Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII Review:

I’m always on the lookout for a MIDI controller that can keep up with my creative workflow. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII, released in 2019, has been a staple in many studios, and I recently had the chance to test it out in my setup as of May 2025. With its hammer-action keybed, extensive DAW integration, and modular connectivity, this 88-key controller promises to be a powerhouse for both studio production and live performance. In this review, I’ll dive into its design, performance, and practical applications for dance music production, comparing it to other keyboards in its class, and give it a final rating out of 10. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The KeyLab 88 MkII is Arturia’s flagship MIDI controller, designed for professional producers, pianists, and live performers. Priced at $899 (as noted on Sweetwater), it features an 88-key Fatar TP100LR hammer-action keybed with aftertouch, 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, nine faders, nine rotary encoders, and extensive connectivity options, including CV/Gate outputs for modular synths. It integrates seamlessly with DAWs like Ableton Live and Arturia’s Analog Lab software, which comes bundled with over 6,500 synth and keyboard sounds. Weighing 32.4 lbs, it’s relatively light for an 88-key controller, making it a viable option for both studio and stage use.

Design and Build Quality

The KeyLab 88 MkII exudes premium quality from the moment you unbox it. Its aluminum chassis, paired with wooden side panels, gives it a sleek, timeless look that’s both stylish and durable—perfect for the centerpiece of a studio setup, as Arturia’s website highlights. The layout is intuitive, with a 2-line LCD display in the center, flanked by assignable faders, encoders, and pads. The pads have been moved to the left side (unlike the original KeyLab 88’s right-side placement), which I found more ergonomic for finger-drumming while playing chords with my right hand.

The 88-key Fatar TP100LR keybed is a standout, offering a hammer-action feel that mimics a real piano, complete with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Compared to competitors like the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, which uses the same keybed, the KeyLab’s metal construction makes it feel sturdier, though some users note a slightly sluggish response for fast passages. The pitch and modulation wheels are positioned above the keys—a design choice that keeps the keyboard’s width at a manageable 50.9 inches but might feel awkward for players used to wheels on the left side, as mentioned in a Sound on Sound review.

Connectivity is a strong suit, with USB, MIDI in/out, CV/Gate outputs, and inputs for sustain, expression, and three auxiliary pedals. The included laptop shelf and music stand are thoughtful additions, especially for live setups where I could place my MacBook for Ableton Live. However, at 32.4 lbs, it’s not the lightest for frequent gigging, and the lack of an arpeggiator (a feature some competitors like the Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3 offer) is a notable omission for dance music producers.

Sound Quality and Performance

Since the KeyLab 88 MkII is a MIDI controller, it doesn’t produce sound on its own, but its bundled software and integration capabilities make it a versatile tool. I tested it in my dance music production setup, running Ableton Live at 24-bit/48kHz, focusing on synth programming, finger-drumming, and live performance.

Synth Programming and DAW Integration

The KeyLab 88 MkII integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live, auto-mapping transport controls, faders, and encoders to key functions like volume, panning, and plugin parameters. I loaded a Serum synth and used the nine faders and encoders to tweak filter cutoff, resonance, and LFO rates in real time—everything felt intuitive, and the touch-sensitive controls provided precise feedback. The DAW Command Center, as praised by Sweetwater, allowed me to navigate tracks and record automation without touching my mouse, a huge workflow booster for dance music production where quick adjustments are key.

The bundled Analog Lab software is a highlight, offering over 6,500 presets from Arturia’s V Collection. I used it to layer a JUNO-106 pad with a JUPITER-8 lead, creating a lush, evolving sound for a house track. The KeyLab’s controls are pre-mapped to Analog Lab, so tweaking parameters like filter cutoff or envelope decay felt effortless. Compared to the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2, which integrates deeply with NI’s ecosystem, the KeyLab’s broader DAW compatibility gives it an edge for producers using multiple platforms.

