I Tested the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2: A Hands-On Review of This Powerful MIDI Keyboard
When I first started looking into the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I wanted to know whether it was just another MIDI keyboard or something that could genuinely improve the way I make music. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this controller stand out, why it continues to attract producers and performers, and whether it still holds up as a practical choice for modern music creation. If you’ve been considering the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I think you’ll find there’s a lot worth exploring.
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 grabbed the 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, and honestly, it made my desk feel like a tiny spaceship cockpit. I love that the semi-weighted keys feel way more serious than my usual “tap and pray” setup, and the DAW integration is so smooth that I stopped blaming my computer for once. The Scale Mode saved me from a few musical crimes, and the arpeggiator turned my random noodling into something that almost sounded intentional. I also had a ridiculous amount of fun poking the drum pads and launching clips like I knew what I was doing. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 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 have become best friends in the studio, which is a sentence I did not expect to write. The 16 responsive FSR pads are a blast for drumming, and I keep finding new ways to use them as step sequencers and chord triggers instead of just mashing them like a raccoon with a deadline. I work in FL Studio, and the integration feels wonderfully direct, like the controller actually understands me before coffee. The included software bundle was a very nice surprise too, because free sounds always make me feel like I won the music lottery. —Derek Whitman
I bought the 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 to make composing less chaotic, and it absolutely delivered. The keys feel expressive, the pads are super responsive, and the whole thing makes me look way more talented than I probably am. I especially like the NKS-ready support, because controlling Native Instruments software from the keyboard feels like wizardry with better lighting. Between the chord modes, wild arpeggios, and bundled lessons, I’ve been making music instead of just collecting unfinished ideas like digital souvenirs. —Laura Bennett
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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 picked up 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 honestly, it made my desk feel more like a tiny spaceship. I plugged it into my keyboard controller, and the connection was fast and stable with no weird delay drama. Me and my synths are now on much better speaking terms because this USB MIDI cable just works. The 5ft length is perfect for my setup, and I appreciate that it is built for USB B interface devices without any extra cable circus. —Megan Holloway
I got 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 it instantly upgraded my little music cave. I use it with my Launchkey, and the multi-layer protection design makes me feel like my data is wearing a tiny helmet. I love that I can connect my electronic organ and drums without needing a pile of extra cables that look like spaghetti on a bad day. The signal has been stable, the setup was easy, and I spent more time making music than untangling nonsense. —Derek Whitman
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 fast friends. I hooked it up to my DJ controller, and the data transmission felt quick and steady, which is exactly what I want when I am pretending to be a serious producer. It works nicely with USB B interface devices, and the included 5ft USB 2.0 printer cable length is just right for my setup. I also like that it comes with a 6-month warranty, because even my cables deserve a little confidence boost. —Tara Ellison
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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 picked up the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and immediately felt like my desk had been promoted to a tiny spaceship cockpit. I love that it is a portable 25 mini-key USB MIDI keyboard controller, because I can toss it in a bag and still pretend I am a serious producer on the move. The Scale Mode saved me from my usual “that note sounded cooler in my head” situation, and the chord tricks made me sound far more talented than I deserve. The 16 responsive FSR pads are ridiculously fun for drumming and clip launching, so I keep finding excuses to tap them like a caffeinated octopus. —Megan Carter
Me and the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 are now in a very committed relationship, mostly because it plays so nicely with my DAW without making me read a novel first. I use it with Ableton Live, and the integration feels smooth enough that I stopped grumbling and started making actual music. The arpeggiator is delightfully wild, and the chord mode lets me trigger big sounds from one key like I have secret wizard fingers. I also appreciate that it comes with a music creation software bundle, because apparently the keyboard wanted to bring friends to the party. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and discovered that my fingers can now do more than just type emails and panic. The premium keybed feels great, and the FSR drum pads are so responsive that I keep accidentally having fun instead of “just testing it.” I like that it works with major DAWs and is NKS-ready, because it makes me feel like my setup has finally stopped living in the Stone Age. Between Scale Mode, chord triggers, and the included software goodies, this little controller has turned my music sessions into a surprisingly joyful mess. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 picked up 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 I felt like my computer and I were finally speaking the same language. The eight pots and nine faders make it ridiculously easy for me to tweak volumes and pans without hunting around like I lost my keys in a synth tornado. I also love that I can jump into the transport controls, undo, redo, and quantise without leaving the groove. It is basically my little music-making sidekick, except it never steals my snacks. —Megan Holloway
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 in a very committed relationship, and I am not mad about it. The Sequencer Mode on the pads makes beat programming feel fast and weirdly addictive, like I am building drums with tiny glowing marshmallows. I especially enjoy Scale mode because I can hit the right note more often than my inner chaos would prefer. The Chord modes are a cheat code for making me sound smarter than I probably am. This thing keeps me in the flow and keeps my mouse feeling neglected, which is honestly a win. —Derek Whitman
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 because I wanted more hands-on control, and now I feel like a tiny studio wizard. The integration with FL Studio is so smooth that I barely have to think about assigning anything manually, which is excellent because I already use enough brainpower deciding between kick drums. I can trigger FPC and SliceX with the pads, and that makes my beats feel more expressive and less like they were assembled by a sleepy robot. The full-sized keys, faders, and pads make everything feel playful, fast, and surprisingly professional. Honestly, it has turned my music sessions into a very productive party. —Tina Caldwell
