Gearank High Notes
- 2022.08: Highest Rated 88-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 2022.07: Highest Rated MIDI Controller Keyboard from $500 to $1000
- 2021.06: Highest Rated 88-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 2021.06: Equal Highest Rated MIDI Controller Keyboard from $500 to $1000
Tied With:Yamaha MX61 V2 - 2020.05: Equal Highest Rated MIDI Controller Keyboard from $500 to $1000
Gearank Recommended
Cons
- Keys feel slightly spongy compared to the more expensive Kawai VPC1
Pros
- The Fatar keybed is one of the best in this price range
- CV/Gate lets you control old analog synth hardware
- Has both 5-Pin and USB MIDI
- Solid metal build
For a full-size MIDI Controller, the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII is one of the best 88 key midi controllers, featuring 88 Fatar weighted keys.
It also features a complete suite of controls, pads and faders that are all fully assignable to any parameter in your DAW.
Other nifty features include a music sheet/ipad stand and a laptop extension shelf.
If you’re into old modular analog synths you’ll appreciate the 4 CV outputs and it even comes with 1 CV input. And with both 5-pin and USB MIDI you can connect to and control just about any electronic music gear.
Arturia’s Analog Lab is bundled in for free and it not only includes some great sounds but also allows you to save patch playlists.
And perhaps one of the features that you’ll appreciate the most, setup is easy and straight forward with most DAWs.
If you’re accustomed to playing piano and would love to have a similar response in a MIDI Controller, the KeyLab 88 is a solid pick and is peerless at this price point.
Specifications
- Keys: 88 hammer action, Weighted Fatar TP/100LR Keybed
- Pads: 16 x RGB Backlit Performance Pads
- Controls:9 x Rotary Encoders, 9 x Faders, Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
- Octave: 2 Octaves (+/-)
- Automap: Yes
- Connectivity: 1 x 1/4″ (sustain), 1 x 1/4″ (expression), 3 x 1/4″ (aux pedals), MIDI In/Out/Thru/USB, CV; Pitch out, Gate out, Mod 1, Mod 2, CV in,
- Control Hardware Directly: Yes
- Compatibility: OS X 10.11 or later, 64-bit , Windows 7 SP1 or later, 64-bit
- Power: External AC adapter
- Dimensions: 50.9″ x 12.7″ ” x 4.4″
- Weight: 32.4 lbs.
- Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Software
User Feedback
Glowing reviews are all focused on how good the keys feel to the touch.
One reviewer noted that the response feels similar to his Steinberg Grand Piano.
A lot of the reviewers said they were more than happy with the amount of control they can get with the KeyLab 88.
While many found the keys to feel great, others found them to be a bit “spongy”, particularly for players used to synth-action keys.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Strong Mocha | Thorsten Meyer | 100/100 |
| Sound On Sound | Simon Sherbourne | 93/100 |