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Average Price: $247

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$200

$501+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Novation Launchkey 61". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Novation Launchkey 61, a versatile MIDI controller designed to elevate your music production experience. Whether you're a seasoned producer or a budding musician, the Launchkey 61 offers a seamless integration with Ableton Live and other major DAWs, making it an essential tool for your studio setup. With 61 velocity-sensitive keys, this controller provides a natural feel, ensuring every note you play is expressive and nuanced.

The Launchkey 61 is more than just a keyboard—it's a complete music-making powerhouse. It features an intuitive interface with 16 RGB-backlit pads, 8 rotary knobs, and dedicated navigation buttons, allowing you to effortlessly control your software and bring your musical ideas to life. The controller also includes a suite of powerful software instruments and effects, giving you all the tools you need to produce professional-quality music right out of the box.

The Novation Launchkey 61 is perfect for live performances, too. Its lightweight and robust design ensure it can withstand the rigors of the road while maintaining its reliability. With the onboard arpeggiator and chord modes, you can easily create complex rhythms and harmonies on the fly.

Key Features:

  • 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys
  • Seamless integration with Ableton Live and other major DAWs
  • 16 RGB-backlit performance pads
  • 8 assignable rotary knobs
  • Lightweight and durable design for portability
  • Includes a comprehensive software bundle for music production
  • Onboard arpeggiator and chord modes for creative expression

Product specs

Number of Keys 61
Weight 7.5 lbs.
Novation

Novation

Novation // Launchkey Performance

Video thumbnail for Novation // Launchkey Performance by Novation

Novation // Launchkey Performance

Novation

Novation

Video thumbnail for Novation Launchkey 61 Walkthrough and demo by Mojaxx

Novation Launchkey 61 Walkthrough and demo

Mojaxx

Mojaxx

Video thumbnail for Novation Launchkey 61 MkII MIDI Controller Keyboard - Overview & Features by PMTVUK

Novation Launchkey 61 MkII MIDI Controller Keyboard - Overview & Features

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Integrates well with Ableton and Logic, enhancing control during use

  • Sufficient number of keys for piano-like playing without the cost of weighted keys

  • Faders, knobs, and responsive pads allow for easy live performance manipulation

  • Simple interface facilitates quick setup and operation

  • Provides good value for quality and features offered

  • Durable body, sliders, dials, and pads for triggering clips

CONS

  • Inconsistent key resistance over time, affecting play feel

  • Pitch wheel feels clicky and cheap

  • Plastic construction may compromise durability during transport

  • Keys lack weighted piano feel, which might not suit all users

  • Occasional recognition issues with Windows 10

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchkey 61.

Features and functionality

  • Launchkey mk4 offers better integration with Ableton Live, providing a smoother workflow for users familiar with this DAW.

    Source
  • The SL MKIII's screens display current encoder controls and values, enhancing user interaction and control visibility during complex setups.

    Source
  • The MK4's built-in sequencer and endless encoders provide enhanced control, distinct from the MK3's regular pots, making it more versatile for complex compositions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners highlight the deeper synthesis capabilities of the Launchkey mk4, allowing users to learn and create unique presets from scratch.

    Source
  • The SL MKIII offers push-style screens similar to Ableton's Push, making it appealing for users who want hardware-like control with software integration.

    Source
  • Despite the usability advantages of the MK4, some prefer the MK3's keybed, suggesting the choice between them can be subjective based on tactile preferences.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Arturia's Analog Lab Pro offers over 2000 presets that can be easily tweaked with minimal effort, offering a streamlined experience.

    Source
  • The Launchkey's integration with Ableton Live is so seamless that it reportedly streamlines processes for creating loops, melodies, and chord progressions directly within the DAW.

    Source
  • For FL Studio users, the FL-Key might be a better choice than either the MK3 or MK4, as it's specifically tailored for FL Studio integration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Launchkey mk4 is preferred for users planning to delve deeper into synthesis without immediate additional costs.

    Source
  • For those primarily interested in using the keyboard as a piano, neither the Launchkey nor SL MKIII provide fully weighted keys, only semi-weighted.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the keys of the Launchkey mk4 are slightly better than those of other entry-level MIDI keyboards, though they are not considered premium.

