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Average Price: $248
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$200
$501+
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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Arturia Keylab 88 Essential". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
Discover a world of musical possibilities with the Arturia Keylab 88 Essential, your versatile companion in creativity. This 88-key MIDI controller offers a perfect balance between playability and functionality, designed to meet the needs of both studio and live performances. The velocity-sensitive keys ensure a dynamic response, allowing you to express your musical ideas with precision and nuance.
Equipped with 8 velocity-sensitive pads and aftertouch, the Keylab 88 Essential provides tactile feedback that enhances your performance. Navigate effortlessly through your production with the intuitive control panel, featuring 9 rotary knobs, 9 faders, and 13 buttons. The clickable encoder and transport section with 4 function keys streamline your workflow, making music creation more intuitive than ever.
The Keylab 88 Essential also boasts a comprehensive connectivity suite, including USB MIDI output, a sustain pedal input, and Mackie/HUI control compatibility. This ensures seamless integration with your existing setup, whether you're using it in a DAW or live setting. The onboard LC display keeps you informed, while the chord play mode opens up new harmonic possibilities.
Included with the Keylab 88 Essential is the Arturia Analog Lab software, providing access to a vast library of classic synth sounds, along with licenses for Ableton Live Lite and UVI Model D Piano, giving you a complete music production package right out of the box. Internet connection required for software authorization.
Key Features:
- 88 velocity-sensitive keys
- 8 velocity-sensitive pads with aftertouch
- 9 rotary knobs and 9 faders
- Clickable encoder and 13 buttons
- Transport section with 4 function keys
- USB MIDI output and sustain pedal input
- Mackie/HUI control compatible
- Includes Arturia Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D Piano licenses
Product specs
| Brand | Arturia |
| Model | KeyLab Essential 88 |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2020 - 2025 |
| Categories | Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 88 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 8 Pads |
FAQs
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Does the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 have weighted keys?
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The Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 features a semi-weighted keybed, offering a hybrid synth-piano feel with velocity sensitivity, which provides a responsive playing experience without the full weight of a traditional piano action.
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How does the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 integrate with DAWs?
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The KeyLab Essential 88 offers full Mackie/HUI control compatibility, allowing seamless integration with most popular DAWs. It includes dedicated transport controls and smart-assigned controls for efficient workflow.
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What software comes with the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88?
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The Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 includes professional software such as Arturia Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, and a UVI sampled Grand Piano, providing a comprehensive suite for music production right out of the box.
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Can the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 be used without a computer?
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Yes, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 can be used in stand-alone mode with an external 9V DC power supply, making it versatile for both studio and live performances without the need for a computer.
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What are the connectivity options for the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88?
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The Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 offers MIDI output, USB MIDI, and a sustain pedal input, providing flexible connectivity for various setups in both studio and live environments.
Videos
Arturia
KeyLab Essential 88 | Controllers | ARTURIA
KeyLab Essential 88 | Controllers | ARTURIA
Arturia
Which One Is Worth Your Money?? |Arturia Keylab 88 Essential Vs Nektar Impact GXP88|
John Mike
Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 vs 61: only a few more keys?
Studio J
Configuring Midi Controller with Sunday Sounds | Arturia Keylab 88 Essential
Jonathan Headley
Reviews
PROS
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Semi-weighted keybed offers realistic piano feeling
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Sturdy and compact build for easy desk mounting
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Comes with Analog Lab and other excellent software
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Integrates well with DAWs for convenient control
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Beautiful design with bright white and faux wood accents
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Full-size, springy keys ideal for composing complex chord sequences
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Screen displays CC controls for precise adjustments
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Portable, easily fits under a bed for storage
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Good integration with Arturia products and wider music software ecosystems
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Great value for its price, especially with included software
CONS
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Keys can feel clunky and spring back is loud
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Slightly heavier than expected for a MIDI controller
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Some may find the keys too light and springy, differing from a real piano feel
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Center knob can produce a jingly sound when used vigorously
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MIDI controls require time to set up due to condensed buttons with secondary functions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia Keylab 88 Essential.
Software and compatibility
Features and functionality
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The semi-weighted keys of the 88-key Essential are noted to have slightly weaker resistance than the MK2's 49-61 key versions, impacting playability preference.
Source -
The Keylab 88 Essential's semi-weighted keys may not translate as well to real piano playing as the M-Audio Hammer's fully-weighted keys, affecting piano learning experience.
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The pads are often criticized for poor performance, suggesting limitations for beat-making tasks.
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Analog Lab Pro integration allows easy preset browsing and parameter control without needing a computer.
Source
Build quality
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the Novation SL MK2 for its better aftertouch experience compared to the Keylab MK2, suggesting quality control variations between units.
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The Keylab 88 Essential is preferred by some for its hardware feel over other MIDI controllers, despite the limited control over presets in Analog Lab 5.
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Novation MK4 series is a similar alternative in terms of price and features.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
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For orchestral or ambient music, aftertouch can add expressiveness, making it a valuable feature for such genres.
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Owners find the extensive preset library in Analog Lab 5 overwhelming, suggesting it may be more beneficial for beginners than experienced users seeking specific sound customization.
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Suitable for DAWless setups using custom modes, making it versatile for live performances.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
88
Solid Keyboard
The arturia keylab 88 essential is an amazing keyboard for the price. comes with arturia's amazing software to provide you with tons of keyboards and synths that have held high prominence in many works of music.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo shared by Forage on Instagram, his music studio features the Arturia Keylab 88 Essential visible on the left. The image, posted on June 19, 2025, captures his personal studio setup.
You can see him use the keylab 88 essential at 0:37
Elias Holmlid is confirmed to use an Arturia Keylab 88 Essential in his studio, as evidenced by a photo he posted on his Instagram page. The image, shared by Holmlid with the caption "Wife and kids left the building for today and thus a full day of @dragonlandband vocal comping and editing awaits! 🤟 #studio #dragonland #workworkwork," clearly shows the keyboard in his workspace.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia Keylab 88 Essential, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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