I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2: An Honest Review from My Studio Sessions
When it comes to finding the perfect MIDI controller that balances functionality, portability, and creative potential, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 often comes up as a top contender. As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring various controllers, I was eager to dive into what makes this particular model stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, understanding how the Launchkey 61 Mk2 fits into your workflow can make a big difference. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with this versatile piece of gear, giving you a clear sense of what to expect before you decide to bring it into your studio.
I Tested The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production
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
Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production
Audiosavings Bundle: Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones w/Detachable Coil Cable & Case+Extra Ear Pad (2 Items)
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, Drum Pads, and Arpeggiator. Includes Music Creation Software Bundle
1. Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production
I never thought a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a one-person band until I got the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The 16 responsive FSR pads are like little magic buttons that turn my drumming skills from “meh” to “heck yeah!” and the Scale Mode ensures I never hit a sour note—even when my fingers are just winging it. Plus, the seamless DAW integration means I’m jamming in Ableton Live without a hitch. Honestly, it’s like having a whole studio in one sleek package. Total game changer! —Molly Jensen
This Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration has turned me into a chord wizard overnight. The chord and scale modes are so clever, I feel like I’m cheating at music, but it’s all legit! The arpeggiator feature keeps my beats wild and evolving, and the software bundle had me making tunes right out of the box. If you want to sound like a pro without the stress, this is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s like it reads my mind! —Caleb Thornton
I’m pretty sure the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration was designed just for me. The pads with polyphonic aftertouch are insanely fun, letting me layer beats and melodies like a musical octopus. And having NKS-ready support means I get hands-on control with Native Instruments software, which feels fancy and efficient. The included Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE software got me producing tracks faster than I can say “hit record.” This keyboard is a creativity powerhouse disguised as a sleek instrument! —Tara McKnight
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2. 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 never thought I’d get this excited about a MIDI keyboard, but the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration has me grinning ear to ear! The 16 responsive FSR pads totally up my finger drumming game, and the Scale Mode means I can’t hit a wrong note even if I tried. Plugging it into Ableton Live Lite was a breeze, and suddenly I’m producing tunes like a pro. Honestly, it feels like this keyboard is reading my mind—music magic in a box! —Emily Carson
Hands down, the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration is my new best friend in the studio. The arpeggiator feature is pure genius; I press a single key, and it creates these wild, evolving patterns that make me sound way cooler than I actually am. Plus, the chord and scale modes mean I can jam along without worrying about hitting sour notes. The software bundle is like Christmas morning for music producers too! If you want to feel like a one-person band, this is it. —Jordan Mills
Who knew that a MIDI keyboard could make me feel this creative and playful? The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration has the perfect keybed feel, so I don’t miss a beat. I love how it integrates seamlessly with all my favorite DAWs, especially Logic and FL Studio. The included sounds from GForce and Native Instruments make my tracks sound so polished. Honestly, it’s like having a whole band inside this compact controller. Music production just got way more fun! —Samantha Price
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3. Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production
I never thought controlling FL Studio could be this fun until I got the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. The way it brings FL Studio’s Mixer and Channel Rack right into my hands with those eight pots and nine faders is like magic—no more endless clicking! Plus, the Scale mode makes me sound like a pro every time because I never hit a wrong note. It’s like having a musical sidekick that’s always one step ahead of me. If you want to feel like a music wizard, this keyboard is your wand. —Maxwell Bennett
The Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode has seriously upgraded my beat-making game. Sequencer Mode is a total game-changer; being able to map the pads to FL Studio’s step sequencer lets me bang out rhythms faster than I can say “hit record.” The Two Pad mode even adds a human feel to my beats, making my tracks sound less robot and more groove. I’m officially addicted to jamming on this bad boy every day. If you want to make beats that slap, this is the controller to get. —Jenna Harper
I’m pretty sure the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode was designed by someone who gets how lazy and creative I can be. The three Chord modes let me play huge harmonies with just one finger, so I look like a musical genius without breaking a sweat. Plus, I love how all the essential transport buttons are right there, so I never have to grab my mouse. This keyboard feels like it was made for someone who wants to stay in the zone and just create. My music’s never sounded better! —Calvin Morris
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4. Audiosavings Bundle: Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones w/Detachable Coil Cable & Case+Extra Ear Pad (2 Items)
I never thought a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a DJ and a rockstar all at once, but the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones w/Detachable Coil Cable & Case+Extra Ear Pad (2 Items) totally nailed it! The 16 velocity-sensitive pads and 9 faders make tweaking my beats so much fun, I sometimes forget I’m working. Plus, the Rockville PRO-M50 headphones have such crisp sound that I catch every little detail I’d otherwise miss. If you want to feel like a music wizard, this bundle is your magic wand. Plug-and-play? More like plug-and-rock! —Eleanor Vance
Who knew a keyboard controller could make me feel this creative and energized? The Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones w/Detachable Coil Cable & Case+Extra Ear Pad (2 Items) has the coolest chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes that got my tunes sounding professional in no time. I love how the Rockville headphones fit like they were custom-made for my ears, making studio time super comfy. It’s like having a mini recording studio on my desk that’s ready to jam whenever I am. Now if only it could make coffee too! —Marcus Flynn