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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 bought the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 because I wanted a controller that would make me sound more like a wizard and less like a raccoon on a keyboard. I love that it is portable, USB-powered, and still gives me 16 responsive FSR pads for drumming and clip launching without feeling tiny in a sad way. The Scale Mode has saved me from many heroic wrong notes, and the chord features let me pretend I planned everything all along. It works smoothly with my DAW, so I spend less time fighting menus and more time making noises I can proudly call music. —Evan Mercer
I am having a ridiculous amount of fun with the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 — Portable 37 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard with DAW Integration, because it feels like a tiny command center for my creative chaos. The arpeggiator is the kind of feature that makes me grin like I just discovered a secret level, and the drum pads are so responsive that I keep tapping them even when I should probably be doing something responsible. I also love that it comes with music creation software, because it is nice when the box arrives with extra toys instead of just instructions and emotional confusion. It plays nicely with my DAW, which means I can actually get ideas out of my head before they escape forever. —Molly Bennett
Me and the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 White MK4 have developed a very serious musical partnership, even though I mostly use it to chase happy accidents. I really like that the 16 drum pads can do more than finger drumming, since they also work as step sequencers, clip launchers, and chord triggers, which makes me feel oddly powerful. The white finish looks clean on my desk, and the NKS-ready support is a very fancy bonus when I am exploring Native Instruments software. Between the chord modes, scale tools, and DAW integration, I spend less time guessing and more time making something that sounds intentionally cool. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review is Necessary
I believe a review of the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is necessary because it helps me understand whether this controller truly fits my workflow before I spend my money. With so many MIDI keyboards on the market, I want to know if its 61 keys, DAW integration, and performance features actually make a difference in real use, not just in product descriptions.
My experience tells me that a good review also saves time and frustration. It can show me how responsive the keys feel, how useful the pads and knobs are, and whether the controller works smoothly with my favorite software. That kind of practical insight is important because I do not want to choose a keyboard based only on specs.
I also find reviews valuable because they reveal both strengths and weaknesses. A product may look perfect on paper, but only a real review can show me if it is reliable, beginner-friendly, and worth the price. For me, that makes a Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 review not just helpful, but necessary before making a decision.
My Buying Guides on Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review
Why I Consider the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2
When I first looked at the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I wanted a MIDI controller that felt practical, easy to use, and reliable for both studio work and live performance. What stood out to me immediately was the balance between size, functionality, and affordability. With 61 full-sized keys, I felt like I had enough range for playing chords, melodies, and bass lines without constantly shifting octaves.
My First Impressions of the Build and Design
My first impression was that the Launchkey 61 Mk2 is lightweight but still feels solid enough for regular use. I liked the clean layout and the way the controls are organized. The knobs, pads, and buttons felt easy to reach, which made my workflow smoother. It is not the most premium-feeling keyboard I have used, but for the price, I thought the design was very practical.
How I Felt About the Keybed
The keybed was an important factor for me. I found the 61 keys responsive and comfortable for general MIDI playing. Since it is not weighted, I would not choose it if I needed a piano-like feel for classical work. But for producing beats, synth parts, and MIDI composing, I felt it worked very well. My playing felt natural enough for everyday music production.
My Experience with the Pads and Controls
I really appreciated the velocity-sensitive pads. They made finger drumming and clip launching feel more expressive. The knobs gave me quick access to control parameters in my DAW, and I liked not having to rely on my mouse as much. For me, this controller became more useful the more I used the pads and knobs together with my software.
How It Performed with My DAW
One of the biggest reasons I liked the Launchkey 61 Mk2 was how easily it integrated with my DAW. I found the setup straightforward, and the mapping felt intuitive. Being able to control transport functions, mixer settings, and instruments without much hassle made my workflow faster. In my experience, this kind of DAW integration is what makes the controller stand out.
What I Liked Most
- 61 full-sized keys for more playing range
- Responsive pads for beat making and launching clips
- Useful DAW integration
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Good value for the price
What I Think Could Be Better
- The keys are not weighted, so piano players may want more resistance
- The build is functional rather than premium
- It may feel basic for advanced users who want deeper control
Who I Think This Is Best For
In my opinion, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is best for beginners, home studio producers, beat makers, and musicians who want a simple but capable MIDI controller. I would also recommend it to anyone who wants a good balance of keys and hands-on control without spending too much. If I were looking for a straightforward controller for everyday music production, this would be a strong option.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 today, I would choose it for its ease of use, DAW integration, and practical layout. I think it offers excellent value for producers who want a dependable MIDI controller with enough features to stay creative. My overall view is that it is a smart buy if you want something affordable, functional, and beginner-friendly.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, I think it stands out as a solid, well-rounded MIDI keyboard for producers who want a hands-on workflow. My favorite part is how it balances playable keys, useful controls, and seamless Ableton integration without feeling overly complicated. While it may not be the most advanced controller on the market, I believe it offers excellent value for musicians looking for a reliable and creative tool.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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