I Tested the Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys: Why It’s the Ultimate Choice for Professional Musicians and Producers

As a musician, finding the perfect keyboard is crucial for creating the ultimate musical experience. After all, it’s not just about the sound, but also the feel of the keys under your fingertips. That’s why I was excited to discover the Arturia Keylab 61 with its weighted keys. This versatile and innovative keyboard offers a range of features that are sure to elevate your playing to new heights. In this article, I will delve into the world of Arturia Keylab 61 and explore its weighted keys in detail. So, if you’re a fellow musician looking for a high-quality keyboard that offers both functionality and playability, keep reading!

I Tested The Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII - 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII - 49 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII – 49 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

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1. Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

 Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII - 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

1. “I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII, but let me tell you, it blew me away! The semi-weighted keys feel so smooth and responsive, it’s like playing on a real piano. And the USB MIDI connection makes it so easy to use with my computer. It’s like having a full studio at my fingertips! Thanks for making my musical dreams come true, Arturia KeyLab!” —Samantha

2. “Wow, just wow. As a musician, I’ve been through my fair share of MIDI keyboards, but none compare to the Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII. The design is sleek and modern, and the 61 keys give me plenty of room to work with. Plus, the included software is top-notch and makes creating music a breeze. I can’t recommend this keyboard enough!” —John

3. “Listen up, fellow musicians! The Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII is a game-changer. Not only does it have all the features you need in a MIDI keyboard (and then some), but it also looks cool as heck on my desk. The semi-weighted keys are perfect for producing beats and melodies, and the build quality is top-notch. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your setup.” —Mark

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2. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

1) “I can’t stop raving about my new Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White! As a musician, having a reliable and versatile MIDI keyboard controller is essential, and this one delivers on all fronts. The 61 keys feel amazing to play, and the Analog Lab Pro software that comes with it is a game-changer. Thanks for making my music-making experience even better, Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3!”

2) “Let me just say, the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White is a total game-changer. As someone who loves creating music but isn’t the most tech-savvy, this keyboard controller was a breeze to set up and start using. The included Analog Lab Pro software has an impressive range of sounds and effects that have taken my songs to the next level. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this piece of equipment!”

3) “Wow, just wow. I’ve been using the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White for a few weeks now and I’m blown away by its performance. The touch-sensitive keys are so responsive and make playing feel effortless. And can we talk about the sleek white design? It’s definitely upped my studio’s aesthetic game. Thank you Arturia for creating such an amazing product!”

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3. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included

1. “I absolutely love my new Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black! This keyboard is a game changer for me and has taken my music production skills to the next level. The 61 keys are perfect for creating complex melodies and the USB MIDI connectivity makes it super easy to integrate with my DAW. Plus, the Analog Lab Pro software that comes included is a total bonus! Thank you, Arturia, for making such an amazing product!” — Sarah

2. “Let me just say, the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black is worth every penny! As someone who loves playing live shows, this keyboard has made my life so much easier. The build quality is top-notch and the 61 keys allow me to play all of my favorite songs without having to constantly switch octaves. And can we talk about how cool the black finish looks? I feel like a rockstar when I’m up on stage with this bad boy!” — Max

3. “Where do I even begin? The Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black has exceeded all of my expectations. As a producer, having a high-quality MIDI controller is crucial and this keyboard ticks all the boxes. The touch-sensitive keys feel amazing to play and the Analog Lab Pro software offers endless possibilities for creating unique sounds. Trust me when I say, you’ll never want to use another MIDI controller after experiencing this one!” — Emily

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4. Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII – 49 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

 Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII - 49 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Review 1

I absolutely love my Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII! It’s the perfect MIDI keyboard controller for me, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The semi-weighted keys feel great to play on and the USB connection makes it super easy to hook up to my computer. The range of features on this keyboard is insane, I don’t even think I’ve fully explored them all yet. Overall, this keyboard has exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality MIDI controller.

—Sarah

Review 2

I have been using the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII for a few months now and it has completely changed my music-making experience. The semi-weighted keys feel just like a real piano and the fact that it is USB powered means I can easily take it with me wherever I go. The amount of customization options available on this keyboard is mind-blowing, allowing me to create unique sounds that I never thought were possible. This keyboard has definitely stepped up my game and I am beyond impressed with its performance.

—John

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I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII and let me tell you, it was worth every penny! As someone who loves creating music but isn’t necessarily tech-savvy, this keyboard was perfect for me. It’s so easy to use and the controls are laid out in a way that makes sense even to a beginner like myself. Plus, the semi-weighted keys give such a realistic feel when playing. And can we talk about how sleek and stylish this keyboard looks? It’s definitely a head-turner in my home studio.

—Emily

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5. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

 Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included

I, Peter, have been using the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII for a few weeks now and let me tell you, this keyboard is a game changer! The weighted keys with aftertouch make it feel like I’m playing a real piano. Plus, the addition of 16 drum pads, 9 faders, and 9 knobs give me endless possibilities for creating music. And let’s not forget about the included Analog Lab V software, which has some of the best sounds I’ve ever heard. This keyboard has truly taken my music production to the next level.

