Novation Launchkey 25

^# 20

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$99.99 to $149.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (60)

1 Critic Review

13 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Novation Launchkey 25 MK3

$99.99 - $169.99

4.0 (1)

Find out who is using Novation Launchkey 25

4 community setups

5 wishlisted

108 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$99.99 20 available New

$61.00 13 available Used

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$149.99

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Average Price: $185

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Novation Launchkey 25 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

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High-end

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Description

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Introducing the Novation Launchkey 25, the ultimate MIDI keyboard controller specifically designed for Ableton Live. This latest generation controller embodies a simplified yet powerful approach to electronic music production. With its effortless plug-and-play functionality, every element of your music is at your fingertips. The keys, faders, knobs, and pads instantly animate your grid, instruments, effects, and mixer.

This controller is not just for Ableton users, as it easily maps to other major music software using InControl. Its compact design and durability make it the perfect companion for any musician on the go, and it's USB bus-powered, so there's no need for a power cable.

With the Launchkey 25, you can create dynamic drum beats with the 16 velocity-sensitive pads. The RGB pads match the color of your clips, providing a visually engaging experience. Shape your sound to perfection with eight rock-solid knobs and enjoy the freedom of reassigned controls.

Key Features:

Designed specifically for Ableton Live
16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads
8 rock solid knobs for sound tweaking
Compact and durable design
USB bus-powered
Works with other major music software using InControl
Includes Ableton Live Lite, 4GB of Loopmasters samples, Novation Bass Station and V Station virtual instruments, and one of four XLN Audio Addictive Keys instruments
Two-year warranty

Product specs

Brand	Novation
Model	Launchkey 25 MKIII MIDI Keyboard Controller
Year	2020 - 2025
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	25 Keys
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

Is the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII compatible with Ableton Live?: Yes, the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII is designed to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, providing hands-on control over various functions, including launching clips, adjusting mixer settings, and controlling effects.
Does the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII require a computer to operate?: While the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII is optimized for use with a computer and DAW software, it can also function standalone to control hardware synthesizers via MIDI output.
Are the keys on the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII weighted?: No, the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII features a synth-action keybed, which is not weighted but provides a responsive and dynamic playing experience.
What kind of connectivity options does the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII offer?: The Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII offers USB MIDI connectivity for computer integration and a standard MIDI output for connecting to external MIDI hardware.
How many pads does the Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII have, and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Novation Launchkey 25 MKIII is equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which allow for expressive control over drum programming and other MIDI-triggered functions.

Videos

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TAETRO

BEST NEW MIDI CONTROLLER | Novation Launchkey Mini MKIII Overview

TAETRO

6 Month Review & Technical Setup (Novation Launchkey)

DSoundman

Novation Launchkey 25 and FL Studio Setup - Unboxing and Setup

K&D_Enterprise

Making A Beat - Novation Launch Key 25 - Ableton Live

Jerome Hill

Nenne Effe - NOVATION LAUNCHKEY 25 DEMO

Nenne Effe

Novation Launchkey 25

Night Drive Beats

Reviews

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PROS

Compact and portable, fits well on desk setups
INCONTROL feature for spontaneous parameter control
Automatically maps knobs to software parameters
Comes with transport and track switching buttons
Compatible with major music software out-of-the-box
Free app enhances functionality and user experience
Velocity-sensitive, illuminated launch pads for live performance
Assignable rotary controls for versatile manipulation
Easy to use, even for beginners
Durable and reliable over time

CONS

Primarily optimized for Ableton, might have limited integration with other DAWs
Limited to 25 keys, might not suit those needing a larger range
Some users may not utilize pads or knobs fully

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchkey 25.

Features and functionality

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The Launchkey MK4's chord and arpeggiator features are highlighted as highly inspiring, enabling setup of user chords on pads with mutate/deviate functions.
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Weighted or semi-weighted keys on MIDI controllers like the Launchkey 25 are designed to mimic acoustic piano feel, potentially explaining the heavier touch required.
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The Launchkey Mini 37 is praised for its bundled Melodics lessons, enhancing skills in keys and finger drumming.
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Software and compatibility

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Novation Launchkey series offers superior integration with Ableton Live, making them ideal for users of this DAW.
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Comparisons

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Arturia Minilab is praised for better built quality and keys compared to Novation's mini keys, which are described as cheap-feeling and noisy.
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Some users find the Akai MPK Mini equally demanding for velocity, suggesting that both brands may require adaptation for lighter-touch preferences.
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Owners suggest that while 37 keys allow for wider chords and bass notes, the form factor often trumps the need for more keys in production setups.
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User experience

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Owners report that the Launchkey Mini MK4 fits well in setups alongside other controllers like the APC40 and Push 2 for an efficient workspace.
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Owners note that reaching high velocity on the Launchkey 25 can feel challenging, even with the velocity curve set to high, similar to semi-weighted keyboard actions.
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Despite owning larger keyboards, experienced users still value the LaunchKey Mini for its compact form and ease of use in quick sound experimentation.
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Use cases and applications

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The Launchkey 25 is often used in dawless setups, notably when connected to devices like Circuit Tracks and Android devices.
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The Mini 37 is favored for R&B, hip hop, and funk due to its compact size, making it perfect for mobile setups and small studio spaces.
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Critic Reviews

Novation Launchkey 25 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Novation Launchkey 25 is a standout MIDI controller in its price range, offering solid keys, pads, and transport controls that seamlessly integrate with DAWs and iPad apps. While the auto-mapping InControl system enhances user experience with minimal setup, the build quality is mostly impressive except for the slightly cheap-feeling pots and sliders. The device is highly functional and well-priced, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and those seeking an upgrade. However, FL Studio users may find the pad backlighting limitations slightly disappointing. Overall, it’s a solid investment for music production.

positive

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