Overall, I really like this MIDI controller. I am just dipping my toe into music creation, so having access to a program like Ableton with an easy enough to figure out controller is nice. Overall, there are a couple things I like and don't like.
Pros:
- My 49 key is great for it's range of keys without being big enough that it needs dedicated space.
- The controller is run with just one cable, so transportation is easy.
- The keys are somewhat sensitive to velocity. There isn't really soft touch/soft sound, but if you strike the keys more aggressively, you can get a louder tone.
- The controller really does interact easily with Ableton.
Cons:
- The keys aren't that sensitive to velocities. Louder is all good, but softer is left wanting.
- The keys aren't weighted (I wasn't really expecting them to be, but my roommate has a real piano so I am getting spoiled).
- Along the lines of not being able to play softer, there is only one accessory port. I have a two pedal accessory so I can sustain, but I can't dampen the sound.
If there is a Novation employee checking this, I do have a few questions:
1) I am looking for another MIDI, nothing is wrong with mine, even after a year in a half, but I want a 25 key that is easier to carry around. Between the normal 25 key and the mini, what is the better option for carrying the controller around with me? I know the setup of the normal one, but is the mini compact enough that it is worth the tradeoff?
2) Can you run a sustain pedal on the mini?
3) Since I already have Ableton Lite from my Launchkey 49, is it possible to get a controller without an Ableton Lite pass for a lower price?
Overall: I am really pleased with my Launchkey, and for what it is, the quality, and the portability, it is definitely worth the price.
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From the manufacturer
Everything You Need
Launchkey is our easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. It’s pretty much the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music, especially in Ableton Live – because we designed it specifically for the purpose. You can choose between 25, 49 and 61-note versions.
Start Immediately
Launchkey is fully USB bus-powered and class compliant, so it works straight away without power supplies or drivers on Mac or PC. It comes with everything you need to start making electronic music.
Take Control of Ableton
Tweak and Mix Your Tracks
Addictive Keys
Everything You Need
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Learn with MelodicsFree keys and pad drumming lessons with Melodics makes you get the most out of your controller straight out of the box. |
Control All Major SoftwareGet automatic hands-on control of other music software using InControl. |
Make Beats in RGB Colour16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads for both colour-matched feedback when launching clips and creating expressive drum beats. |
Control All Major SoftwareYour choice of music software is crucial. Designed for Ableton Live, its pads and buttons take control of all other major software too using InControl. |
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| Launchkey 25 | Launchkey 49 | Launchkey 61 | Launchkey Mini | |
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| Customer Reviews |
321
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1,957
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1,957
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1,957
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| Bus Powered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compatibility | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC | Mac/PC |
| Host Connectivity | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Keyboard Size | 25 Key | 49 Key | 61 Key | 25 Key |
| Knobs | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Pads | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Velocity & Pressure Sensitive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live, 49-Note MK2 Version |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $99.00 | $119.00 | $169.00 | $109.00 | $269.00 |
| Delivery | — | — | — | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 25 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 18 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | ARTURIA | AudioDeluxe |
| number of keys | 49 | 25 | 32 | 37 | 25 | 61 |
| hardware interface | usb2.0 | usb | usb | usb | usb c | usb |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| model year | — | 2023 | 2021 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 |
Reviews with images
Great value
Very cool controller, the only other controller I have owned is a kx88 which is tiers above this price range so I'll be gentle.Light weight, I'd be comfortable hiking with this thing on my back. kx88 breaks my back to move it across the house.Key action, this is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I learned on a vintage upright piano and then the kx88 weighted action keys so I know what keys are supposed to feel like and this leaves me wanting slightly. I try to take into account I bought this brand new and the drum rack buttons and key springs are all more rigid than they will be when I break it in a little better.Would I buy it again? probably so. The features I haven't touched on are what make this particular controller so valuable. 'in control' buttons.So I bought a stand for it that includes a laptop rack from griffin which is badass, but I could get away without having the pc so close because the in control buttons communicate seamlessly with ableton live so that you can navigate and record with out having the grab a mouse and find your cursor and move it over. I plan on producing large quantities of tracks for movies and tv with this rig so this makes it much more streamlined.Novation, if you sold a weighted model I would have bought it in 61 keys. My next purchase will be to get that acoustic piano key action back in my life.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
El buen comprador
Perfecto para ableton, increible calidad, buen precio
Reviewed in Mexico on September 26, 2019Style: 61 KeysVerified Purchase
Beto Cristóbal
Presentación y fecha de entrega excelentes.
Reviewed in Mexico on July 24, 2019Style: 25 KeysVerified Purchase
