Arturia KeyStep mk2

Arturia KeyStep mk2 — 32-Key MIDI/CV Controller and Sequencer

The Arturia KeyStep mk2 is a compact 32-key controller that bridges DAWs, hardware synths, and modular rigs from one interface. Its Slimkey keybed is velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive, capacitive touch strips handle pitch-bend and modulation, and an OLED display with clickable encoder keeps all navigation on-device.

What sets this controller apart

The Mutate button generates musical variations of the current sequence or arpeggio on demand, paired with Spice and Dice sliders that add controlled randomness and gate-length variation. Four CV/Gate outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2) are individually assignable to velocity, aftertouch, or mod wheel sources for expressive modular control.

32-Key Slimkey Keybed with Aftertouch

The Slimkey keybed defines how expressive the unit feels under the fingers.

• Keys Number: 32 — two and a half octaves in a compact footprint
• Keyboard Type: Touch Sensitive with Aftertouch — adds dynamic expression to software and CV-modular patches
• Pitch Bend: Yes — handled by a capacitive touch strip alongside a modulation strip

CV/Gate, MIDI DIN, Sync, and USB-C

Connectivity is the unit's strongest asset, speaking to nearly any hardware or software setup without adapters.

• Inputs: MIDI, Sustain, Sync — full-size 5-pin MIDI DIN In, TRS sustain/expression input, 3.5 mm Sync In
• Outputs: MIDI OUT, Mod, Pitch, Gate, Sync, CV — four assignable CV/Gate jacks, full-size MIDI DIN Out, 3.5 mm Sync Out
• USB-C: Class-compliant MIDI and bus power — single-cable connection to DAW or iPad

Polyphonic Sequencer, Arpeggiator, and Software

Onboard sequencing tools turn the device into a creative workstation.

• Sequencer: 64 steps, 8-voice polyphony — record, overdub, and chain patterns across four banks of 16 slots
• Arpeggiator: 16 modes — including nine generative pattern variations and a user slot
• Package Content: USB Cable, Manual — USB-A to USB-C cable plus Analog Lab Intro (500+ sounds) and Ableton Live Lite software bundle