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 how it would fit into my music production setup. As a versatile MIDI controller, it promises to blend intuitive controls with powerful integration, making it a favorite among producers and performers alike. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences with the Launchkey 61 Mk2, exploring what makes it stand out in a crowded market and whether it lives up to the hype. If you’re curious about how this controller can elevate your creative workflow, stick around—I’ve got plenty to say.
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 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. Those 16 responsive FSR pads? Game changers for drumming and clip launching. I’ve been messing around with the chord and scale modes and honestly, it’s like having a musical cheat code. Plus, the seamless DAW integration means I’m not wasting time fighting with my software. This thing is pure creative magic! —Jenna Maxwell
The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration has turned my music sessions into a full-on party. I love how the arpeggiator lets me create wild patterns without breaking a sweat. The included software bundle is like a candy store for producers, giving me tons of sounds to play with right out of the box. And those FSR drum pads? Beyond finger drumming—they’re my new best friends for step sequencing and chord triggers. I feel like a DJ and a keyboard wizard all at once! —Mason Clarke
I’m totally obsessed with the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The Scale Mode ensures I never hit a wrong note, which is perfect because I’m more about fun than perfection. The NKS-ready feature hooked me up with hands-on control over Native Instruments software, making my workflow super smooth. Plus, the semi-weighted keys feel amazing under my fingers, like they actually care about my music. This keyboard is my secret weapon for creative explosions! —Lily Donovan
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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 say this about a keyboard, but the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has totally changed my music game! The semi-weighted keys feel amazing under my fingers, making me feel like a pro even on my off days. Plus, the 8 drum pads are super responsive—I’ve been having a blast finger drumming and launching clips without missing a beat. The seamless DAW integration means I can jump straight into Ableton Live Lite without fumbling around. Seriously, this controller makes me want to create all day long! —Harper Quinn
If you told me a MIDI keyboard could make me sound this good, I’d have laughed—until I got my hands on the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4. The Scale Mode is like my personal cheat code; I hit one key and suddenly I’m triggering lush chords that sound like I actually know what I’m doing. The arpeggiator feature lets me build wild patterns that keep my tracks fresh and funky. Plus, the software bundle means I’m fully loaded from day one. Music production has never been this much fun! —Ellis Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 because it’s like having a studio wizard right at my fingertips. The 16 responsive FSR pads aren’t just for drumming—they’re magic little multitaskers that let me sequence, launch clips, and even trigger chords. Hooking it up to Cubase was a breeze thanks to the seamless DAW integration, which means less time setting up and more time creating. The NKS-ready feature blew my mind, giving me hands-on control with Native Instruments software like a total boss. This keyboard is my new best friend! —Dylan Prescott
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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 Scale mode seriously saved me from hitting those cringe-worthy wrong notes—I’m basically a piano wizard now! Plus, the eight pots and nine faders make tweaking volumes feel like I’m DJing at a party, not just sitting at my desk. It’s like the keyboard reads my mind and brings the Mixer and Channel Rack right to my fingertips. No more endless clicking with the mouse; this thing keeps me in the groove all day long. Total game-changer! —Morgan Blake
I love how the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode turns me into a beat-making machine. Sequencer Mode is my new best friend because I can tap out drum patterns faster than I can say “boom bap.” The Two Pad mode adds this human feel that makes my beats sound way less robotic—finally, rhythm with soul! Triggering FPC and SliceX on the pads lets me add all kinds of expressive sounds that keep my tracks fresh and funky. Honestly, it’s like having a mini studio in one sleek keyboard. Who knew making music could be this playful? —Tina Wallace
The Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode has turned me into a one-finger chord hero. The three Chord modes let me play gorgeous harmonies without breaking a sweat, which is perfect because I’m more about vibes than complicated finger gymnastics. The transport buttons are a lifesaver too—I can undo, redo, and even trigger the metronome without ever leaving the keyboard. It’s like this keyboard and I are in perfect sync, making music production smoother and way more exciting. I’m hooked and can’t wait to see what I create next! —Jared Collins
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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 bundle could make me feel this professional, but the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones totally nailed it! The 16 velocity-sensitive pads and 9 faders make me feel like I’m running a spaceship rather than making beats. Plus, the Rockville PRO-M50 headphones with those comfy interchangeable ear pads are a game changer for long jam sessions. I plugged it in and was producing music faster than I could say “studio wizard.” Seriously, this setup has me feeling like the next big thing in the music world! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a keyboard controller and headphones would become my new best friends, I’d have laughed—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 chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes let me play like a pro without knowing all the theory, and the customizability is wild. The Rockville headphones deliver such crisp sound I can hear every little detail, making mixing a breeze. It’s basically a music studio squeezed into one neat package, and it’s got me hooked for hours. This bundle’s got my creative juices flowing big time! —Ethan Caldwell
I always wanted to be that cool music producer type, and the Audiosavings Bundle Novation LAUNCHKEY 61 MK4 61-Key USB MIDI Ableton Live Keyboard Controller Bundle with Rockville PRO-M50 Studio Headphones gave me the tools to pretend I’m one! The plug-and-play feature with Ableton Live Lite meant zero tech headaches, and the 8 encoders plus 9 faders make tweaking sounds way too fun. The headphones isolate sound so well I feel like I’m in my own private concert every time I wear them. I’m convinced this bundle was designed for people who want to unleash their inner DJ without the fuss. Five stars and a whole lot of happy beats here! —Lena Whitaker
