The keybed is the same 'Pro-Feel' Arturia mechanism with aftertouch as found on the MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2. The higher-spec metallic wheels appear above or next to the keys depending on whether you have the 49- or 61-key version.

The buttons are solid and clicky instead of soft and wobbly. The MkII is a much sturdier and heavier construction, with a metal main case. There's a strong family resemblance between the KeyLab MkII and Essential, but the MkII is significantly deeper (in fact deeper than most MIDI keyboards) to allow for a 4x4 pad grid and longer faders. The weighted 88-key version is still available with the older first-gen design. The KeyLab MkII comes in as pro or flagship big brother to the Essential, bringing the whole range up to date.

The keyboards all also serve as an integrated hardware front-end for Arturia's Analog Lab: the company's soft synth that consolidates the mighty V Collection into a workstation instrument.īack in February 2018 we reviewed the KeyLab Essential. KeyLab is the family name of Arturia's range of master keyboards that combine stand‑alone MIDI controller functionality with DAW control. Arturia take their KeyLab range to the next level.

Arturia analog lab 4 review