Arturia Keylab Mk3 88-key Midi Controller - Black Arturia Keyboards

Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 88-Key Hammer-Action MIDI Controller with Aftertouch – Black

Piano-style expression meets deep software and DAW control.

The Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 in Black is a premium 88-key hammer-action MIDI controller designed for pianists, producers, composers, keyboardists and professional studios that want expressive keyboard performance and extensive hands-on control over a modern music-production workflow.

Featuring a fully weighted hammer-action keybed with aftertouch, a large color display, 9 touch-sensitive rotary encoders, 9 touch-sensitive faders, 12 pressure-sensitive pads and extensive DAW and software integration, KeyLab 88 mk3 puts your virtual instruments and production controls directly beneath your hands.

Whether you're performing a concert piano library, composing orchestral music, controlling synthesizers, programming drums or mixing a session, KeyLab 88 mk3 is designed to make working with software feel more like playing an instrument.

How Does the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 Work?

KeyLab 88 mk3 is a MIDI controller, which means it doesn't operate like a traditional keyboard with a fixed collection of internal sounds.

Instead, it controls compatible software instruments, DAWs and MIDI hardware.

Connect KeyLab to your computer, load a compatible virtual instrument and play.

When you press a key, move a fader, turn an encoder or strike a pad, KeyLab sends control information to your software or connected MIDI equipment.

The sound itself is generated by your software instrument or other connected sound source.

This gives musicians access to an enormous universe of sounds while retaining the hands-on experience of a professional keyboard.

88-Key Fully Weighted Hammer-Action Keyboard

At the center of KeyLab 88 mk3 is an 88-note fully weighted hammer-action keybed.

For pianists, composers and keyboard players, the weighted action provides a more substantial and piano-oriented playing experience than a lightweight synth-action MIDI keyboard.

The full 88-key range makes it especially well suited for:

• Piano libraries

• Orchestral composition

• Film scoring

• Classical performance

• Electric piano

• Virtual instruments

• Studio production

• Live performance

• Music education

• Professional composition

Aftertouch for Greater Expression

KeyLab 88 mk3 supports aftertouch, giving performers another dimension of control after a key has already been pressed.

Depending on the connected instrument and mapping, aftertouch can be assigned to expressive parameters such as:

• Vibrato

• Filter movement

• Modulation

• Volume

• Effects

• Instrument articulation

This allows performances to become more expressive without requiring the player to remove their hands from the keyboard.

Large Full-Color Display

The KeyLab mk3 platform features a 3.5-inch full-color display with contextual controls.

Instead of constantly looking back and forth between the keyboard and computer, important information can be displayed directly on the controller.

Browse sounds.

View parameters.

Navigate compatible software.

Make adjustments.

Stay focused on creating.

9 Touch-Sensitive Rotary Encoders

KeyLab 88 mk3 provides 9 rotary encoders for hands-on parameter control.

Depending on your software and mapping, use them to manipulate:

• Synth parameters

• Plugin controls

• Pan

• Sends

• Effects

• Instrument parameters

• DAW functions

Their touch-sensitive operation helps provide additional visual and contextual feedback when working with compatible software.

9 Touch-Sensitive Faders

Nine integrated faders provide another level of hands-on control.

Use them for:

Mixing — Control compatible DAW channel levels.

Virtual Instruments — Manipulate drawbars, envelopes and other mapped parameters.

Orchestral Libraries — Control expression, dynamics and other MIDI parameters.

Sound Design — Make multiple parameter changes without reaching for a mouse.

For producers and composers, the combination of encoders and faders can dramatically reduce dependence on on-screen controls.

12 Pressure-Sensitive Performance Pads

KeyLab 88 mk3 includes 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads.

Use the pads for compatible functions such as:

• Drum programming

• Percussion

• Sample triggering

• Clip launching

• Chord performance

• DAW commands

• Other assignable controls

For producers who work with both keys and beats, this provides an additional performance surface without requiring a separate pad controller.

Deep DAW Integration

KeyLab mk3 is designed for extensive control of compatible digital audio workstations.

Dedicated DAW functionality allows musicians to access important production commands directly from the keyboard.

Depending on your DAW and configuration, this can include control over:

• Transport

• Track selection

• Mixing

• Recording

• Navigation

• Solo

• Mute

• Session functions

The goal is to keep the creative process moving without continually returning to the mouse and computer keyboard.

Arturia Software Integration

KeyLab 88 mk3 is particularly powerful when paired with Arturia's software ecosystem.

Its controls can integrate deeply with Analog Lab and other compatible Arturia instruments, giving musicians direct access to preset browsing and important sound parameters.

Rather than treating the controller and software as two separate products, the combination can behave much more like an integrated hardware instrument.

Creative Performance Tools

KeyLab 88 mk3 also includes creative features designed to help generate musical ideas.

Depending on the selected mode and configuration, these include functions for:

Arpeggiation — Transform held notes and chords into rhythmic patterns.

Chord Performance — Trigger harmonic material more efficiently.

Scale Functions — Work within selected scales.

