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Average Price: $268
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$200
$501+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Novation Launchkey 61 MK3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Whether you’re launching clips in Ableton Live or composing in any major DAW, the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 is designed to streamline your creative process. Building on the success of its predecessors, this third-generation MIDI keyboard controller features 61 velocity-sensitive synth-style keys, larger pads, and new modes that make it more intuitive than ever. Scale and Chord Modes, along with a powerful arpeggiator, open up new avenues for musical exploration, while the MIDI output connects seamlessly to your external gear. Custom Modes provide extensive customization options, giving you total control over your workflow.
The Launchkey 61 MK3 integrates perfectly with Ableton Live, offering immediate access to essential functions like Capture MIDI, quantize, and loop controls. However, it’s versatile enough to work with other major DAWs, including Logic, Reason, Studio One, and Pro Tools. Its expressive, dynamic performance capabilities make it suitable for musicians of all skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your studio rig.
With its user-friendly features and extensive software bundle, including Ableton Live 10 Lite and various virtual instruments, the Launchkey 61 MK3 ensures you have everything you need to start creating music right out of the box.
Key Features:
- 61 velocity-sensitive synth-style keys
- 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads
- 8 rotary knobs, 9 x 45mm sliders
- Scale Modes and Chord Modes
- Powerful arpeggiator with mutate function
- Custom Modes for tailored control setups
- 5-pin MIDI DIN output for external gear
- Seamless integration with Ableton Live
- Compatibility with major DAWs: Logic, Reason, Studio One, Cubase, Pro Tools
- Dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Easy-to-read 16 x 2 character screen
- USB bus-powered
- Includes software bundle with Ableton Live 10 Lite, Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, and AAS Session Bundle
Product specs
| Brand | Novation |
| Model | Launchkey 61 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 | 61 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
FAQs
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Does the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 require a computer to function?
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The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 is primarily designed to work with a computer, offering seamless integration with DAWs like Ableton Live. However, it can also be used in standalone mode with external MIDI hardware via its MIDI output.
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How does the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 integrate with Ableton Live?
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The Launchkey 61 MK3 offers deep integration with Ableton Live, allowing users to launch clips, control the mixer, and play instruments and Drum Racks directly from the controller.
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What are the key features of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3's arpeggiator?
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The Launchkey 61 MK3 features a versatile arpeggiator with adjustable rhythm patterns, octave range, and gate length, providing creative options for generating melodic patterns.
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Are the keys on the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 weighted?
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The Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 features a synth-action keybed, which is not weighted but is designed for dynamic and expressive playing suitable for a range of musical styles.
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What connectivity options does the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 offer?
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The Launchkey 61 MK3 provides USB MIDI connectivity for easy integration with computers and a standard 5-pin MIDI output for connecting to external MIDI gear.
Videos
Sanjay C
Novation Launchkey MK3 Review - BEST for ABLETON and Logic?
Reviews
PROS
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Seamless integration with popular DAWs like Ableton and Logic Pro
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Encourages creativity with an array of features, boosting workflow efficiency
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Excellent for beginners due to its ease of use and learning capabilities
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Responsive keys and pads enhance the playing experience
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Quality build gives a premium feel, suitable for various musical styles
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Positive impact on music production, enabling users to produce complete songs quickly
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Offers almost full-size keyboard experience, ideal for learning music theory and piano
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Improves DAW control, reducing reliance on a mouse
CONS
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Durability concerns with keys breaking within a few months of use
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Customer service experience reported as unsatisfactory during repair issues
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Non-motorized faders and knobs can complicate workflow, especially in Logic
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Requires manual alignment of physical faders and knobs with software controls, which can be cumbersome
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchkey 61 MK3.
Features and functionality
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The SL MkIII offers push-style screens that show current values and controls, enhancing user interaction with Ableton Incontrol mode.
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The MK4 includes a built-in sequencer and endless encoders, enhancing its workflow capabilities over the MK3.
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The Launchkey 61's pads are praised for being soft, well-weighted, and having adjustable backlight brightness, enhancing usability.
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Comparisons
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Launchkey integrates seamlessly with Ableton, providing a streamlined workflow for beginners, while the SL MkIII is better suited for users with external MIDI gear.
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The MK4's standalone functions and encoders offer notable usability advantages over the MK3, despite personal preferences on the keybed.
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M-Audio Oxygen Pro offers a better keybed quality in the same price range, making it a preferable alternative for those prioritizing key feel.
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The NI A61 is recommended for its better key feel and integration with Komplete Kontrol, serving as a standalone option for music creation.
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User experience
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Owners with piano backgrounds note the SL MkIII's keybed is more satisfying, though still only semi-weighted, falling short of a true piano feel.
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Some users prefer the MK3's keybed, suggesting it's a matter of personal preference rather than a strict upgrade in the MK4.
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Users express dissatisfaction with the semi-weighted keys, comparing them unfavorably to hammer-action keys for serious piano playing.
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Use cases and applications
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The Launchkey is ideal for electronic and hip-hop music enthusiasts looking to create loops, melodies, and chord progressions in Ableton.
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Value and pricing
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The SL MkIII is considered overkill for beginners due to its advanced features, with the Launchkey offering a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential functionality.
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A user found the Launchkey 61 secondhand for $150 CAD, deeming it a reasonable deal despite its mediocre action.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
51
Cool
Very good first midi controller, have had a great experience so far.
Artist usage
Add artist
Illangelo can be seen using the Novation LaunchKey 61 in this video and most visibly at 0:49.
In this music video, Rocky can be seen playing his Novation MIDI Controller keyboard. He's used it on other music videos as well.
In this TikTok video you can see Hájer Gergő is using the Launchkey 61 MK3 MIDI keyboard.
In a Rihanna cover posted to Instagram, Maple plays what appears to be a Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 based on the configuration of the controls.
Seen here: https://www.instagram.com/maplespetdinosaur/reel/C-M1DuQScAF/
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 MK3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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