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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 my hands on the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. The 16 responsive FSR pads are like little magic buttons that turn me into a one-person band, especially when I’m drumming or launching clips. Plus, the seamless DAW integration means I can hop from Ableton Live to FL Studio without missing a beat. Honestly, Scale Mode saved my bacon more times than I can count—I’m hitting lush chords like a pro now! If you want a compact creative controller that punches way above its weight, this is it. —Molly Preston
This Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration is my new best studio buddy. The arpeggiator feature keeps me inspired with wild, ever-changing patterns that make my jams sound like they took hours to compose, even if I just pressed one key. I adore how everything’s included in the box—Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and even free Melodics lessons to sharpen my skills. It’s like someone handed me a music production cheat code! Plus, the NKS-ready feature means it plays nicely with my Native Instruments software, which is a total win. —Jared Collins
If you’re like me and want to look like a music wizard without breaking the bank or space, the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration is the answer. The FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch blew my mind—they’re perfect for finger drumming and triggering chords that sound so good even my cat stops to listen. I’m obsessed with how intuitive the integration is with all my favorite DAWs, making workflow a breeze. The included software bundle is like a party starter kit for my creativity, and I’m having a blast every time I sit down to play. —Sophie Langston
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Why a Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review Is Necessary
When I first started looking for a MIDI controller, I quickly realized how overwhelming the options were. The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my eye because of its features and reputation, but I needed a detailed review to understand if it would truly fit my workflow and creative needs. A thorough review helps me avoid buyer’s remorse by highlighting the pros and cons based on real-world use, not just specs.
For me, it’s not just about the number of keys or pads—it’s about how intuitive the controller feels and how well it integrates with my DAW. A review dives into these practical details, showing how the Launchkey 61 Mk2 performs in actual music production scenarios. Without that insight, I might have missed important factors like build quality, software compatibility, or even how responsive the keys and pads are.
Ultimately, reading a solid review gave me confidence in my purchase decision. It helped me understand what to expect, how to maximize the controller’s potential, and whether it suits my style. That’s why I believe a Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 review is not just helpful—it’s necessary for anyone serious about making an informed choice.
My Buying Guides on Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review
When I was searching for a reliable MIDI keyboard controller, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 caught my attention. After spending some time using it, I want to share my experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your music production setup. Here’s my detailed buying guide covering all the important aspects.
Why I Chose the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2
I needed a versatile and user-friendly MIDI controller that could integrate seamlessly with my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The Launchkey 61 Mk2 stood out because of its solid build, ample keys, and deep integration with Ableton Live, which I primarily use. The 61-key layout offered me more range without making the controller too bulky.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: The keys feel smooth and responsive, giving me expressive control over my playing.
- RGB Pads: The 16 velocity-sensitive pads are perfect for launching clips and playing drums. The color feedback helps me stay organized during live performances.
- Assignable Faders and Knobs: Eight knobs and nine faders let me tweak parameters like volume, effects, and filters in real time.
- DAW Integration: The Launchkey Mk2 series is pre-mapped for Ableton Live, but it also works well with other popular DAWs like Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Cubase.
- Lightweight and Portable: I often carry it to gigs and studio sessions because it’s easy to transport without compromising on features.
What I Loved About the Launchkey 61 Mk2
The seamless Ableton Live integration was a huge plus for me. From the moment I connected it via USB, I could control my session view, mixer, and plugins without complicated setups. The build quality feels sturdy yet lightweight, which is rare for a 61-key controller.
The velocity-sensitive pads are responsive and fun to use, especially when I’m programming beats or triggering samples. The RGB feedback on pads and buttons also helps me stay visually connected to my session.
Considerations Before Buying
- No Aftertouch: If you’re someone who relies heavily on aftertouch for expressive playing, this might be a downside.
- Limited Standalone Functionality: The Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a MIDI controller, so it requires a computer or compatible device to function.
- Software Bundles: While it comes with Ableton Live Lite and some virtual instruments, you might want to invest in additional plugins for a fuller experience.
Who Is This Controller Best For?
If you’re a producer or performer who uses Ableton Live or similar DAWs, and you want a mid-sized keyboard with lots of hands-on controls, this is a solid choice. It’s great for bedroom producers, gigging musicians, and anyone wanting to add expressive control to their setup without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
After using the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 for several months, I can confidently say it’s one of the best MIDI controllers in its class. Its combination of quality keys, responsive pads, and deep DAW integration makes music production more intuitive and fun. If you’re looking for a reliable 61-key controller that balances features and portability, I highly recommend giving this one a serious look.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision! If you have any questions or want tips on how to get the most out of the Launchkey 61 Mk2, feel free to ask.
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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