These tools can be useful for producers, composers and performers looking for new ways to develop musical ideas directly from the keyboard.

MIDI & Hardware Integration

KeyLab isn't limited to computer software.

Traditional MIDI connectivity allows the controller to communicate with compatible hardware synthesizers, sound modules and other MIDI equipment.

This makes KeyLab 88 mk3 equally useful in:

• Computer-based studios

• Hardware synthesizer setups

• Hybrid studios

• Live keyboard rigs

• MIDI production systems

Pedal Connectivity

For pianists and expressive keyboard players, pedal support is an important consideration.

KeyLab 88 mk3 provides extensive pedal connectivity, allowing compatible sustain, expression and additional pedal-based control to become part of the performance setup.

This is particularly valuable for piano libraries, orchestral instruments and live performance.

Professional Software Bundle

KeyLab 88 mk3 includes a collection of music software designed to help musicians start creating immediately.

Included software can provide access to virtual instruments, piano sounds and production tools.

Software bundles and versions can change over time, so always verify the currently included software package for the specific unit being purchased.

Key Features & Specifications

Type: Professional MIDI keyboard controller
Color: Black
Keyboard: 88 keys
Key Action: Fully weighted hammer action
Aftertouch: Yes
Display: 3.5" full-color screen
Rotary Encoders: 9 touch-sensitive controls
Faders: 9 touch-sensitive faders
Performance Pads: 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads
Pitch Control: Pitch wheel
Modulation Control: Modulation wheel
DAW Control: Dedicated integration with compatible DAWs
Arturia Integration: Deep Analog Lab / Arturia software control
Arpeggiator: Yes
Chord Functions: Yes
Scale Functions: Yes
MIDI Connectivity: MIDI DIN
USB Connectivity: USB-C
Pedal Connectivity: Extensive pedal inputs for compatible performance controls
Primary Applications: Music production, piano performance, composition, film scoring, orchestral programming, studio recording and live performance

Who Is the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 For?

Pianists — Get a full 88-key hammer-action controller for performing high-quality virtual piano and keyboard instruments.

Composers — Use the full keyboard range, faders and expressive controls for orchestral writing and scoring.

Producers — Control virtual instruments, plugins and DAW functions from one professional hardware surface.

Film & Game Composers — Use faders for compatible expression and dynamics parameters while performing orchestral libraries.

Recording Studios — Add a premium full-size MIDI controller capable of controlling a wide range of software and hardware instruments.

Keyboardists — Build a software-based live performance rig around an expressive weighted keyboard.

Arturia Users — Gain deeper hands-on control over Analog Lab and compatible Arturia software instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 have weighted keys?
Yes. KeyLab 88 mk3 features an 88-key fully weighted hammer-action keyboard designed to provide a more piano-oriented playing experience.

Does KeyLab 88 mk3 have aftertouch?
Yes. The keyboard supports aftertouch for additional expressive control with compatible software and instruments.

Does the KeyLab 88 mk3 make sound by itself?
KeyLab is primarily a MIDI controller, not a standalone synthesizer or digital piano with its own traditional internal sound engine. It controls compatible software instruments and external MIDI equipment that generate the sound.

Do I need a computer to use KeyLab 88 mk3?
A computer is commonly used with KeyLab for software instruments and DAW control, but its MIDI capabilities can also allow it to control compatible external MIDI hardware.

Can KeyLab 88 mk3 control a DAW?
Yes. It provides extensive integration and dedicated controls for compatible DAWs.

Can I use KeyLab 88 mk3 for piano?
Yes. Its full-size 88-note hammer-action keyboard makes it particularly well suited for controlling compatible virtual piano instruments.

Can I use it for orchestral libraries?
Yes. The full keyboard range, faders, encoders and expressive controls make KeyLab particularly useful for composers working with compatible orchestral sample libraries.

Does KeyLab 88 mk3 have drum pads?
Yes. It includes 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive performance pads.

Can KeyLab control hardware synthesizers?
Yes. MIDI connectivity allows it to control compatible external MIDI synthesizers and sound modules.

Is KeyLab 88 mk3 good for professional studios?
Yes. Its hammer-action keyboard, extensive hands-on controls, software integration and MIDI connectivity make it suitable for professional composition and production environments.

Put Your Music Back Beneath Your Hands

The Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 combines an 88-key hammer-action keyboard, aftertouch, color display, 9 encoders, 9 faders, 12 performance pads and extensive DAW/software integration into a professional controller built around expressive music creation.

Play the piano.

Shape an orchestral performance.

Program a synthesizer.

Mix your session.

Control your studio.

For musicians who want the flexibility of software without sacrificing the tactile experience of hardware, KeyLab 88 mk3 provides a powerful centerpiece for a modern production environment.

Need help completing your keyboard or production setup?
Backline Music Gear can help identify compatible pedals, keyboard stands, benches, audio interfaces, studio monitors, headphones, MIDI equipment and other accessories based on your studio or performance workflow.

Arturia, KeyLab, Analog Lab and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. Software bundles, compatibility, specifications and included accessories are subject to manufacturer changes; verify the specific product configuration at time of purchase.