Arturia has rolled out the latest update in its flagship MIDI controller series with the introduction of the Keylab 88 Mk3, bringing streamlined DAW integration and a premium hammer-action keyboard to the forefront. As with any 88-key hammer-action MIDI controller, owning one is a considerable investment—these units are typically large, heavy, and priced accordingly. Yet for musicians, whether performing or producing, the feel of hammer-action keys remains an undeniably compelling experience.
This third-generation model incorporates the highly respected Fatar TP/110 keybed, now with aftertouch, all housed in a durable metal casing flanked by Arturia’s signature wooden end panels. The Keylab 88 Mk3 is available in both black and white, and comes equipped with thoughtful physical additions like a sheet music stand and a top-panel laptop extender. For those who favor a consistent aesthetic, Arturia also offers optional bolt-on wooden legs to complement the unit’s design.
Compared to its predecessor, the Keylab 88 Mk3 presents a cleaner and more efficient control layout, reducing the number of RGB pads from sixteen to twelve and removing the CV outputs found on earlier models. Despite this paring down, the updated feature set is arguably more in tune with current digital production needs. The centerpiece of this improvement is a new 3.5-inch color screen that enhances usability, supported by a range of dedicated DAW transport controls and touch-sensitive faders and knobs.
The controller comes bundled with a comprehensive suite of software tools. Users gain access to Arturia’s own plugins, including Mini V, Augmented Strings, Piano V, and Rev Plate-140, alongside Native Instruments’ The Gentleman. Analog Lab Pro adds more than 2,000 sounds to the palette, and software such as Ableton Live Lite, along with limited-time subscriptions to Melodics and Loopcloud, rounds out the package. Priced at $1,299 (€999 / £839), with the optional wooden legs available for €199, the unit positions itself as a premium yet practical solution for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Performance-wise, the Keylab 88 Mk3 offers a satisfying key response with a slightly heavier action that many pianists will appreciate. While playing with force brings a subtle thump typical of hammer-action keys, the overall construction is impressively solid, and the playability is both enjoyable and inspiring. Functional features include a 2-part keyboard split, an arpeggiator, chord mode with both preset and custom chords, and a scale mode designed to assist less confident players. Most of these features are accessible via dedicated buttons, while more advanced configurations like velocity curves, pedal calibration, and pad customization are handled through the screen’s menu. These settings can be saved and edited via Arturia’s MIDI Control Centre desktop app.
For DAW control, the Keylab 88 Mk3 offers two display-based modes: DAW and Arturia. The DAW mode supports HUI and MCU protocols, but the best experience comes from using the tailored DAW scripts, which are currently compatible with Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Bitwig. These scripts enable deep integration, allowing users to navigate DAW tracks and plugins through the screen and contextual buttons, while automatically mapping the controller’s encoders to native software parameters. For instance, in Logic Pro, users can toggle between track and plugin views or manage solo, mute, and record-arm settings. In Ableton Live, contextual buttons allow similar functions, and the pads double as clip launchers.
The Arturia mode enhances integration with the company’s Analog Lab software, functioning in both standalone and plugin formats. Here, the encoders and faders on the controller reflect Analog Lab’s main interface layout, enabling seamless sound browsing and selection directly through the display.
While the Keylab 88 Mk3 may not be a revolutionary leap, it represents a thoughtful evolution in controller design. Arturia’s commitment to refining DAW integration, paired with the latest iteration of Fatar’s reliable hammer-action keybed, results in a sophisticated tool for serious musicians. Added conveniences like the laptop stand and optional legs make the package even more attractive. For its balance of tactile quality, functionality, and style, the Keylab 88 Mk3 earns high praise across the board.
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