Arturia KeyLab 49/61 MK3 have been released

Hardware
1

https://www.arturia.com/de/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-mk3/overview

Form a first view: unfortunatly it lost some buttons/LEDs and 4 pads, less external controllers

Mixed feelings about the features - have to dive deeper.

No 88 Mk3?

2

Let’s hope they improved keybed quality. MKII was too soft IMHO (no way to play a piano in a decent way), and there were stuck notes issues.

3

I am fine with the keybed of the 61 MkII. For playing piano I use a dedicated 88 keys board.
For synth action it is OK or better acceptable.

I’m more concerend about reduced features like less pedal/switch connectors, >9 removed buttons with LED control etc. Also the sliders and knobs are on the wrong side to make use of them as drawbars.

I don’t care about the missing poly aftertouch - had this 25 years ago in an ensoniq TS-10 and used it quite rare.

For me the KeyLab MkIII (49 and 61) is a downgrade of the MkII - it’s designed for DAW use or the Arturia ecosystem only - for my personal live rig it would not replace the MkII…

BBB