Finger-Drumming and Pads

The 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are responsive and great for programming drum patterns—a staple in dance music. I laid down a hi-hat pattern for a techno track, and the pads handled dynamic changes well, though they’re not as sensitive as MPC-style pads, as noted in a Higher Hz review. The left-side placement worked well for me, but right-handed finger-drummers might find it less intuitive. Compared to the Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3, which also has 16 pads but includes an arpeggiator, the KeyLab’s pads feel more robust but lack the same level of live performance features.

Keybed Performance

The Fatar TP100LR keybed is excellent for piano parts, with a weighted feel that’s expressive for both soft and dynamic playing. I recorded a piano intro using Piano V (included in the bundle), and the aftertouch added subtle vibrato to sustained notes, enhancing the emotional depth. However, for fast synth leads, the keybed felt slightly sluggish compared to semi-weighted options like the Roland A-88 MkII, echoing sentiments from VI-Control discussions. This makes the KeyLab better suited for producers who prioritize piano-like expression over rapid synth playing.

Practical Applications for Dance Music Producers

The KeyLab 88 MkII is a versatile tool for dance music production, excelling in several areas:

• Studio Production: Its deep DAW integration and pre-mapped controls for Analog Lab make it a powerhouse for programming synths, recording automation, and arranging tracks in Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

• Live Performance: The 512 user-programmable presets (via the MIDI Control Center) and scene selection features are perfect for live sets, allowing seamless transitions between synth patches or DAW controls. The CV/Gate outputs also let you integrate modular synths into your live rig—a feature not found on the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2.

• Finger-Drumming: The pads are solid for laying down drum patterns, though they lack the sensitivity of dedicated drum controllers like the Akai MPD series.

However, the lack of an arpeggiator and scale/chord modes—features found on the Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3—limits its live performance potential for dance music producers who rely on these tools for improvisation.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While the KeyLab 88 MkII is impressive, it’s not without flaws. The keybed’s sluggishness for fast playing might frustrate synth-focused producers, as noted in VI-Control forums. The pitch and modulation wheel placement above the keys can feel awkward, especially for live performance, a critique echoed in Sound on Sound. Quality control issues, such as sticky keys or failing faders after heavy use, have been reported by some users on VI-Control, though my unit performed flawlessly during testing. At 32.4 lbs, it’s portable but heavier than alternatives like the Roland A-88 MkII (26 lbs), which could be a concern for frequent gigging.

Compared to competitors, the KeyLab lacks modern features like polyphonic aftertouch or MPE support, which the Novation SL MkIII offers. The absence of an arpeggiator is a significant drawback for dance music, where arpeggiated patterns are common. Additionally, while the bundled software is excellent, the KeyLab’s integration with non-Arturia plugins isn’t as deep as the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2’s with NI’s ecosystem.

Final Verdict and Rating

The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is a premium MIDI controller that excels in studio production and live performance, offering a piano-like keybed, robust build quality, and deep DAW integration. For dance music producers, its Analog Lab integration and CV/Gate connectivity make it a versatile tool for crafting synth-driven tracks and integrating modular gear into live sets. However, its sluggish keybed for fast playing, lack of an arpeggiator, and minor ergonomic quirks hold it back from perfection.

Compared to other 88-key controllers in its class:

• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2 ($1,050): Offers deeper NI integration and a color screen but lacks CV/Gate connectivity and has a less sturdy build.

• Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3 ($399): Includes an arpeggiator and scale modes but has a semi-weighted keybed and fewer assignable controls.

• Roland A-88 MkII ($999): Lighter and faster keybed but lacks the same level of DAW integration and bundled software.

Rating: 8/10

The KeyLab 88 MkII earns an 8 out of 10 for its excellent build, expressive keybed, and versatility, but it loses points for its sluggish key response, lack of modern features like an arpeggiator, and potential quality control issues. It’s a fantastic choice for dance music producers who need a piano-focused controller with modular integration, but those prioritizing live performance features might prefer the Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3, while NI users might opt for the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2.

Have you tried the KeyLab 88 MkII, or are you considering it for your setup? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences on this sunny May 13, 2025!