If you’ve ever explored the world of synthesizer content on YouTube, it’s highly likely that the distinct form of the Arturia KeyStep has caught your attention at least once. Since its debut back in January 2016, this compact yet remarkably versatile keyboard controller has established itself as a reliable companion for both seasoned producers and musicians who prefer working without a traditional DAW setup. Its affordability, portability, and wide feature set have made it a nearly ubiquitous tool within the broader synth community. Now, after years of anticipation, Arturia has officially unveiled a fully realized successor—the KeyStep mk2. On paper, and quite possibly in practice, this new incarnation represents a significant step forward, refining the core concept while integrating innovations that expand creative potential in meaningful ways.
At its heart, the essence of what has always made the original KeyStep beloved remains deeply intact. The mk2 retains the familiar 32-key format with mini-size keys that include aftertouch, ensuring expressive playability despite the compact dimensions. Its small footprint continues to make it ideal for crowded desktops, modular setups, or live rigs where space is at a premium. The connectivity options, which have always been a hallmark of the KeyStep line, have been preserved and modernized. In the mk2, Arturia introduces USB-C connectivity for both power and MIDI communication, providing faster data transfer and improved compatibility with modern systems. Classic five-pin MIDI in and out ports remain, ensuring legacy hardware integration. The inclusion of analog sync in and out further broadens its flexibility for working with drum machines, sequencers, or analog synths that rely on traditional clock signals. Additionally, there’s a sustain or expression pedal input to foster more dynamic performance techniques, along with dedicated CV and gate outputs—a clear nod to the modular synthesizer community, where control voltage remains the lingua franca of creative experimentation.
Beyond the physical form and connection points, what truly distinguishes the KeyStep mk2 are its newly introduced generative and performance-enhancing features, most notably the functions known as Mutate and Spice. These advanced capabilities have been adapted from Arturia’s acclaimed Freak series of synthesizers, instruments celebrated for their exploratory design philosophy. The Mutate function brings a touch of controlled randomness into the workflow. It applies semi-random alterations to an arpeggio or sequence, producing evolving patterns that can either subtly shift or drastically transform depending on how it’s used. Once the performer encounters a variant that resonates musically, this new iteration can be preserved by saving it as a distinct sequence. This creative cycle of exploration—where happy accidents can lead to inspired discoveries—transforms the mk2 into far more than a mere controller; it becomes a genuine compositional partner. As the influential YouTuber Loopop observed, such generative tools effectively set a new benchmark for what a modern keyboard controller can accomplish as a catalyst for musical ideation.
While Mutate focuses on melodic variation, Spice introduces nuanced rhythmic complexity. Rather than completely altering the melodic content, Spice engages with the timing and expressive dimensions of a sequence. It can subtly modify gate length and note velocity, inject rapid-fire ratchet effects, or even introduce octave shifts when used at more extreme settings. In essence, Spice broadens the rhythmic vocabulary available to the performer, injecting life and unpredictability into otherwise static sequences. These tools encourage musicians to continuously interact with their material, blurring the lines between programmed and spontaneous performance. Synth educator and reviewer Starsky Carr encapsulated the appeal of the mk2 succinctly, noting that it is packed with an abundance of fun and inspirational creative tools that invite endless exploration within any setup.
However, the reaction to the KeyStep mk2 has not been uniformly glowing. While its expanded functionality and clever generative processes have garnered significant praise, a few reviewers have expressed reservations regarding the build quality. The original KeyStep featured a sturdy metal baseplate, a design choice that lent the device an unexpectedly substantial weight and remarkable durability, ensuring it could withstand rigorous touring and long-term studio use. In contrast, the mk2’s construction relies entirely on plastic. This change has led some users to question whether it will possess the same physical resilience as its predecessor. The trade-off, of course, is reduced weight and potentially lower production costs, but whether musicians will still be relying on their KeyStep mk2 units a decade from now remains to be seen.
In sum, the Arturia KeyStep mk2 encapsulates both continuity and evolution—maintaining the foundational strengths that earned the original its loyal following while adding depth through a suite of innovative creative features. It stands as a testament to Arturia’s ongoing commitment to designing tools that empower electronic musicians to compose, perform, and experiment with greater freedom than ever before.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/814658/the-keyboard-of-choice-for-modular-synth-nerds-gets-a-proper-sequel-after-10-years
