Arturia Keystep mk2: the all-time favorite MIDI sequencer, completely redesigned with an enhanced arpeggiator and sequencer with mutations…
When Arturia released the Keystep in 2016, it was a novel product that no one had made before: a MIDI keyboard with a built-in fun arpeggiator/sequencer and analog connectivity, for an affordable price of 119€.
The Keystep remains a massive success for Arturia and has inspired many other companies to develop similar products. It perfectly captured the spirit of the times. Time progresses, and products like this have a limited lifespan in both development and sales. It’s time to say goodbye and welcome a new member.
Almost 10 years after its official release (July 2016), Arturia has today unveiled the Keystep mk2, the successor to its all-time favorite MIDI controller and sequencer that swings all imitators out of the ring.
Thanks to Arturia for kindly giving me the opportunity to check out the new Keystep mk2 several weeks in advance.
Arturia Keystep mk2
The original Keystep is an all-arounder that satisfies many: it’s inexpensive, a MIDI controller with velocity and aftertouch keys, a reliable and fun arpeggiator and sequencer, and is compatible with almost anything analog and digital. Unbeatable in terms of price/performance ratio.
Developing a successor to one of the best prosumer music tech products of the last decade is a challenge. Arturia attempted it with the mk2. We’ll see if they succeeded together.
2025 Design
The original Keystep was introduced in 2016 and has remained on the market until just before 5 PM (CET) today. It is one of the longest-running Arturia products, unchanged since its release.
This is evident from the design, which is reminiscent of controllers of the past, including the knobs that become sticky and unpleasant after prolonged use. Goodbye forever, says Arturia.
The developers, working alongside Axel Hartmann’s design team, have given the Keystep mk2 a new, streamlined 2025 look with major changes. New design, again white, but with a blue accent at the bottom, and still reminiscent of the original.
The center of the new MK2 is a new, clickable encoder that replaces the three knobs, combined with an OLED display and many additional function buttons.
For example, the mk1 ARP/SEQ switch has been replaced with dedicated buttons that handle both functions and advanced settings simultaneously. This is one of many changes you will need to get used to if you’re coming from a Keystep mk1.
Honestly, I’m not a fan of endless shift combinations and menu diving, and I was apprehensive the first time I turned it on. It took some getting used to, but after a bit of practice, the layout makes total sense.
The new display is a significant benefit for the workflow, as it introduces visual feedback that was previously impossible with the mk1, including notes in the sequence, pitch, and mod-wheel values, and more. Additionally, it brings previously software-only editor settings to the hardware.
There’s no denying that the new Mk2 involves significantly more menu diving and shift acrobatics. However, the menu structure has been kept very flat, preventing it from becoming confusing.
The fun factor remains, even if programming isn’t as lightning fast anymore. However, this is rewarded with increased playful functionality.
Connectivity
On the back, almost everything remains the same: In addition to the 5-pin MIDI (thankfully, no TRS), there are sustain and sync in/out, and now USB-C for both power and data. The much-hated micro USB port is now a thing of the past, and I hope that doesn’t happen again.
Analog connectivity is also part of the new Arturia Keystep mk2, featuring CV and gate outputs. A new addition is a second CV modulation output, enabling new options. Tip: control two different parameters on your analog/modular synth with the mod wheel.
Thanks to the display, you can now set the values of both mod CVs directly on the hardware without the need for software. The computer-less music generation rejoices!
Also new is a requested on/off switch that allows the keyboard to be turned off without completely disconnecting the device from the power supply.
Like its predecessors, it is bus-powered. Hardware users will still need a USB-C charger, as a power adapter is not included.
More Playability
Keystep mk2 still offers a 32-key slim keybed featuring velocity and aftertouch, both of which are now adjustable on the hardware. I observed no differences in quality compared to the Keystep mk1 and 37. They are still solid and doing their job.
The pitch and mod-wheels are again available as touch strips, but this time with fully assignable MOD1/MOD2 outputs to aftertouch, velocity, CV, and more. There is more hidden in the touch strips, but more on that later.
Users can once again generate chords in seconds, just like with the Mk1. But there’s more. For convenience, players have numerous built-in preset chords, similar to those found in the Keystep 37.
Alongside this, it also features a matching scale function with presets usable with the arpeggiator and sequencer. This ensures the played arpeggio/sequence is always in the proper tuning of the track.
Hidden within the Chords menu is the strumming function, which I love, allowing you to play chords like on a guitar. Various modes and settings are onboard, providing you with extensive flexibility.
Evolving Arpeggiators
Keystep’s key features are its integrated advanced arpeggiator and sequencer. The original arpeggio machine was a great feature, but in MK1, it took a backseat since the sequencer was the star.
In mk2, these elements are much more closely aligned, as Arturia gives the arpeggiator far more freedom than ever before. First, the arpeggiator gains new modes. Instead of the previous 8, there are now 16 different ones to experiment with.
These range from the classic up, down, up, down to more original modes such as various long and short variations or polyphonic arpeggiators. They are now selectable with the shift and key buttons.
