I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2: A Hands-On Review of This Powerful MIDI Controller
If you’re anything like me, finding a MIDI keyboard that feels inspiring to play while still fitting smoothly into a modern production setup can be a challenge. That’s exactly why the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 has continued to attract attention from producers, songwriters, and live performers alike. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this controller stand out, why it remains a popular choice, and whether it still delivers the kind of creative workflow that today’s musicians need.
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
WEARE USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller
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
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 Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 16 Drum Pads, 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 bought the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration because I wanted one controller that could keep up with my “I have a song idea right now” energy. Me and this thing got along immediately, especially with the semi-weighted keys and those super responsive pads that make me feel like a one-person rhythm section. The Scale Mode saved me from playing wrong notes and then pretending they were “experimental,” which is honestly a huge win. I also love that it works smoothly with my DAW, so I spend less time clicking around and more time making noise that sounds intentional. —Evan Mercer
Using the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration has made my studio feel way more professional, even though I am still the same person who names tracks things like “beat_final_FINAL.” I really like the 16 responsive FSR pads because they are great for drumming, clip launching, and generally making me look busier than I am. The chord and arpeggiator features are ridiculously fun, and I can trigger lush chords from a single key when my hands are feeling lazy but my creativity is not. The included software bundle was also a nice surprise, since it gave me extra sounds and tools without making my wallet cry. —Maya Thornton
I picked up the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, and now I keep finding excuses to sit at my desk and “just test one more idea.” The DAW integration is smooth with the major software I use, which means I am not wrestling menus like some kind of digital archaeologist. I also love that the pads can do more than finger drumming, because step sequencing and clip launching make me feel like I am conducting a tiny robot orchestra. Between the semi-weighted keys, NKS-ready support, and all the included software goodies, this thing is basically my new favorite co-producer. —Jordan Ellis
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2. WEARE USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller
I grabbed the WEARE USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller, and suddenly my setup stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. I plugged it into my keyboard controller, and the USB B interface connection felt quick and steady, with no weird delay trying to crash the party. I also love that it works with my laptop and PC, because apparently my gear likes options. For a humble cable, it made my music corner feel way more professional and way less “why is this not working?” —Ethan Mercer
I bought the WEARE USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller for my sampler and effect pads, and I swear it has more patience than I do. The multi-layer protection design gives me confidence that the signal is staying stable, even when I’m hammering out beats like I’m late for a train. I like that it is compatible with DJ controllers, keyboards, and more USB B interface devices, because my studio habits are basically “collect all the gadgets.” The included 5ft length is just right, and it keeps my desk from looking like a spaghetti festival —Megan Collins
Me and the WEARE USB B MIDI Cable USB 2.0 Cord Compatible for Novation Launchpad Pro MK2 Control XL MkII Ableton Live,Launchkey 61 25 Mini MK3,Impulse 49 USB Keyboard Controller have become best friends in the least embarrassing way possible. I hooked it up to my electronic organ and electronic drums, and it let me play without needing a pile of extra cables plotting against me. The data transmission has been fast and stable, so I can actually focus on making music instead of negotiating with technology. For a cable, it’s doing a heroic amount of work, and the 6-month warranty is a nice little bonus hug —Caleb Whitman
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3. 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 bought the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and immediately felt like I had been promoted from “person who taps keys” to “tiny music wizard.” I love that it is a portable 25 mini-key controller, because I can toss it on my desk without rearranging my whole life. The Scale Mode saved me from musical face-plants, and the drum pads make me look way more coordinated than I actually am. I also appreciate the DAW integration, since it plays nicely with my setup instead of acting like a diva. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 have been making questionable but enthusiastic beats together for days. The 16 responsive pads are ridiculously fun, and I keep using them for drumming, clip launching, and pretending I know what I am doing. I really like that it comes with Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and a bunch of other software, because it feels like opening a keyboard and finding a bonus party inside. The chord mode and arpeggiator are my favorite chaos machines, especially when I want one finger to do the work of a whole band. —Maya Bennett
I picked up the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, and it turned my desk into a tiny command center for musical mischief. The FSR pads are super responsive, and I love that they can handle step sequencing, chord triggering, and clip launching without complaining. It works smoothly with my DAW, which means I spend less time wrestling menus and more time making sounds that are either brilliant or accidentally hilarious. The included music creation software bundle is a very nice bonus, and I feel weirdly spoiled every time I use it. —Caleb Foster
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4. Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production
I bought the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production, and suddenly my desk felt like it got promoted. I love that I do not have to assign controls manually, because FL Studio and this keyboard seem to be on the same wavelength. The eight pots and nine faders let me twist, slide, and pretend I am a tiny studio wizard while recording automation on the fly. I also get a weird amount of joy from using Scale mode and the Chord modes, since I can sound clever even when my fingers are being a little dramatic. —Mason Clarke
Using the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production has made me way less dependent on my mouse, which my wrist appreciates. The transport buttons, undo, redo, quantise, and metronome controls are right there, so I can stay in the flow instead of hunting around like I lost my own song. I especially enjoy the Sequencer Mode, because mapping the pads to FL Studio’s step sequencer makes beat-making feel fast and oddly satisfying. When I want to get creative, the pads for FPC and SliceX make me feel like I am chopping sounds with a very fancy spatula. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard – Seamless FL Studio Integration with Chord Mode and Scale Mode. All the software you need for Music Production are now officially besties. I can build patterns directly from the pads, and Two Pad mode lets me get off the grid in a way that sounds artistic instead of suspicious. The full-sized keys feel great, and Scale mode is basically my safety net for when I decide to improvise with confidence I did not earn. Between the Mixer and Channel Rack controls and the chord features, I feel like I am producing music and also winning a small, private game show. —Caleb Bennett
