Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3
| Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 | Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 49 & 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel | 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys, Fatar keybed, polyphonic aftertouch |
| Aftertouch | — | — |
| Sounds / presets | 2000 | — |
| Speakers | — | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | No | No |
| Pads / faders | 8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads; 9 x 30mm faders | no |
| Weight | 2.76 kg | 13.5 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | — | [1353, 120, 347] mm |
| Battery power | — | no (bus-powered over USB-C) |
| Released | 2019 | 2023 |
| Status | current | current |
| Keys | 61 | 88 |
| Display | 2.5" LCD | — |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 if budget is the priority — it is about $950 cheaper (approx.).
- Choose the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (2.76 kg vs 13.5 kg).
Full spec sheets: Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 · Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3. Rows with a highlighted background differ.