New options to reset the arp length, change the octave, and time division on the fly are neat new ways to interact with it.
Mutate and Spice Up Your Arpeggios
Key features of the MK2 arpeggiator include the new Mutate and Spice functions, which significantly enhance its capabilities. With Mutate, you get new arpeggiator lines at the touch of a button. It’s a super fun feature!
The longer you press, the more intense the modification. A shorter press makes it a bit more original and flavorful. I love that you can go back to the original patterns using the Shift + Mutate function.
Since Mutate is based on randomness, the results can vary wildly, from very useful to useless. This makes it invaluable, especially in live jams. Regarding spice, Arturia has also incorporated the beloved “Spice” function from the MicroFreak and MiniFreak synthesizers in the Keystep mk2.
Accessible via the Shift button and Mod Wheel, this algorithmic tool can instantly breathe new life into any preset arpeggio. Depending on the amount of spice, it adds subtle or intense changes to the arpeggio pattern without altering the pitch.
For those who find that not flexible enough, you can also work with nine pattern variations and turn any existing sequence into a playable arpeggio that follows the notes you played. So, a powerful arpeggiator maker.
I’ve worked with many arpeggiators. The arpeggiator in the Hydrasynth is one of my favorites. However, the one in the new Keystep Mk2 is right up there with the best, as it’s very inspiring and encourages experimentation. The new generative engines put it in a new creative light that shines much brighter.
Keystep Sequencing Taken To The Next Level
Switching from the arpeggiator to the sequencer is seamless in the Keystep mk2. Using the button combination Shift and Arp, Keystep takes over your beloved arpeggio line and turns it into a fully customizable sequence.
No magic involved, just pressing two buttons – it always worked flawlessly in testing. Don’t worry, you can always take the classic route and enter sequences in real-time or step mode with the beloved overdub function.
The length remains at 64 steps, but you can extend it with the new pattern chaining function. Press shift and play to chain patterns from memory to your liking.
Each pattern (mono or polyphonic) can have its own length and time signature, allowing for very advanced and lengthy sequences. These can then be played on the keyboard with real-time transposition or played back using the play button.
The display also plays a major positive role in the sequence. Unlike the original, you can now not only hear the steps in the sequence but also see the actual notes and modify them simultaneously – finally!
You can also adjust the BPM and sequence length on the fly. There’s a dedicated button for this, which also taps the tempo.
Musicians who utilize the Keystep in performance will undoubtedly appreciate the expanded memory. It now features 4×16 banks, allowing you to save up to 64 patterns. You can switch seamlessly between them or chain them into more extended sequences.
Other excellent new core sequencer functions, triggered with the keys, include a new nudge function, quantize recording, sequence length doubling, undo, and an option to clear the pattern.
The new doubling function is handy for jams, as it can be perfectly combined with the overdub function, giving you more space for extending sequences with more content.
Evolving Polyphonic Sequences With Spice
Quantized and unquantized recording also represent a significant leap forward over their predecessors. You can quantize a sequence with Shift + “Quantized” key or configure it as a fixed setting in the sequencer settings (long press on SEQ).
Okay, those are the basics. The Keystep Mk2 includes many more playful features, though. You guessed it: the lovely Spice and Mutate functions are also available in the sequencer engine.
Use the mutate function to reshape your sequence with melodic and rhythmic variation instantly. Thanks for the Mutate Reset button! In testing, the Mutate function was a lot of fun with monophonic sequences. It made a simple 8-step sequence much more enjoyable and variable.
I found the Mutate function to be a bit unpredictable with polyphonic sequences. Occasionally, it produced beautiful results, but often it was unusable. That’s where the Reset function is invaluable.
More subtle modifications can be achieved with the Spice/Dice function. The mod wheel lets you easily control it during live jams. I like how it magically shapes the sequence without touching the pitches.
Right next to it, the pitch wheel can also be used to modify the gates of the sequence on the fly. On the Mk1, this was only possible via the Shift and Key combination and in fixed increments.
Animate The Wheels
One bonus feature I only discovered late in testing, but which can yield completely unexpected and wild results, is the new modulation engine. Important: You must first activate it in the sequencer menu.
Once done, you can record pitch and mod-wheel, gate, and spice mounts as modulation automations into a sequence—four in number, with which you can make any sequence dance wildly.
Set the mod wheel assignment in your Synthesizer to cutoff filter or oscillator shape, and you can create rapid movement in sound and texture in seconds. It’s like having an LFO that works with both MIDI data and analog gear via the CV outs.
Don’t forget, you have two mod CVs, allowing you to run the automation on two different CV parameters simultaneously. It’s a shame there aren’t two independent modulation sequences for the mod wheel, making the two mod CV outs even better.
Unfortunate, but not a deal-breaker, is the missing sequencer modulation animation. I hope this will be improved in a future firmware update. As you can see, the sequencer is packed with a wealth of creative features, but I am still missing a few things.
It’s a shame that features like probability, ratcheting, or sequence direction are omitted. Maybe in a future update, let’s see.