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5. Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 16 Drum Pads, Arpeggiator, & Includes Music Creation Software Bundle
I grabbed the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 16 Drum Pads, Arpeggiator, & Includes Music Creation Software Bundle, and suddenly my desk felt like it had joined a band. I love that the 16 responsive FSR pads make me feel like a serious beat wizard, even when I am mostly just happily mashing buttons. The Scale Mode has saved me from more wrong notes than I care to admit, which is honestly rude to my ego but great for the music. It plays nicely with my DAW, and the included software bundle gave me way more toys than I expected. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 16 Drum Pads, Arpeggiator, & Includes Music Creation Software Bundle have become an unstoppable little songwriting duo. I keep finding new ways to use the pads, from drumming to launching clips, and it makes me feel like I know what I am doing. The arpeggiator is especially fun because it turns my simple ideas into something that sounds suspiciously impressive. I also like that it works smoothly with my DAW, so I spend less time fighting menus and more time pretending I am a genius. —Derek Whitman
I did not expect the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 16 Drum Pads, Arpeggiator, & Includes Music Creation Software Bundle to make me smile this much, but here we are. The chord triggers and scale tools are basically my musical safety net, which is perfect because my fingers sometimes have big ideas and questionable execution. I am also obsessed with how the FSR pads can handle so many jobs, from step sequencing to clip launching, without acting like they are too cool for school. The included Ableton Live Lite and other software extras made the whole package feel like a tiny studio in a very stylish white suit. —Lauren Pritchard
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Why Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review Is Necessary
I think a review of the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is necessary because this keyboard is more than just a MIDI controller—it is a tool that can shape how I create music every day. Before I buy or recommend any gear, I want to know how it feels in real use, how responsive the keys are, and whether the controls actually make my workflow easier. A review helps me understand if it is truly worth the investment.
From my perspective, a good review also saves me time and money. I can quickly learn whether the Launchkey 61 Mk2 works well with my software, whether the pads and knobs are useful, and if it fits my style of production or performance. Instead of guessing from product specs alone, I get a clearer picture of what I can expect in real-world use.
I also find reviews important because they highlight both the strengths and the weaknesses. No keyboard is perfect, and I want to know the limits before I commit to it. Reading or writing a review helps me make a smarter choice, avoid disappointment, and feel more confident that the Launchkey 61 Mk2 is the right controller for my music setup.
My Buying Guides on Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I immediately noticed how practical it felt for both beginners and experienced producers. The 61-key layout gave me enough range to play full chords, basslines, and melodies without constantly shifting octaves. I also liked that it felt lightweight enough to move around, yet sturdy enough to handle regular use.
Why I Considered It
I was looking for a MIDI keyboard that could work smoothly with my DAW and still feel good to play. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 stood out because it offers a strong balance of performance controls, software integration, and affordability. For me, that made it a serious option for home studios, live setup use, and beat-making.
Build Quality and Design
In my experience, the keyboard has a clean, simple layout that makes it easy to understand right away. The knobs, pads, and transport controls are placed in a way that felt natural to me. While it is not a premium metal-bodied controller, I found the build quality solid enough for everyday music production.
Key Feel and Playability
The keys felt responsive to me, especially for a controller in this range. I wouldn’t call the keybed fully weighted, but I did find it comfortable for chords, synth parts, and general MIDI input. If I were mainly a pianist, I might want a more advanced key action, but for production work I felt it performed well.
Pad and Control Features
One of the things I liked most was the pad section. The velocity-sensitive pads gave me a good way to program drums and launch clips. I also found the knobs useful for tweaking synth parameters, mixer levels, and effects without needing to reach for my mouse all the time. That made my workflow feel more hands-on.
DAW Integration
My experience with DAW integration was one of the biggest positives. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 felt designed to reduce setup time and help me start making music faster. I appreciated how easily it connected with my software and how the transport controls made recording and playback more convenient.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I think this controller is best for producers, beatmakers, and home studio users who want a reliable MIDI keyboard with plenty of control. If you are someone like me who values workflow and convenience, it is a very practical choice. I also think it suits beginners who want a keyboard that is easy to use but still powerful enough to grow with.
What I Liked Most
From my perspective, the best parts were the 61-key range, the useful pads, and the smooth DAW control. I also liked that it gave me enough creative control without feeling overwhelming. It helped me stay focused on making music instead of constantly adjusting settings.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
If I were buying it again, I would remember that it is a MIDI controller, not a standalone keyboard with built-in sounds. That means I would need a computer, DAW, or external sound source to use it fully. I would also keep in mind that players who want premium piano-style key action may want to look at higher-end options.
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use 61-key MIDI controller, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 would still be on my shortlist. My overall impression is that it offers strong value for music producers who want hands-on control and good software integration. For me, it is a smart buy if I want a dependable controller that supports creativity without adding complexity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 to be a solid and versatile MIDI controller that offers great value for music producers and performers alike. My biggest takeaway is that it strikes a strong balance between hands-on control, portability, and DAW integration, making it easy to fit into most studio setups. While it may not have every premium feature, I think it delivers everything most users need in a reliable and intuitive package.