Pros and Cons
Playing piano with a piano VST? A digital piano with a hammer-action keyboard will usually get the job done, but it doesn’t always fit neatly into the workflow of a desktop-based recording studio. What you need is a MIDI controller that not only offers a wide range of controls, pads, and buttons but also provides a satisfying, piano-like playing experience. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is a great example of this rare breed of USB controller.
Transport functions like play, stop, and record; track select buttons; and controls for managing mixers, effects, groove boxes, samplers, synthesizers, and more—today’s DAWs come packed with features.
A good MIDI controller should make this extensive functionality accessible through intuitive, hands-on controls, turning music production into a truly tactile experience. The Arturia KeyLab MkII is compatible with all major DAWs and even supports analog CV/Gate connectivity to control modular systems and analog synthesizers.
It’s clear that the KeyLab MkII has a lot to offer, but let’s take a closer look at the features that matter most to pianists and keyboardists, both in the studio and on stage.
Good news for those performing live with a DAW or VST host program: Arturia’s KeyLab MkII behaves like a high-end stage piano, automatically adapting to connected pedals. My Roland DP-10, for example, was instantly recognized in continuous mode, meaning that software pianos with half-pedal support (such as Modartt Pianoteq) will respond to sustain pedal input with detailed nuance.
In addition to the sustain pedal input, the KeyLab MkII has four additional pedal inputs labeled AUX 1-3 and Expression. While the names may suggest fixed functions, each input actually acts as a continuous controller. This means that they can be freely assigned; for example, multiple pedals can be used to control volume. Everything can be configured in detail either through the Edit menu directly on the KeyLab or, more conveniently, through the MIDI Control Center software.
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII immediately stands out as one of the better controller keyboards thanks to its excellent build quality. Both the case and the controls feel solid and well-made. The knobs and faders are sturdy, the surface materials have a high-quality feel, and the keyboard has a satisfying grip, all of which contribute to a strong first impression.
The rotary encoders move smoothly, yet offer just enough resistance to provide a quality tactile response. The same goes for the velocity-sensitive pads on the left side and all the other controls, which are centered on the panel.
The 88-key velocity-sensitive keyboard is manufactured by Italian keybed specialist Fatar (TP/100LR). Since the KeyLab 88 MkII is designed to be a universal MIDI controller, the final sound will depend on the software instrument being used. It’s important to keep this in mind and take some time to fine-tune your velocity response settings. The keyboard provides a nice counterweight, but still feels smooth to play.
Arturia includes several velocity curve options for customizing the playing feel. While this is useful, I found that leaving the KeyLab MkII on the default linear curve and making adjustments within the software piano itself often yielded the most natural results.
The 88 MkII is the largest model in Arturia’s KeyLab series, accompanied by two smaller versions with synth-action keys. All three KeyLab MkII models share the same core concept and are available in either black or white.
The primary differences lie in the keyboard sizes (88, 61, and 49 keys) and slight variations in the control panel layout, which result from the different chassis designs.
Despite the differences in size, none of the KeyLab MkII models skimp on controls: all versions feature nine faders with associated buttons and rotary encoders, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, two wheels (pitch and modulation), and dedicated transport buttons for sequencer control.
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII includes a few special features not found on the smaller models. It comes with a detachable music stand, ideal for musicians who read music or are learning to play the piano with a controller keyboard. Also clever is the integrated laptop support, which, like the music stand, attaches to the back of the keyboard. Both accessories are solidly built and well-finished.
Of course, you can also use the laptop stand to keep other gear within easy reach, such as a compact synthesizer, groove box, or drum machine. This kind of flexible setup is especially welcome for live performances. A special feature of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is the option to add stylish wooden legs that give the MIDI controller the look and feel of a stage piano. It’s an elegant touch, if not a budget-friendly one.
The KeyLab MkII comes with a comprehensive software bundle that offers everything you need to dive into music production, even as a beginner. Arturia Piano V and Wurli V provide detailed acoustic piano and iconic vintage electric piano sounds. Also included are the classic Vox Continental V organ and Analog Lab V. The latter is a massive collection of presets sourced from Arturia’s entire range of synth and keyboard plug-ins, essentially a “light” version of the V Collection. Ableton Live Lite rounds out the bundle.
Analog Lab V is definitely a highlight as the KeyLab MkII can be instantly configured so that its knobs and faders control key synthesizer parameters. It’s a fun glimpse into the Arturia V Collection, probably the most comprehensive collection of virtual synthesizers and classic keyboards available today.
When KeyLab is set to DAW mode, it can take control of your sequencer: Native integration with most major DAWs lets you mix tracks, adjust plug-ins, control transport controls, and browse patches seamlessly. Arturia even includes magnetic overlays tailored to the layouts of Logic, Cubase & Co.
I primarily use Bitwig Studio, and I can confidently say that the Arturia KeyLab MkII offers the best DAW integration I’ve seen from any USB controller. Initially, support was limited to the 49- and 61-key models, but starting with Bitwig Studio 5, the KeyLab 88 MkII is now natively supported. The result? True plug-and-play, perfectly mapped and exceptionally well executed. Hats off to the developers!
Not every DAW handles controller integration as smoothly as Bitwig Studio, but luckily you can assign all the functions manually. That’s what User Mode is for. And the easiest way to configure everything is through Arturia’s dedicated controller editor: the MIDI Control Center.
This is where the full flexibility of the KeyLab 88 MkII really shines, offering deep customization with very few limitations. That said, not every expression pedal works flawlessly out of the box; some have unique response curves. You can usually get everything to work well, but it may take some fine-tuning to get it just right.
Initially, I was a bit annoyed by the pad and button light show that automatically kicks in after a short period of inactivity. If you can’t figure out how to fix it right away, don’t worry. It can be turned off completely via something called Vegas mode. (Yeah, “Las Vegas”, flashing lights… You get the joke. Maybe something akin to “light animation mode” would have sounded a little more official.)
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII sits at the top of the 88-key piano-style MIDI controllers, striking an excellent balance between a professional-grade keyboard and extensive control features. In many cases, you’ll find either a feature-rich controller paired with a second- or third-tier keyboard action, or a high-end keybed with barely any controls, like the Kawai VPC1.
KeyLab 88 Essential vs. KeyLab 88 MkII: The more affordable KeyLab Essential 88 also offers solid software integration, but its semi-weighted keybed doesn’t come close to the feel of the MkII’s fully weighted hammer-action keyboard. The controller section is also a bit more limited compared to the flagship.
Excellent hardware with solid build quality, flexible software integration, intuitive handling, a responsive keybed, and a generous software bundle: The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is a powerful and reliable master keyboard for both studio and live performance.
If you’re a purist looking for the perfect acoustic piano feel, you may not need the KeyLab’s extensive controller features. But for those who want both a well-balanced piano-style keyboard and seamless DAW integration, the KeyLab 88 MkII is an excellent choice. With native DAW support, Arturia makes it easy to access a wide range of features. Truly outstanding!
Release date: July 2019
Keyboard: 88 keys, hammer-action, velocity-sensitive with aftertouch
Special features: Native integration with many DAW platforms; extensive customization options
Manufacturer/Distributor: Arturia/Tomeso
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Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
Arturia's KeyLab 88 MkII is a powerful and rugged controller keyboard that is equally at home in the studio or on stage.
KeyLab 88 MkII : 699,00 €
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