Arturia KeyLab Essential 88-88-Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

I'm just starting to learn piano and play with software synths before I buy any dedicated synth hardware. So I am no expert judge of midi controllers, but the feel is great. Not a hammer action feel, you won't be fooled you're playing a real piano, which is a good thing if you want to play synths, but it's touch sensitivity allows for quite expressive piano playing with a good piano emulation VST or even some Android piano apps.

I decided I wanted to start getting into making some music again and started looking around at some 88 key MIDI controllers. I ran across this MIDI controller and after reading some reviews decided to give it a try. I'm incredibly happy with it overall. The Analog Lab 4 software that comes with it has an endless bank of quality sounds. I did however originally mix up the specs on this keyboard with that of their higher end model the MKII and thought this would have weighted key. Even though this doesn't have weighted keys the quality of the spring action is relatively good especially for a device in this price range. No complaints and I haven't been able to put this down since it arrived.

Thought I would give this a shout out. I still use this today as well as the package of ableton live that it came with. Would recommend to anyone looking to get started in composing or sound design.

Very solid build. Key action feels great. Connection to and interaction with Analog Lab is smooth. Still hard to believe that it's powered via the USB cable to the computer, but it works (*Make sure whatever computer you use has powered USB outputs especially if it's a laptop, etc.)NOTE: These Arturia's do NOT have a power switch built in. So I bought an inline USB cable here on Amazon that has a power switch built in.Andul USB switch extension cable.

It’s a very good Midi controller and it comes with a good bundle of well made VSTs which was the reason I bought it and also one of the reasons I returned it.I was looking for a very good piano VST but the one that comes with the controller is average. It’s decent but doesn’t come close to the sampled VSTs from other companies. The synth sounds however are great so if you’re looking for that I highly recommend it.The playability is good, but the keys sensitivity is a bit weird. The standard setting is too sensitive and I found myself (a heavy handed player) often hitting the strongest notes despite not even diggin in that hard on the keys. You can adjust the settings but I just didn’t find one that worked for me the way I wanted.Also the key-bed doesn’t feel like a piano. It feels like it hits the wood instead of a felt or something softer.I had the Nektar Impact 88 and I bought this one thinking it would be an upgrande, and although for some things it is indeed better than the Nektar, for the things that mattered to me it did worse, so I ended up returning it and keeping my Nektar.If you don’t have an 88 key midi controller and you don’t wanna spend the money on a Native Instruments Kontrol, this is a solid option, especially if you’re more into synths and in-the-box sounds. But I’d recommend you check the Nektar out too and maybe test both before making a decision.If you’re looking for a piano feel and realistic piano sounds though, you’ll have to spend the extra money and go for the 900-1000 dollar range because you just won’t get that at any entry level controller.

I have used dozens of 88 key controllers over the decades.. I was reluctant because this one was so inexpensive. But, I was looking for a controller for a single keyboard rig that felt good playing piano parts as well as synth lines. The only thing that has a little kludgey is the editing software. It works well enough after you figure it out.

I just started to play piano/keyboard and wanted something that was a full 88 keys to learn on but still had extra capabilities that I could grow into as I learn and progress. Additionally, I enjoy listening and playing (also a guitar player) a very wide range of music so I wanted something that wouldn't limit my enjoyment of playing multiple genres.I settled on the KeyLab Essential 88 after a month of research and waiting for it to come in stock on Amazon and it was 100% the right choice. I have been using it every day for a month now and still am finding out new functions and sounds that are a joy to play around with and express my creativity.Keep in mind I was able to purchase it for $350 when it just came out which I would consider an absolute steal based on comparable keyboards in that price range. The only thing I would change is making the keys fully weighted but still, for what you get it's more than worth it in value.

Nice very pretty beautiful keyboard. The only thing I don't like about it is that it can't be played unless plugged into a computer with the software turned on. I would like to just turn it on and play like a keyboard not just a midi controller. but other than that it is great.