KeyLab Essential 49 : A great entry keyboard

I was looking for a small keyboard, ideally with knobs and up to 49 keys, and the essential 49 checked everything on my list and even more — faders !

The fact that Analog Lab and Ableton Lite were provided as well was probably the tipping point, it seemed the best "bang for buck" keyboard I could purchase.

If at some point I need another keyboard, I would probably upgrade for weighted keys and a slightly better build quality on knobs but, as a beginner, I'm more than happy with this one.

Overall this is a no brainer if you want knobs / faders, more than two octaves and a great synth library. Plus, the faux-wood finish on a white keyboard looks great — it screams Arturia when you look at it.