Arturia MICROLAB MK3 Black 25-Key MIDI USB Keyboard Controller+Pro Software

MicroLab mk3 is an ultra-compact 25-key MIDI controller aimed at producers working in small studios, traveling, or starting out. It connects over USB-C, is class compliant, and needs no setup beyond plugging it in. Windows users get a multi-client MIDI driver if they need several applications reading the keyboard at once.

The keybed is a 25-note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard that responds to how hard you play, which is rare in this size class. Two touch strips handle pitch bend and modulation and double as preset browsing controls, and four buttons cover octave shift and navigation. Chord Mode plays full harmonies from a single key, Hold sustains what you are playing, and semitone transpose shifts the whole keybed to a new key.

A sustain or expression pedal input is included, which is unusual at this footprint and makes a noticeable difference on piano and pad parts.

On the software side, Analog Lab Intro supplies 500 curated presets pulled from Analog Lab V, the V Collection, and Pigments, with direct browsing from the keyboard. Ableton Live Lite covers recording, arranging, and mixing, with instrument presets, drums, effects, and MIDI clips included.

It works for bedroom producers short on desk space, mobile sessions on a laptop, and first-time producers who want playable keys without a learning curve. The black unit measures 15.98 x 4.92 x 1.54 in and weighs 1.37 lb.