Are the Komplete Kontrol Series Keyboards the only ones that can seamlessly modify a knob's value?

When using a Komplete Kontrol Series Keyboard, turning one of the 8 knobs immediately modifies the associated value from the value it currently sits at.

When trying with 3rd-party-controllers (one of which is officially supported by Komplete Kontrol software) the value either jumps to the absolute value of the knob or (if you change the preferences) it will only start modifying the value once the knob reaches it. Both feel clunky - especially since the controllers feature endless knobs.

So are the Komplete Kontrol Keyboards the only ones that have this seamless integration or is there something I can change so that the values are picked up immediately as soon as I turn a knob?

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TheMagician

What can the officially supported 3rd-party-controllers (like the Akai MPK Mini 3) do in Komplete Kontrol that you cannot do via Midi Learn for any other controller?

From what I can see these offically supported controllers are just premapped - or am I missing something?

Sunborn

@TheMagician please do not make multiple posts on the same matter, thank you.

I have merged your posts.

Sunborn

About your question:

Short answer is no. The Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards are not the only ones that can seamlessly modify a knob's value, but they are part of a select group of "premium" controllers that use specific hardware to do it effectively.

To understand your options, it helps to distinguish between the two ways "seamless" control is achieved: Endless Encoders (the hardware solution) and Soft Takeover (the software solution).

1. The Hardware Solution: Endless Encoders

The Komplete Kontrol S-Series uses Endless Rotary Encoders. Unlike standard knobs (potentiometers), which have a hard stop at the left (0) and right (127), endless encoders spin 360° continuously. They don't send an absolute position (like "Knob is at 50%"); they send relative movement (like "Knob moved up 1 step"). This allows the value to pick up exactly where it is in the software, preventing "parameter jumping" (where a setting snaps instantly to the knob's physical position).

Key Alternatives with Endless Encoders:

Ableton Push 2 & 3: These are arguably the closest rivals in terms of "premium" feel. Like the Komplete Kontrol, they feature touch-sensitive endless encoders. This means you can simply touch the knob to see its current value on the screen without actually changing the sound; a feature standard MIDI controllers lack.
Novation SL MkIII: This is a powerhouse keyboard controller that features endless rotary knobs and multiple screens, allowing for seamless control similar to the Komplete Kontrol, specifically designed for deeper hardware and DAW integration.
Arturia KeyLab Mk3: The high-end Mk3 version (not to be confused with the "Essential" line) features 360° rotary knobs. Combined with its screen, it offers a similar seamless experience, particularly within Arturia's "Analog Lab" software.
Native Instruments Maschine: If you don't strictly need a piano keybed, the Maschine hardware uses the exact same touch-sensitive encoder technology as the Komplete Kontrol keyboards.

2. The Software Solution: Soft Takeover

Most budget and mid-range keyboards (like the M-Audio Oxygen Pro or Arturia KeyLab Essential) use standard potentiometers (knobs with hard stops). Since the knob has a physical position, it might be pointing to "0" while your software parameter is at "100."

To fix this, many DAWs (like Ableton Live) and controllers offer a mode called Soft Takeover (or "Pickup Mode").

How it works: When you turn the knob, nothing happens until the physical knob "crosses over" the current value in the software. Once it matches (picks up), it "latches on" and starts moving the value.
The downside: It is not truly seamless. You often have to wiggle the knob until it catches, which can feel unresponsive in a live performance.

Comparison:

Feature	Komplete Kontrol S-Series	Standard MIDI Keyboard	Premium Alternatives (Push / SL MkIII)
Knob Type	Endless Encoder (Spins forever)	Potentiometer (Stops at min/max)	Endless Encoder
Value Jumps?	No (Always seamless)	Yes (Unless "Soft Takeover" is on)	No
Touch-Sensitive?	Yes (Touch to see value)	No	Yes (Push 2/3)
Visual Feedback	High-Res Screen	none or basic small screen	High-Res Screen

_______________________________

So... If you want the specific experience of touching a knob to see its value and then turning it without any jumping or "latching," your best alternatives to Komplete Kontrol are the Ableton Push 3 or the Novation SL MkIII. If you just want to avoid parameter jumping and don't mind not having touch-sensitivity, any controller with endless encoders (like the Midi Fighter Twister) will work. 😉

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