Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 review

The Launchkey Mini 25 puts most of the full-size Launchkey's workflow into a 0.78 kg controller. Novation lists 25 synth-style mini keys, 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch and eight endless encoders that switch between plugin, mixer, sends and transport modes. It uses the same custom DAW scripts as the bigger models, covering Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, FL Studio and Ardour, and in Live it adds sequencer, Drum Rack and clip modes. Scale Mode with 30 scales, three chord modes and the generative arpeggiator are all here, shown on an OLED display. The bundle matches the Launchkey 49: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play and a Komplete 15 Select edition. Compared with the MPK Mini IV it has twice the pads but uses touch strips instead of wheels, and its MIDI out is a 3.5 mm jack. It costs $129.99. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Ableton Live and multi-DAW producers who want Launchkey features in a portable size.

Price

$129.99 at Novation US when checked.

Launchkey Mini 25 The portable creative controller: 25 mini-keys, Scale and Chord Modes, generative arpeggiator, and powerful DAW integration $129.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• 25 velocity-sensitive synth-style mini keys
• 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• Eight endless encoders with plugin, mixer, sends and transport modes
• Same custom DAW scripts and creative modes as the full-size Launchkey
• 3.5 mm MIDI out and sustain input

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 16 pads, double the MPK Mini IV and MiniLab 3
• Strength: Ableton Live sequencer, Drum Rack and clip modes
• Strength: Weighs 0.78 kg
• Weakness: Pitch and mod are touch strips
• Weakness: MIDI out uses a 3.5 mm jack, so 5-pin gear needs an adapter
• Weakness: No faders

Key facts

• Keys: 25 synth-style mini keys
• Pads: 16 with polyphonic aftertouch
• Encoders: 8 endless
• Connections: USB-C, 3.5 mm MIDI out, sustain input
• Weight: 0.78 kg

Where it ranks

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is No. 6 in our Best Midi Keyboards verdict.