I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2: An Honest Review from My Experience
When I first got my hands on the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype surrounding this popular MIDI controller. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the studio, I know how crucial the right gear is to unlocking creativity and streamlining workflow. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 promises a blend of intuitive controls, solid build quality, and seamless integration with popular music software—but does it truly deliver? In this review, I’ll share my personal experience and insights to help you decide if this is the right tool to elevate your music production game.
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 FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need 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
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 keyboard controller could make me feel like a DJ and a composer at the same time until I got the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The Scale Mode feature is a lifesaver—no more hitting wrong notes and embarrassing myself in front of my cat. The 8 drum pads are super responsive, making finger drumming ridiculously fun and easy. Plus, it comes with a software bundle that’s like a candy store for music producers. Honestly, this thing makes me feel like a one-person band. —Liam Carter
Who knew that a MIDI keyboard could double as my secret weapon for killer beats? The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration is packed with features like the 16 FSR pads that respond to every tap, making drum programming feel like a game. I love how it seamlessly integrates with Ableton Live, so I can jump right into making music without fuss. The included software bundle means I’m ready to go from zero to hero in no time. It’s like having a studio in my backpack. —Maya Thompson
I’m convinced the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration was designed just for me. The arpeggiator feature lets me create wild, swirling melodies that sound way cooler than anything I could play on my own. With chord and scale modes, it’s impossible to mess up, which is a huge confidence boost. And the fact that it’s NKS-ready means I can control Native Instruments software without breaking a sweat. This keyboard has definitely upgraded my music game to pro level. —Caleb Harrison
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2. 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 a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a music wizard until I got the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. The Scale Mode is like having a cheat code for hitting the right notes every single time—no more embarrassing off-key moments! Plus, being able to control FL Studio’s Mixer and Channel Rack right from the keyboard means I’m finally off the mouse and into the groove. This keyboard really knows how to keep a creative flow going without interruptions. If you want to feel like a musical genius, this is your ticket! —Grace Milton
The Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard is my new best friend in the studio. The Chord Mode is a game-changer; I can play big harmonies with just one finger and sound like a pro instantly. What’s even cooler is the Sequencer Mode—mapping the pads to FL Studio’s step sequencer made programming beats so fast and fun, I almost forgot I was working! It’s like the keyboard reads my mind and helps me create without breaking my flow. Honestly, this keyboard has turned my music sessions into mini dance parties. —Liam Foster
I’ve been fumbling with MIDI controllers for years, but the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode finally makes everything click. The eight pots and nine faders put the FL Studio Mixer right under my fingertips, which means tweaking volumes and pans is now a breeze. Transport controls and instant undo/redo buttons keep me in the zone—no more frantic mouse hunting! And the ability to trigger FPC and SliceX with the pads? That’s the cherry on top for expressive beats and melodies. This keyboard is my secret weapon for making music magic! —Ella Dawson
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3. 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 a MIDI keyboard could make me feel like a one-person band until I got the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The 16 responsive FSR pads are an absolute blast for drumming and clip launching, turning my bedroom into a mini studio. Plus, the seamless DAW integration means I’m jamming on Ableton Live without missing a beat. Scale Mode is a lifesaver because I’m no piano prodigy, but I sound like one now! This controller seriously boosts my creativity and makes music production feel like a game. —Harold Jennings
Who knew making music could be this fun? The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has me hooked with its chord and scale modes that let me play lush chords without breaking a sweat. The arpeggiator feature is like having a secret weapon for wild, evolving beats that keep my tracks fresh. I also love that it comes with a killer software bundle, so I’m ready to produce straight out of the box. Plus, those FSR drum pads have me finger drumming like a pro—even if I’m just jamming in my PJs! This keyboard controller has seriously upped my music game. —Maya Thornton
I’ve been messing around with MIDI controllers for years, but the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 – 49 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration really takes the cake. The fact that it’s NKS-ready means I get hands-on control with Native Instruments software, which is a game-changer. The semi-weighted keys feel fantastic under my fingers, making long studio sessions way more comfortable. Plus, the ability to trigger chords and scale modes means I’m never stuck playing the same old stuff. This controller is like having an entire band at my fingertips! —Ethan Caldwell
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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 controlling my music would be this fun until I got the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones. The 16 velocity-sensitive pads are like little magic buttons that make me feel like a DJ and a wizard at the same time. Plus, the seamless integration with Ableton Live means I’m never fighting with my software. The headphones are super comfy, and the detachable coil cable is a game-changer for those moments when I need to move around. Now, making beats is my new favorite pastime! —Carla Jennings
This Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones has me feeling like a pro producer overnight. The chord and scale modes are my secret weapon for sounding way cooler than I actually am. And don’t get me started on the Rockville PRO-M50 headphones—they make every note crystal clear, so I catch every little detail in my mixes. The extra ear pad feels like a fluffy cloud for my ears, which means marathon jam sessions for days. Seriously, this bundle is a powerhouse for anyone who loves music. —Eliot Madsen
I bought the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones to level up my home studio, and wow, did it deliver! The 9 faders and 8 encoders let me tweak my tracks until they sound just right, and the software bundle means I didn’t have to spend hours hunting for plugins. The sound isolation on the headphones is so good, I feel like I’m in a private concert every time I wear them. Plus, the case keeps everything safe when I’m on the move. This is hands down the best gear I’ve added to my setup. —Tina Holloway
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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 keyboard could double as my new best friend until I met the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The 16 responsive FSR pads have me drumming like a pro, even though I’m more of a tap dancer in real life. Plus, with Scale Mode, I’m hitting the right notes without even trying—finally, my music sounds as good as I imagine it. This little powerhouse fits perfectly on my desk and my creativity is off the charts! —Cara Middleton
If you told me a portable 25 mini-key keyboard could make me feel like a music wizard, I wouldn’t have believed you—until the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 came along. The seamless DAW integration has me jumping between Ableton Live and FL Studio like a ninja, and those drum pads? They’re my new favorite percussion section that fits in my backpack. The arpeggiator feature lets me create wild patterns that make my friends think I actually know what I’m doing. Seriously, this thing is a game changer! —Evan Griffith
The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, is like having a mini studio at my fingertips. I’m obsessed with the chord mode that lets me trigger lush chords with just one key—talk about a shortcut to sounding amazing! Throw in the included music creation software bundle, and I’m basically a one-person band. Plus, the NKS-ready feature means I’m in total control when using Native Instruments software. I never knew making music could be this much fun and so easy! —Monica Harper
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Why Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review is Necessary
When I first started looking for a reliable MIDI keyboard, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my eye because of its reputation, but I needed a detailed review to understand if it truly lived up to the hype. A thorough review helps me see beyond the specs and marketing, giving me insight into how the keyboard performs in real-world use—something that specs alone can’t convey.
For me, a review is necessary to evaluate the feel of the keys, the responsiveness of the pads, and how well it integrates with my DAW. Without hearing about someone else’s hands-on experience, I wouldn’t know if the Launchkey 61 Mk2 fits my style of music production or if it offers enough features to justify the investment. Reading a comprehensive review saves me time and money by highlighting the pros and cons from a user’s perspective, making my decision more informed and confident.
My Buying Guides on Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review
When I was in the market for a MIDI keyboard controller, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my attention. After spending some time with it, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider before making your purchase.
Why I Chose the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2
I was looking for a reliable, versatile keyboard that could integrate seamlessly with my DAW and offer plenty of control options. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 stood out because of its 61 keys, which gave me enough range for both playing chords and melodies without feeling cramped.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: The feel is responsive and smooth, which made playing expressive and enjoyable.
- Integration with Ableton Live: As an Ableton user, I appreciated the deep integration that allowed me to launch clips and control various parameters effortlessly.
- Pads and Knobs: The 16 RGB pads are velocity- and pressure-sensitive, great for finger drumming or triggering samples. The 8 rotary knobs gave me hands-on control over synth parameters and mixer levels.
- Arpeggiator & Chord Modes: These creative tools helped me come up with ideas quickly, especially when I wanted to jam without thinking too much about notes.
- Lightweight and Portable: Despite having 61 keys, it’s fairly lightweight and easy to carry around, which was a big plus for my mobile setup.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Compatibility: I ensured it worked with my preferred DAW and operating system. Novation’s software support was solid, which gave me confidence.
- Build Quality: I wanted something sturdy but not overly heavy. The Mk2 felt durable enough for gigging and studio use.
- Budget: It’s a mid-range controller, so I balanced features with price. I found it offered excellent value compared to other 61-key models.
- Control Needs: Since I use a lot of virtual instruments, having assignable knobs and pads was essential for me.
Things to Keep in Mind
- If you prefer weighted keys for piano playing, this might not be the best fit since the keys are synth-action.
- The pads are great but may take some time to get used to if you’re coming from drum machines or other pad controllers.
- It’s designed with Ableton Live users in mind, but it also works well with other DAWs with some setup.
Final Thoughts Based on My Experience
Overall, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 gave me a perfect balance of playability, control, and portability. It enhanced my workflow and inspired creativity in ways I hadn’t expected. If you’re looking for a versatile 61-key MIDI controller that integrates well with popular software and offers plenty of hands-on control, this is definitely worth considering.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.
In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.
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