Novation FLkey 49 review

If FL Studio is your DAW, the FLkey 49 is the most direct way to control it. Novation says it is officially supported by Image-Line and calls it the only keyboard controller made for FL Studio. The 16 RGB pads step-sequence the Channel Rack, trigger samples and build patterns, and they light in colors that match your instruments. Nine faders and eight encoders map to the mixer, Channel Rack and plug-ins, and dedicated buttons cover Score Log, Pattern/Song, undo and redo. The 49 semi-weighted keys can be split or layered, and Scale and Chord modes plus an arpeggiator help with melodies. You get six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, Novation Play, GForce synths and a Komplete Select edition. Outside FL Studio it works through HUI and NKS, and a 5-pin MIDI out drives hardware. It shares the Launchkey 49's $279.99 price. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

FL Studio users who want the Channel Rack, mixer and patterns on hardware.

Price

$279.99 at Novation US when checked.

FLkey 49 The 49-key MIDI keyboard made for FL Studio $279.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with split and layer
• 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for Channel Rack step sequencing
• Eight endless encoders and nine faders mapped to FL Studio
• Dedicated Score Log, Pattern/Song and undo buttons
• Six months of FL Studio Producer Edition included

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Officially supported by Image-Line for FL Studio
• Strength: Pads color-match FL Studio instruments
• Strength: 5-pin MIDI out and HUI support for other DAWs
• Weakness: Deep integration only in FL Studio 26.1.1 or later
• Weakness: FL Studio license in the box lasts six months
• Weakness: Same price as the more DAW-neutral Launchkey 49

Key facts

• Keys: 49 semi-weighted
• Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive RGB
• Controls: 8 encoders, 9 faders
• DAW script: FL Studio 26.1.1 or later; HUI for others
• Connections: USB-C, 5-pin MIDI out, sustain input

Where it ranks

Novation FLkey 49 is No. 4 in our Best Midi Keyboards verdict.