Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 — 88 key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Analog Lab V Software Included, Black

I’ve had my eye on 88 keys for quite some time. I finally bit the bullet and got it. I’m super surprised that given its semi-weighted keys, this thing is solidly built and feels more expensive than it was. Easy to setup, just plug in to computer and launch you DAW.

Best midi keyboard at this price point. This has all the essential tools for a keyboardist music producer without the heavy hammer action and extra weight that you get on higher-end midi.

This thing is really awesome probably the best keyboard for the price point. I'm hooking it up to FL studio and using the sliders to control omnisphere. It's really really awesome. The keys feel wonderful I came from $100 Yamaha so these are really nice I don't like the heavy keys because I can't play fast techno sounds so this is perfect.There's so much to it that I haven't learned yet but all I wanted was a simple MIDI controller with 88 keys so I can play some dynamic songs...I currently have it hooked up to my laptop which is on the wall eventually I'm going to get some good speakers to output some sound to and I can make it portable.

Amazon has a link to another product it states as the “newer model”. However, and as far as I can tell, this one is the newer model. This is the model with a USB-C for connecting to a computer as well as for power. The other model has the older USB-B with an optional DC Power. This model is also semi-weighted. It’s not as heavy as a fully weighted keyboard, yet it is weighty. If portability is higher up on necessary features, then you may want the 49 or 61 key versions. That being said, the feel of it is nice. The semi-weighted keys are good enough to have the same functional feel as a weighted one. Also, last thing, there is no aftertouch.

I've always been a fan of Arturia's virtual instruments, but this hardware controller is on another level. It's solid, while being lightweight enough to be portable. The control you have over Arturia instruments is insane (Analog Lab Pro and others). I love the included software, which includes AL Pro, as well as some other instruments. The key bed is great, and I'm saying that as a pianist. It's not weighted like a piano, but it has a weighted synth feel. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

Switching from my old M-Audio KeyStation 88 feels almost unfair…Perfect for rapid passages!

There's a reason they are so popular...you might need a beefy system to work with it, but you'll be amazed at what you can do. 5 Stars.

Great Sound! Brought it for my son for Christmas. Now the entire family is using it. Good buy at an affordable price.