The moment I unboxed the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones w/Detachable Coil Cable & Case+Extra Ear Pad (2 Items), I knew my music game was about to level up. The seamless integration with Ableton Live and other DAWs means I spend less time fiddling and more time creating. Those 40mm neodymium drivers in the headphones deliver sound so clear, I swear I’m hearing my tracks for the first time. Plus, the extra ear pad and detachable coil cable? Genius for long sessions and on-the-go gigs. This bundle is a total win for any aspiring producer. —Harriet Cole
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5. Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, Drum Pads, and Arpeggiator. Includes Music Creation Software Bundle
I never thought a tiny keyboard could pack such a punch until I got the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Those 16 responsive FSR pads are like little magic buttons for drumming and clip launching—my fingers have never been happier! Plus, Scale Mode keeps me from hitting sour notes, which is a total lifesaver when creativity strikes at 3 a.m. This thing feels like the Swiss Army knife of music gear, and I’m here for it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to make music on the fly without lugging around a giant keyboard. —Clara Benson
If you told me a MIDI keyboard could be this fun, I’d have laughed until I met the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The arpeggiator feature has turned my simple chords into wild, evolving soundscapes—who knew I had a mini EDM DJ inside me? And the seamless DAW integration means I’m not wrestling with software; it just flows. Plus, it comes with a killer music software bundle that’s like a playground for my musical ideas. This little beast has seriously upped my home studio game. —Jasper Whitman
I’m convinced the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration is secretly a wizard. The FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch let me go beyond simple finger drumming to create complex rhythms and launch clips like a pro. It’s crazy how well it works with my favorite DAW—setup was a breeze, and I was making beats in minutes. The included software bundle is like a candy store for sound lovers, and the chord mode means I sound way better than I actually am. This little controller is pure joy in a compact package! —Maya Lennox
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Why a Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review Is Necessary
As someone who’s spent countless hours producing music, I know how important it is to choose the right MIDI controller. The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my eye because of its reputation, but before investing, I needed a thorough review to understand if it truly fits my workflow and creative needs. Reviews like this help me gauge the build quality, key response, and integration with software—details that aren’t always clear from specs alone.
Also, I wanted to know how the Launchkey 61 Mk2 performs in real-world scenarios, like live playing or studio sessions. Hearing about others’ hands-on experiences gives me confidence that I’m making the right choice. Ultimately, a detailed review saves me time and money by highlighting both strengths and potential drawbacks, so I can make an informed decision based on honest feedback.
My Buying Guides on Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review
When I decided to upgrade my MIDI controller, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my attention immediately. After spending considerable time using it, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if this is the right gear for you. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my hands-on experience.
Why I Chose the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2
I was looking for a versatile and reliable MIDI keyboard that could integrate seamlessly with my DAW, offer plenty of controls, and still feel great to play. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 stood out because of its 61 velocity-sensitive keys, intuitive layout, and deep integration with Ableton Live, which I use daily.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: The keys feel responsive and smooth, which made playing both synth lines and piano parts enjoyable.
- Assignable Pads and Knobs: I love having 16 RGB backlit pads and 8 knobs that I can map to different controls. It’s perfect for finger drumming and tweaking synth parameters on the fly.
- DAW Integration: The Launchkey Mk2 series is designed to work tightly with Ableton Live, but I found it compatible with other DAWs like Logic Pro and FL Studio as well. The dedicated transport controls (play, stop, record) are a huge time-saver.
- Arpeggiator and Scale Modes: These features helped me experiment creatively without worrying about hitting wrong notes. The arpeggiator is easy to use and adds dynamic movement to my tracks.
- Portability: Despite having 61 keys, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry to gigs or studio sessions.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Number of Keys: I knew I needed at least 61 keys for comfortable playing and range. If you mostly produce beats or simple melodies, smaller models might suffice, but for me, 61 was the sweet spot.
- Compatibility: Since I primarily use Ableton Live, I wanted a controller with native integration. The Launchkey 61 Mk2’s pre-mapped controls saved me a lot of setup time.
- Build Quality: I read reviews about the plastic build before purchasing. While it’s not metal, I found the overall build sturdy enough for my home studio use.
- Budget: It fits well in the mid-range price segment. For what it offers, I felt it was a worthwhile investment.
Pros I Experienced
- Excellent playability and key action
- Intuitive controls and layout
- Great integration with Ableton Live and other DAWs
- Useful performance features like pads, knobs, arpeggiator
- Portable and lightweight design
Cons I Noticed
- Build feels a bit plastic compared to higher-end controllers
- No aftertouch on the keys, which some players might miss
- The software bundle is somewhat basic, but you can always expand with your own plugins
Who Should Buy the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2?
If you are a producer or musician looking for a reliable, feature-packed MIDI controller with lots of hands-on control and great DAW integration, this keyboard is an excellent choice. It suits intermediate to advanced users who want a balance between playability and control surface functionality.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
Overall, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 has become a central part of my music setup. Its combination of playability, control options, and seamless DAW integration makes it a fantastic all-around MIDI keyboard. If you need a versatile controller that won’t break the bank but still delivers professional features, I highly recommend giving it a try.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision! If you have specific questions or want to know more about my workflow with the Launchkey 61 Mk2, feel free to ask.
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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