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Arturia
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller

3(547 ratings)

Best price now

$229.00at Guitar CenterChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Price facts

  • Lowest price today: $229.00 at Guitar Center (checked Nov 10, 2026).
  • Checked at 13 stores.

Our take on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller

The KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 is Arturia's mid-tier 49-key MIDI controller, built around a synth-action keybed, eight velocity-sensitive pads, nine faders and nine encoders, plus a small color display for browsing sounds. It ships with Analog Lab V and Ableton Live Lite, and its tight integration with Arturia's software is the main draw over generic controllers. Reviewers like the feature set for the money but report mixed feelings on key feel and the display's usefulness. It suits producers who work mostly in the box with Arturia instruments and want hands-on control without a premium keyboard.

Best forProducers using Arturia V Collection and Analog LabHome studio songwriters who want pads and faders in one unitBuyers wanting a bundled software starter kitUsers who prefer a lightweight 49-key board
Pros
  • Eight pads, nine faders and nine encoders give broad hands-on control
  • Deep mapping to Analog Lab V and V Collection
  • Color display speeds up preset browsing
  • Ships with Analog Lab V and Ableton Live Lite
  • Lightweight and USB bus-powered
Cons
  • Synth-action keys feel light and plasticky to some players
  • Display and menu navigation draw complaints
  • Build is mostly plastic, so it flexes under heavy play
  • Some users find DAW mapping less plug-and-play than advertised

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller prices at every store

  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $229.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Guitar Center
  • Sam Ash DirectNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Sam Ash Direct
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Target
  • SweetwaterNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Sweetwater
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • Perfect CircuitNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Perfect Circuit
  • zZoundsNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit zZounds
  • Music & ArtsNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Music & Arts
  • Ted Brown MusicNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Ted Brown Music
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Focus Pro Audio

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Vintage King AudioNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Vintage King Audio
  • American Musical SupplyNew

    In stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit American Musical Supply
  • idjnowNew

    Out of stock

    $249.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit idjnow

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller price history

Lowest price we've seen: $229.00 on Nov 10 at Guitar Center. Tracked across 13 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

  • 3 / 5547 ratings

Owners generally like the control layout and the bundled Arturia software, but the keybed and display divide opinion. Ratings sit in the middle, with praise for value offset by complaints about feel and setup friction.

What people mention
  • Key feelCriticisedPlayers say the keys are light and plasticky compared with premium synth-action boards.
  • Software bundlePraisedOwners value Analog Lab V and Ableton Live Lite included in the box.
  • ControlsPraisedThe pads, faders and encoders are seen as generous for the class.
  • DisplayMixedSome find the color screen helpful for presets, others call navigation fiddly.
  • BuildCriticisedThe plastic body is described as flexing and less solid than metal rivals.

Specifications

USB
Yes
Key Count
49-key
Color
Black, White, Alpine White, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine

Questions and answers

Is the KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 good for beginners?
Yes, if you plan to use Arturia's software. The bundled Analog Lab V and Ableton Live Lite give you sounds and a DAW to start with, and the controls are clearly labeled.
How does it compare with the MK2?
The MK3 adds a color display, a redesigned control layout and updated software integration. The keybed remains synth-action, so players wanting weighted keys should look elsewhere.
Does it work with DAWs other than Ableton?
Yes, it sends standard MIDI over USB and works with most DAWs. Deep auto-mapping is strongest in Ableton and Arturia's own software; other DAWs may need manual mapping.
Do I need a power adapter?
No. It runs over USB bus power, so a single cable to your computer is enough.
What is in the box?
The controller, a USB cable and license codes for Analog Lab V and Ableton Live Lite. No sustain pedal is included.
Are the pads velocity sensitive?
Yes, the eight pads respond to velocity, which suits drum programming, though they are not as deep-traveling as dedicated pad controllers.
Where is the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller cheapest?
At Guitar Center, for $229.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller?
Rated 3 out of 5 from 547 ratings.
Where can I buy the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller?
13 stores we checked sell it, including Guitar Center, Sam Ash Direct, Target, Sweetwater, B&H Photo-Video-Audio.

Stores we've priced the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller at

  • B&H Photo-Video-Audio deals and prices
  • Guitar Center deals and prices
  • Sam Ash Direct deals and prices
  • Sweetwater deals and prices
  • Target deals and prices
  • Walmart deals and prices

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