Further, the keyboard play function, which I love so much, allowing you to run a sequence and play on it, remains unchanged and is still onboard.
Lastly, the MIDI Control Center offers more settings options, although most of the functionality is now integrated into the hardware.
Arturia Keystep mk2 Review Conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, designing a successor to such a best-seller and sequencer staple is a challenge. You can do a lot right, but also a lot wrong. In my opinion, Arturia has developed a true successor to the original Keystep.
The Keystep Mk2 is an impressive evolution of the original Mk1. This applies not only to the design but also to the core functionality.
Existing Mk1 users will find all their beloved features, as well as functions from the Keystep 37, and many exciting and inspiring new ones.
Pattern chaining, mutation, and spice on the fly, arpeggiator to sequence and vice versa, sequencer modulation, or the fully loaded new arpeggiator – the Mk2 label is fitting here and not just a marketing gimmick.
Although the 100% hands-on workflow has been somewhat compromised by menu diving, the Arturia Keystep mk2 remains the most enjoyable and inspiring MIDI keyboard sequencer on the market, and now even more playful and inspiring.
Pro
- better connectivity (USB-C, second CV mod, on/off switch)
- big arpeggiator engine boost
- major overhaul and upgraded sequencer engine (pattern chaining, mutation, spice, modulation…)
- customizability
- price
- build quality
- usable with analog and digital gear (modular synths, analog synths, Mac/Windows, iPad, iPhone…)
Neutral
- menu diving but flat design
- less knobs
- missing modulation animation
Contra
- few bugs which can be fixed with the next updates
- personal points: missing playback direction, probability, and ratcheting
Arturia Keystep mk2 is available now for $139/129€ from retailers worldwide.
More information here: Arturia
Available from my partners
nice. have the mk1 in black.
will wait for the black 37 i guess.
Thanks for your review. But isn’t the screen too small? The displayed characters seem really tiny : it doesn’t seem comfortable to me.
it’s small yes but the information that it display is not very wide so it’s fine 🙂
WOW !
They manage to destroy almost everything that makes the keystep a good keyboard = immediate and direct access, with just enough options to get creative without being overwhelmed by absurd menus and billions of useless options via microscopic screen…
Well done Arturia!
This reminds me of one of the most important rules of marketing society:
-NEVER make a perfect product because it ALWAYS creates frustration, a frustrated customer will continue to consume to achieve their goal, but the satisfied customer will just enjoy the one they have.
What a sad world!
It’s paradoxical, but fortunately Behringer made the swing clone, at least it will remain purchasable, for less money, and with a ratchet function as a bonus…
What a joke!
So buy the old one.
No need, that’s precisely my point. I’ve had the KeyStep 32 MK1 for a very long time, and it’s the best mini MIDI keyboard I’ve ever used. I’ve tried the MPK Mini, the Korg Mini 37, the Yamaha Reface, the CME X-Key 37, and probably others whose names I’ve forgotten.
The KeyStep 32 MK1 is simply better in every way, except for the touch strip, which I don’t particularly like.
But it’s my go-to keyboard when I want to start a track with a synth. It’s incomparable in my eyes: it allows me to create a sequence instantly, without even needing to look at what i’m doing. Its interface is simple enough to let muscle memory do its work, while still being comprehensive enough to explore certain aspects before moving on to a digital audio sequencer or a more powerful hardware sequencer.
With a ratchet and a real pitch bend wheel, it would be even more simply perfect for starting a synth-based composition or simply for relaxing with just enough keys to have fun.
you can still enter patterns without diving menus. Press record and you are off to go. The display is handy for editing notes or settings that were perviously available in the software editor. Most of the features are available without the screen but with shift functions
I’m sure of it!
Otherwise, it’ll be a complete disaster in my opinion.
BUT, to achieve this, you have to contend with tiny buttons, and in the heat of the moment, I bet finding the right one won’t be easy. Not to mention that the MK1’s buttons are more like drum pads you slam down, rather than subtle clicks (dome switches?). And then, you have to hope you get the correct time division for playback… Frankly, I’m very perplexed, because I’m clearly not the target audience for this MK2 keyboard, whereas I was absolutely for the MK1. So it’s clear to me that a significant part of the MK1’s DNA has simply disappeared from this MK2, which isn’t bad in itself, but for me, it’s clearly more of a “Keystep 32+” than an MK2. Honestly, only time will tell, but I think radically changing a device that’s selling like hotcakes is never a good idea for a company…
But hey, everyone sees the world in their own way!
O-oh! Bought a pro a few months ago… 🙈
I just purchased the Keystep 37 and I am within the window to return still. The newer tech and lower price point, along with the more portable design are inspiring me to swap out for the Mk2. Could you share what functionality I would lose by purchasing the MK2 rather than the 37, besides 5 keys?
Thanks!
Keystep Mk2 and Keystep 37 are two products so a Keystep 37 Mk2 is always possible in the future.
For now, you lose the extra 5 keys, and the four assignable MIDI controls. All the other features from K37 like chords, scales, chords strumming are onboard.