Arturia KeyLab Essential 88-88-Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black)

I love this keyboard. I use it as a controller keyboard as I learm nore of what it can do natively. I use it to control sounds in Ableton. I love that is full-sized 88 keys. It does a pretty good job with dymamics. It's has a great heavy feel for a keyboard and light feel for a piano. Dymamics are a little unnatural as with any keyboard, but the after touch is useful and pianos can't do that. It has way more features than it should at this price. I would definately buy it again.

I'm just starting to learn piano and play with software synths before I buy any dedicated synth hardware. So I am no expert judge of midi controllers, but the feel is great. Not a hammer action feel, you won't be fooled you're playing a real piano, which is a good thing if you want to play synths, but it's touch sensitivity allows for quite expressive piano playing with a good piano emulation VST or even some Android piano apps.

I have used dozens of 88 key controllers over the decades.. I was reluctant because this one was so inexpensive. But, I was looking for a controller for a single keyboard rig that felt good playing piano parts as well as synth lines. The only thing that has a little kludgey is the editing software. It works well enough after you figure it out.

The keys aren’t fully weighted, but they work amazingly if you’re looking to use them for synths/virtual strings, which is one of the main reasons I got this. The faders are nice and smooth, which I use a bunch for dynamics and articulations. I’ve been using this with Audio Modeling SWAM strings and it’s been perfect. If you’re a piano player, I wouldn’t recommend this as the keys won’t feel completely natural, but otherwise this thing is a steal.

Great keyboard. Very streamline, compact, solid, and functional. It didn’t come with a DC power cord, there’s only a midi input and a usb cable to power. I wish the keys were fully weighted, the semi weighted keys feel cheaper. However, for the price point, this is the best 88 key keyboard with slight weight you’re gonna find. Comes with ableton live light and Arturia software.

I just started to play piano/keyboard and wanted something that was a full 88 keys to learn on but still had extra capabilities that I could grow into as I learn and progress. Additionally, I enjoy listening and playing (also a guitar player) a very wide range of music so I wanted something that wouldn't limit my enjoyment of playing multiple genres. I settled on the KeyLab Essential 88 after a month of research and waiting for it to come in stock on Amazon and it was 100% the right choice. I have been using it every day for a month now and still am finding out new functions and sounds that are a joy to play around with and express my creativity. Keep in mind I was able to purchase it for $350 when it just came out which I would consider an absolute steal based on comparable keyboards in that price range. The only thing I would change is making the keys fully weighted but still, for what you get it's more than worth it in value.

Dislike: the download of software, error codes! Arturia had to send new download pkg, also analog lab continues to prompt acct login which doesn’t recognize my user n pw, but on Arturia web page it does. Like: once I was able to at least get midi pkg communicating with my laptop all the instruments sound wonder although they are (logic pro sounds) Still a work in progress

My only dislike about this is the key bed. They’re on the more springy side if they were a little damper they would be fine. Otherwise no complaints. Really good versatility and control.