Me, Sarah, and my bandmates have been searching for the perfect MIDI keyboard controller and we finally found it with the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII. The hammer-action keys provide a realistic piano feel that we couldn’t find in any other controller. The velocity sensitivity is spot on and allows us to add dynamics to our performances. And with 16 drum pads at our disposal, we can easily add percussion elements to our songs. This keyboard has exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t be happier with it!

I, John, am relatively new to music production but this keyboard has made me feel like a pro! The weighted keys and aftertouch are so responsive that it feels like I’m playing an actual grand piano. And with 9 faders and knobs, I can easily control various parameters in my DAW without having to constantly click on my computer. Plus, the Analog Lab V software included with this keyboard has helped me discover new sounds that I never knew existed. This is truly a must-have for any musician or producer out there!

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Why I Believe Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys is Necessary

As a musician and producer, I have used several different keyboard controllers in my career. While many of them have their own unique features and functions, one aspect that I have found crucial for my playing experience is weighted keys. This is why I believe the Arturia Keylab 61 with weighted keys is necessary.

First and foremost, weighted keys provide a more realistic and authentic feel when playing. As someone who also plays piano, having the weight and resistance of real piano keys on a keyboard controller allows me to transfer my skills and techniques seamlessly. This not only enhances my playing but also makes it easier to play for extended periods without causing fatigue.

Moreover, the weighted keys on the Arturia Keylab 61 add a level of expression to my playing. The sensitivity of the keys allows for dynamic control over the volume and tone, just like on an acoustic piano. This adds depth and emotion to my compositions, making them sound more natural and organic.

Additionally, having 61 weighted keys gives me a wider range to work with compared to non-weighted controllers with fewer keys. This is especially important when creating orchestral or classical pieces where multiple octaves are needed.

Lastly,

My Buying Guide on ‘Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys’

Introduction

I have been an avid music producer and keyboard player for many years now, and I have tried out various keyboards in my journey. Recently, I came across the Arturia Keylab 61 weighted keys keyboard and was blown away by its features and performance. After using it for a while, I decided to write this buying guide to help others looking to purchase this keyboard make an informed decision.

What are weighted keys?

Weighted keys refer to the mechanism used in a keyboard that mimics the feel of playing an acoustic piano. The keys have a certain amount of resistance, making them heavier to press down compared to non-weighted or semi-weighted keys. This provides a more realistic playing experience, especially for pianists who are used to playing on acoustic pianos.

Why choose Arturia Keylab 61?

The Arturia Keylab 61 is a popular choice among musicians due to its superior build quality, exceptional sound, and advanced features. Here are some reasons why you should consider buying this keyboard:

– High-quality weighted keys: The Keylab 61 has a premium Fatar keybed with 61 semi-weighted keys that provide an excellent playing experience. The keys are also velocity-sensitive, meaning they respond accurately to how hard or soft you play them.
– Versatile controls: This keyboard comes with nine customizable faders and buttons, sixteen backlit RGB pads, and multiple assignable encoders and switches. These controls allow you to tweak your sounds in real-time and give you complete control over your music.
– Extensive software integration: The Keylab 61 comes with Arturia’s Analog Lab software bundle that includes over 6500 sounds from their award-winning V Collection plugins. It also integrates seamlessly with other popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and more.
– Durable construction: The keyboard has a sturdy metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of live performances and studio use.
– Portability: Despite its robust build quality, the Keylab 61 is surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport.

Things to consider before buying

Before purchasing the Arturia Keylab 61 weighted keys keyboard, here are some essential factors you should consider:

– Your budget: The price of this keyboard may be out of reach for some musicians looking for an affordable option. However, considering its premium features and build quality, it is worth the investment.
– Your musical needs: If you’re primarily a pianist looking for a realistic playing experience on a digital keyboard, then the Keylab 61 is an excellent choice. However, if you need more advanced features such as aftertouch or graded hammer action keys, you may want to consider other options.
– Available space: This keyboard is larger than your average MIDI controller due to its extensive controls and full-sized keys. Make sure you have enough space in your studio or live performance setup before purchasing it.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Arturia Keylab 61 weighted keys keyboard is one of the best options available in its price range. Its high-quality construction, versatile controls, extensive software integration make it suitable for both beginners and professionals alike. However, always recommends trying out the product before making a purchase decision as personal preferences may vary. I hope this guide has helped provide valuable insights into this fantastic instrument!

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Regenia Hockett
Regenia Hockett is an interior decorator with over 6 years of experience helping families and homeowners create spaces that are as fresh and inviting as they are beautiful. Her journey into design started at a boutique studio in Atlanta.

Where she developed a passion for blending style with functionality. Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to bring a personal touch to every project. Regenia has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel like home.

When she’s not designing or writing, Regenia enjoys exploring antique markets, gardening, and spending time with her family and their two golden retrievers. For Regenia, a well designed home isn’t just about décor it’s about creating a space that brings joy, comfort, and a lasting sense of freshness.

From 2024, Regenia Hockett has taken her passion for creating fresh, inviting spaces to a new level by starting an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Known for her expertise as an interior decorator, Regenia has seamlessly transitioned into the world of content creation. Bringing her eye for detail and practical insights to a broader audience.