Arturia KeyLab 61 MK3 Ultra Edition Universal MIDI Controller — Orange

All The Performance Of The Award-Winning KeyLab mk3, In A Limited-Edition Orange Finish — Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Ultra Edition

The Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Ultra Edition is a 61-key professional MIDI controller keyboard in a limited-edition orange finish, built on the same hardware and software platform as the standard KeyLab mk3. It features a semi-weighted, release-velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keybed across 61 notes, a full-colour 3.5" 480x320px display with 8 contextual buttons, 9 touch-sensitive 360-degree rotary encoders, 9 x 50mm faders, 12 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads across 4 banks, pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, and three pedal inputs for sustain, expression, and auxiliary footswitch. Connectivity is via USB-C for both power and computer communication, with MIDI DIN 5-pin in and out for connecting hardware instruments and synthesisers. The 61-key format extends the playing range to five full octaves, adding twelve notes over the 49-key model for players who regularly work across a wider range or who want more room for two-handed playing without octave shifting.

The Ultra Edition carries the same comprehensive software bundle as the standard KeyLab mk3 — nine titles in total, covering professional-grade virtual instruments, effects, DAW software, and subscription services with a combined retail value of over $900. Custom integration scripts are included for Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio, with MCU and HUI compatibility for all other DAWs. The construction uses wood and aluminium components throughout, and the keyboard is built and designed to withstand professional daily use in both studio and live environments.

The Keybed

The semi-weighted keybed is one of the most cited strengths of the KeyLab mk3 series. Arturia redesigned the action for the mk3 generation, with revised key balance, weighting, and spring tension producing a feel that sits between the lightness of a standard synth-action keyboard and the heavier resistance of a piano-feel keybed. The result is a playing surface that suits extended studio sessions — responsive enough for fast melodic runs and precise enough for detailed chord voicing — without the fatigue that stiffer actions can introduce. Channel aftertouch is built in, adding an additional expressive dimension that responds to pressure applied after the initial key press, and release velocity is also captured for instruments and patches that respond to the speed at which keys are lifted. These are details typically found on controllers at higher price points.

Display And DAW Integration

The full-colour 3.5" display uses bi-directional communication with supported DAWs, meaning the controller receives information back from the software in real time and displays contextual information relevant to what is currently active on screen — track names, parameter values, plugin states, and preset names are all visible without switching focus to the computer. This bidirectional relationship goes beyond standard MIDI mapping and removes the need to cross-reference hardware controls with software visuals during a session. The eight contextual buttons directly beneath the display change function depending on the current context, adapting to instrument browsing, DAW control, or parameter editing as needed.

Creative Features

The KeyLab mk3's Scale mode automatically adjusts all notes played to a selected scale, removing wrong notes entirely and allowing melodic improvisation and composition without music theory knowledge acting as a barrier. Chord mode enables fixed chords or full chord progressions with smart voicing to be triggered from single keys. The arpeggiator includes randomness parameters for generating non-repetitive melodic patterns that evolve over time rather than cycling predictably. These tools can be used individually or in combination, stacked with Hold mode to sustain notes, chords, or arpeggiated patterns without hands-on keys — a significant workflow advantage for producers building arrangements in real time.

The Software Bundle

Nine software titles are included with the KeyLab mk3 Ultra Edition. Analog Lab Pro is Arturia's full preset library application, providing access to thousands of sounds drawn from the entire V Collection and Pigments catalogue, all pre-mapped to the controller's hardware for immediate, hands-on exploration. Ableton Live Lite is a full, time-unlimited version of the industry's leading session-based DAW. Mini V is Arturia's detailed recreation of the Minimoog synthesiser. Augmented STRINGS combines orchestral string samples with synthesis engines. Piano V is a physically modelled acoustic piano instrument. Rev PLATE-140 is a professional plate reverb effect plugin. NI Komplete 15 Select is available as a choice of three bundles (Beats, Band, or Electronic) from Native Instruments' production toolkit. Loopcloud provides a 2-month subscription with 2 free sample packs. Melodics includes an unlimited trial subscription with bonus lessons for pad and keyboard technique.

KEY FEATURES: Arturia KeyLab 61 MK3 Ultra Edition Universal MIDI Controller — Orange

• Limited-Edition Orange Finish: Distinctive Ultra skin for a bold studio aesthetic.
• 61-Key Semi-Weighted Keybed: Release velocity and channel aftertouch sensitive.
• Full-Colour 3.5" Display: Bi-directional DAW communication with 8 contextual buttons.
• 9 Touch-Sensitive 360-Degree Encoders: Hands-on parameter control.
• 9 x 50mm Faders: Direct access to mix, send, and instrument levels.
• 12 Velocity And Pressure-Sensitive Pads: 4 banks for drums, clips, and more.
• Scale Mode: Locks keybed to selected scale, no wrong notes.
• Chord Mode And Arpeggiator: Smart voicing, progressions, and randomised patterns.
• MIDI DIN In/Out: Connect hardware synthesisers and instruments.
• 3 Pedal Inputs: Sustain, expression, and auxiliary footswitch.
• USB-C Bus-Powered: Class-compliant, no drivers required.
• 9 Software Titles Included: Combined retail value over $900.
• Wood And Aluminium Construction: Built for professional studio and stage use.