Arturia KeyStep models compared

Introduction

With the recent launch of Arturia’s latest KeyStep controller keyboard, the KeyStep 37 mk2, we take a look at all six models, their similarities, differences and upgrades over time.

The six models are:

• KeyStep 37 mk2
• KeyStep mk2
• KeyStep Pro
• KeyStep Pro Chroma
• KeyStep 37 (discontinued)
• KeyStep (discontinued)

Find the best deals on new and used Arturia KeyStep models via our partner sites: Reverb | Amazon | ebay

Contents

• Introduction
• Features Overview
  • KeyStep 37 mk2
  • KeyStep mk2
    • KeyStep vs KeyStep 37 Feature Set Compared
  • KeyStep Pro
  • KeyStep Pro Chroma
  • KeyStep 37
  • KeyStep
    • KeyStep mk2 vs KeyStep 37 mk2 Feature Set Compared
• Comparison Table

Features Overview

KeyStep 37 mk2

Launched in February 2026, the KeyStep 37 mk2 is an upgraded version of the 32-key KeyStep mk2 launched last year (see below).

For an extra €60 you get more keys, an extra two buttons and four knobs, improved ‘hands-on control’ over the Mutate control, more direct MIDI CC control via those four extra knobs, and LED key indicators.

You still get the Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite software bundle.

KeyStep mk2

The original mk2, launched in late 2025, featuring:

• 32 Slimkey keys with velocity and aftertouch
• two capacitive touch strips
• 8 note polyphonic 64 step sequencer
• 16-mode arpeggiator
• Mutate, Spice & Dice tools
• Chord & Scale modes
• OLED display with clickable encoder and RGB LED feedback
• 4 assignable CV/Gate outputs
• Full-size MIDI interface with MIDI Thru support
• Sustain/expression pedal inputs
• USB-C MIDI and power compliant

KeyStep mk2 vs KeyStep 37 mk2 Feature Set Compared

KeyStep Pro

The KeyStep Pro, launched in 2020, has the overall form factor of the other 37-key instruments in the range, but ramps things up with more features.

You still get the 37 slim keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, capacitive touch strips, OLED display, chord mode, CV/Gate outputs, MIDI, and sustain pedal support.

There’s an enhanced step sequencer with double the polyphony (16 vs 8), plus an arpeggiator featuring seven modes over a five octave range compared to the 16-note generative pattern styles on the mk2 instruments.

• 37 note slim keys, velocity and aftertouch sensitive
  • LED above each key for efficient visual feedback
• Four track step sequencer
  • 16 step buttons, up to 64 steps per sequence
  • Up to 16 notes of polyphony per step
• Melodic sequencer
  • Real-Time recording, step recording, step editing
  • Pitch, velocity, gate length, time shift and probability for each note
  • Scale quantization with user scales
  • Polyphonic CV outputs
• Drum sequencer
  • 24 part drum sequencer
  • Polyrhythm
• Performance-oriented sequencer
  • Forward and two random playing modes
  • Pattern randomization
  • Quantized or unquantized recording
  • Looper
• Arpeggiator
  • 7 arpeggiator modes, 5 octave range
• Chord mode
• Controller mode
  • Use the 5 encoders to send CCs
  • Automate the CCs
• Crisp OLED display
• 4x (CV, Gate, Mod) outputs + 8 drum gate outputs
• 1 MIDI in, 2 MIDI out, USB, Clock synchronization
• Metronome with included speaker and line output
• Sustain pedal input

KeyStep Pro Chroma

Launched in 2023, the KeyStep Pro Chroma is primarily an aesthetic style update to the KeyStep Pro detailed above.

Functionally it is identical, but it’s done out in a dark grey colouring, has blue LEDs, and allows you to customise track colours.

KeyStep 37

Launched in 2020 just before the KeyStep Pro, the KeyStep 37 is the slightly bigger first-generation sibling of the KeyStep (see below). It’s now discontinued but can still be picked up second hand.

• Slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
• RGB LEDs on each key for instant feedback on your sequence, arp, scale
• Arpeggiator mode: Up, Down, Inclusive, Exclusive, Random, Walk, Pattern and Order
• Sequencer mode: 8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
• Rate control and tap tempo: REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
• Sustain HOLD button
• Sustain pedal jack
• Advanced Chord mode with pre-defined or user Chords and strumming capability
• SHIFT button selection : MIDI Channel selection, Gate length, Swing, Sequence Edit, Scale quantization, CC Bank selection
• DC power jack for standalone operation
• USB MIDI and MIDI in/out ports
• Sync i/o ports
• Sync source switch : Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
• CV/Gate outputs with configurable pitch, gate and Modulation formats.
• Capacitive pitch bend and mod wheel strips
• Each sequence can have 64 steps with 8 notes of polyphony

KeyStep

The original KeyStep, launched in 2016 and now discontinued. It features 32 slim keys with velocity and aftertouch, a step sequencer, arpeggiator, chord play mode, sustain pedal jack and CV/Gate support.

• 32-note Slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
• Arpeggiator mode:
  • Up, down, inclusive, exclusive, 3 random modes, note order, double up, double down modes
• Sequencer mode:
  • 8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
• Rate control and tap tempo:
  • REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
• Octave controls for keyboard and arpeggiator
• Sustain HOLD button
• Sustain pedal jack
• Chord play mode
• SHIFT button selection:
  • MIDI channel selection, GATE time, SWING values
• DC jack for standalone operation
• USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
• MIDI in/out ports
• Sync i/o ports:
  • Supports 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ (Korg Volca), 24 PPQ DIN sync, 48 PPQ DIN sync
• Sync select switches:
  • Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
• CV/GATE outputs:
• CV supports 1Volt per octave, Volt>Hz modes, Gate output 5V or 12V for modern or vintage gear support
  • CV Velo/Aftertouch/Modwheel output
  • Capacitive-touch pitch bend and mod wheels
• Each sequence can have 64 steps, each step can have up to 8 notes

Find the best deals on new and used Arturia KeyStep models via our partner sites: Reverb | Amazon | ebay

KeyStep vs KeyStep 37 Feature Set Compared

Find the best deals on new and used Arturia KeyStep models via our partner sites:

• Reverb
• Amazon
• ebay

Comparison Table

Here’s our comparison table of all six models. Prices were correct at time of launch. Note that some features may have changed name, so a model which has a “N” listed against a particular spec may have a different or improved spec.