Novation Launchkey 49 [MK4] – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production

I have used several MIDI keyboards in the past years, but this one is amazing. Lot of features. Keys feel great. Good built. I know it is optimised with most major DAWs, but for me it was important to use it with Cubase and the integration is just WOW.Highly recommended!

I've churned through a lot of controllers. Aside from concerns about build-quality, as a grumpy Bitwig user on Linux I was expecting problems.Whilst there are a few configuration hoops to traverse in order to get all of the automation working as expected, I got there in the end, and the experience overall with this keyboard has been (and continues to be) amazing.The 37 keys are adequate for a noodling on .Props to Novation for the mod and pitch bend wheels, which have an satisfying rubbery-feel to them.The 16 pads feel incredible to me, really sensitive, I didn't realise what I was missing; just great!Generally, the various buttons and knobs feels high quality, with the knob data increments scaling according to how fast you use them; all very sensible.Love the miniature OLED screen. Not in your face, but still conveying useful information.Novation seems to have mastered the trade-offs required to manufacture a quality instrument at a very reasonable price.I'll be looking out for an SL37 with poly-aftertouch, midi 2.0, MPE support in the future. Whatever you do though Novation, don't mess with those rubbery expression wheels, you've nailed it there :-D

I wanted a 61 not keyboard that would not only fit under my workstation desk but would also have a good feel and that included faders and pads. The Novation Launchkey is perfect and has many functions that I didn't realise I needed until I had them. The perfect keyboard for when you don't want / can't be bothered to get up and go over to your main keyboard! Would give it 10 stars.

All the extra controls and functionality is great, the knobs and pads feel good and sturdy. But the actual keys (25 mini keys version) aren’t great. It’s OK when you need to record some rough MIDI, but don’t expect a playable key bed. The velocity sensitivity seems inconsistent to say the least. If you need good mini keys, I can recommend Arturia and Korg products. If you’re after extras like the chord bank and Ableton clip launcher, this is fine. And the integration with Ableton works flawlessly out of the box.Shame the MIDI Out isn’t full size, but at least it’s present. I don’t want to sound too critical, I quite like this little controller. It’s well made and thought out. Your mileage may vary.

The 37 keys was the best size for me for a portable rig. The synth action is actually OK - the keys don't clank like some keyboards. The extra features are great.Although the scripts are still a bit out of sync, even after the 8 months pre-release, once you find the scripts in the chaos of Novation support, the scripts work flawessly! Suddenly your BRICK, works as a DAW controller in Logic & Cubase. Just wisth they realised that Presonus Studio One, IS a thing.The custom chords, scale mode and scale chords are great! The performance modifiers on the scale chords are excellent. I just wish they also worked on the custom chords too. Maybe in an update?The endless encoder knobs are great compared to the Mk3.Definitely my best purshase in 2025. I wish I had bought the 49/66 key, but by the law of physics, they're just too big to play on the bus ;-) It costs a little more than the competition, but overall, Novation have nailed it with the mk4 (except the performance modifers (arp up/down, chord pump patterns, etc, etc. ) on Custom Chords as well.)The BONUS software is also mostly worth having. Actually useful stuff. If you don't have a DAW, the included Ableton Lite is a start.

We did a lot of research before buying this keyboard. The keys feel good but obviously not the same as a "real" piano. However the sliders and knobs feel really nice. Easy to download the bundled software. My husband has started to use the Melodics application which is a rhythm-based learning platform for MIDI keyboards and after his first lesson, he was left with a big smile on his face! This keyboard is excellent value for money (we paid £255). We hope Novation put a USB switch in the next edition as we have to unplug this from our laptop every time we finish.

It is SOOO refreshing to find a company that has got the product RIGHT, and the Customer Service RIGHT! Novation have gone the extra mile with this MIDI controller. Connection to CUBASE was simple, with a perfect Script for the interface, and incredible options. I needed a quick support to clarify something that I wanted to access, and I got through to a real Person within one minute. 'Nat', was very helpful and knowledgeable. Well done Novation. You deserve success.

Works like a charm and good quality. Keys are a little cheap feeling but I didn’t expect anything magical.