    Source
  • Owners highlight that the SL MKIII is more suited for controlling external MIDI gear directly, while the Launchkey is optimal for Ableton-centric workflows.

    Source

Build quality

  • The MK4 is noted for superior build quality, which some users find justifies the price difference, stating it feels more robust during extensive use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One user considers the MK3 to be more cost-effective, especially if you don't need advanced features like deeper chord, arp, or scale functions found in the MK4.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 13 Reviews and 54 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bkode_

Great midi keyboard

I don't use it as much as i would like to, but when i do, it works perfectly. The faders and knobs on it make live performances very easy as they can be assigned to parameters in ableton.

G

It's ok

I use this as my master MIDI keyboard. It's not bad and it gets the job done but after a few months some of the keys have a different feel to the others which makes the feel of playing it less nice. I mean basically the resistance of the keys: some feel looser than others: they go down easier while others stay more stiff. The pitch wheel has always been a little clicky and cheap feeling too. I haven't used any other keyboard as much as this one though so I'm not sure if the way it has "worn in" is atypical. It comes with free Ableton Live Lite but I use FL Studio mostly.

faconrm

Excellent

It works with Ableton (correctly) from version 9.1, I had problems with the installation to get everything to work correctly but with the Ableton update it was solved. I like the versatility in terms of transport, it works very well, in terms of quality/price it is very good. I don't like that the keys don't have a piano-like weight, and that it's made of plastic, which makes it more likely to break during transport to a show.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
K

Yeah, me likey.

This keyboard would be for someone who wants enough keys to play the piano (like me). Also for someone who doesn't want to spend a fortune on weighted keys or such (like me). If you prefer weighted keys maybe try looking at a different keyboard. But the everything on this keyboard is great. It integrates with Ableton well to so that's cool.

L

Works well with ableton.

Very easy to control Ableton with this controller right out of the box. The body, sliders, dials and pads for triggering clips feel sturdy enough. The keys themselves feel a little cheap. Everything functions well and you get what you pay for.

zxr_productions_inc

Best Support with LOGIC and Ableton!

An Amazing MiDi controller that gives you a cool support with LOGIC and Ableton so You won't have to touch your keyboard almost and you can control your mix directly from the Responsive Pads given Above. Would highly recommend this. For Productions, I think thr 49 key would do the trick.

sakurauchi

Performance

this gear i using MK2 version and i use for cosplay performing in contest!!

asidstorm

Very easy to set up in ableton.

Great controller just plug in and play in Ableton. Nobs and sliders are great to work with.

D

Solid

Gets the job done. Win10 has trouble recognizing it sometimes though

djdelorean

Suites all of my midi needs

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dorian Concept uses Novation Launchkey 61

Dorian Concept

Keyboardist, Music Producer

JSBL

...
Verified via YouTube

Quite recent (April 2015) given he doesn't put out a lot of content. The Launchkey in this video is the lower of the two keyboards, visible throughout.

See how GRYFFIN uses Novation Launchkey 61

GRYFFIN

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

you can clearly see at 0.45.

See how Sonny Digital uses Novation Launchkey 61

Sonny Digital

...
Verified via Photo

This item can be seen unmarked in the photo

See how Tom Cosm uses Novation Launchkey 61

Tom Cosm

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Proof on Facebook.

See how elaquent uses Novation Launchkey 61

elaquent

Music Producer

...
Verified via Music Is My Sanctuary

"@Elaquent: Yeah the looks I received trying to juggle the 404 and the Launchkey on my lap was jokes! [laughs]"

"I’ve been using an iPad (and various apps) for a while, along with the Novation Launchkey. I’m doing some trial and error stuff to try to figure out something a little different." - Elaquent

See how Sarah, The !llstrumentalist uses Novation Launchkey 61

Sarah, The !llstrumentalist

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "My Music Production & Live Stream Studio Tour 2025!" by Sarah, The !llstrumentalist, the Novation Launchkey is listed in the description as part of the studio gear used.

Album Usage

The Novation Launchkey 61 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation Launchkey 61, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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finnsmithmusic_

finnsmithmusic_

Gear IQ 196

finnsmithmusic_

finnsmithmusic_

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