig ensure this controller behaves like a true studio hub rather than a generic keyboard.

Playing surface and expressive control — keybed, pads and wheels

The playing surface is the heart of any master keyboard, and the instrument is built to capture every nuance of a performance. Velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with channel aftertouch and release-velocity sensitivity let leads, pads and bass lines breathe, while the metal pitch and modulation wheels add a precise, weighted feel for bends and modulation.

• 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys offer a synth-action feel with aftertouch and release-velocity for expressive two-handed playing.
• Pads: 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads — backlit for clip-launching, finger-drumming and chord triggering.
• Wheels: Metal pitch-bend and modulation wheels — solid, weighted response for accurate bends and real-time modulation.

Control surface — encoders, faders and display

Beyond the keys, the device puts every mix and instrument parameter within reach. Touch-sensitive controls show their current value the moment a finger lands on them, while the central display gives real-time feedback so workflow stays in the hardware.

• Rotary Encoders: 9 touch-sensitive 360° encoders — assign to instrument macros, effect parameters or DAW controls with instant on-screen feedback.
• Faders: 9 touch-sensitive 50 mm faders — handle DAW mix levels, envelope shaping and custom MIDI assignments.
• Display: 3.5" full-colour 480x320 px screen with 8 contextual buttons — navigate presets, edit settings and configure user programs without leaving the keyboard.

Connectivity, smart features and bundled software

Connectivity and creative tools round out the package. USB-C handles both data and bus power, while 5-pin MIDI I/O and assignable pedal inputs keep external hardware in the loop. Built-in creative tools — Chord play with smart voicing, Scale mode, a multi-mode arpeggiator with Hold, and up to six user presets — turn the hardware into a reliable compositional partner.

• Inputs: Sustain, Expression and AUX pedal inputs plus 5-pin MIDI IN — assign pedals to sustain, modulation or expression for hands-free control.
• Outputs: 5-pin MIDI OUT — drive external hardware synths and drum machines directly from the controller.
• Power & Data: USB-C bus-powered — single-cable connection to a computer, with optional external PSU for standalone use.
• Included Software: Analog Lab Pro (2,000+ presets), Ableton Live Lite, Mini V, Piano V, Augmented Strings, Rev PLATE-140, Loopcloud and Melodics — a complete production starter suite.

Who is this product built for

KeyLab 61 mk3 Black is the right choice for producers, composers and performing keyboardists who need a single 61-key surface to control software instruments, external MIDI hardware and a DAW without juggling mice or multiple controllers. Its semi-weighted action with aftertouch suits synth leads, expressive pads and split-keyboard performances, while the pads, encoders and faders give hands-on access to mix levels, instrument macros and clip launching. Hybrid creators running a mix of Analog Lab, NKS instruments and hardware synths will benefit most from the deep integration and 5-pin MIDI output.

Arturia — from software emulations to a full hardware ecosystem

Arturia began with software emulations of classic analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5 and Oberheim SEM, and the V Collection remains a flagship product line for the French developer. Over time the company expanded into hardware, adding synthesizers, sequencers and the KeyLab controller family. Every unit goes through 180 individual tests during assembly, and the chassis combines a metal core with wooden endpieces for a road-ready feel that touring players such as Jamie Muhoberac and Joakim Svalberg rely on night after night.