Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 review

The Launchkey 49 is the best fit for most home producers because it covers playing, beat programming and mixing in one keyboard. Novation lists four octaves of semi-weighted keys, 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight endless encoders and nine faders. It ships with custom scripts for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour, and other DAWs work through HUI. In Ableton Live you also get sequencer, Drum Rack and clip modes on the hardware. Scale Mode locks the keys to one of 30 scales, and Chord Map, Fixed Chord and User Chord modes help non-pianists build progressions. Capture MIDI saves a take you forgot to record. The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play and a Komplete 15 Select edition. The tradeoffs are a monochrome screen and a 4.08 kg body. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Home producers who want one keyboard that plays well, controls the mixer and works with almost any DAW.

Price

$279.99 at Novation US when checked.

custom controls for any DAW Bestseller $279.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 49 semi-weighted, waterfall-style keys with split and layer zones
• 16 velocity-sensitive FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• Eight endless encoders and nine faders
• Custom scripts for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour, plus HUI for other DAWs
• Scale Mode with 30 scales, three chord modes and a generative arpeggiator

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Widest list of custom DAW scripts on this list
• Strength: Pads with polyphonic aftertouch at under $300
• Strength: Bundle covers Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play and Komplete 15 Select
• Weakness: Monochrome OLED screen rather than a color display
• Weakness: No aftertouch on the keys themselves
• Weakness: At 4.08 kg it is heavier than the mini controllers here

Key facts

• Keys: 49 semi-weighted
• Pads: 16, velocity-sensitive with polyphonic aftertouch
• Controls: 8 encoders, 9 faders
• Connections: USB-C, 5-pin MIDI out, sustain pedal input
• Warranty: Three years, per Novation US store

Where it ranks

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 is No. 1 in our Best Midi Keyboards verdict.