Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 Black

The master keyboard

This keyboard has everything you need, especially for synth users.

Great pads, nice keys (synth action, so buyer beware), full integration with their plugins, MIDI and CV options for outboard, and a fully featured software editor and DAW integration.

The only reason not to get this keyboard is if you want hammer/fatar keys.

Excellent Quality

First of all, the keys give a premium feel. Material quality is very good.

There is a minor issue with program compatibility. Introducing the keyboard in Studio One is a bit of a hassle. Not all keys are fully compatible. Setting this up will cause some trouble. I have not tried it in other programs. It might create some trouble for Studio one.

These are my first impressions for now.

Perfect MIDI keyboard

It's been almost 2 months since I got it and I've been using and abusing this thing non stop. Arturia's synths are amazing sounding and the keyboard feels really nice. Keys are a bit lighter than what I'm used to, but I'm getting used to it fairly quickly. MIDI, USB, CV ins and outs... All in all, amazing job.

One of the best now

Very happy with this purchase! Great overall build quality, and the keys are near perfect (not that stiff like some other midi keyboards) if u playing piano.

High Quality Midi Controller

It was the missing ring of a small synth modules chain and I'm definitely happy of it. It features total customization with a huge amount of pads, keys, faders and encoders you can assign to every midi message you want. It's the only midi controller of its range with CV outputs (pitch, gate and 2 modulation, which I now use with my old MS10 expanding the keyboard and modulating the cutoff frequency with a pedal) CV in and 5 assignable pedals inputs (expression or switches). The keys are pretty light but very playable and of a good size. I didn't use it for controlling my DAWs yet (which is easy by using the right mask for the control buttons), but with the Arturia's Analog Lab software and all Arturia's virtual instruments it's matching perfectly, giving you a very quick control over presets and parameters.

I bought the black edition which is very elegant. Every part is firm and with a smooth and solid feel on touch. Very nice instrument.