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Novation Launchkey Mini MK1

4.5 (107)

1 Critic Review

27 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

$69.15 - $129.99

4.5 (14)

Find out who is using Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Key

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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Description

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Discover the power of portability with the Novation Launchkey Mini MK1, a compact 25-mini-key MIDI controller that fits snugly into your creative workflow. This versatile tool is more than just a keyboard; it's a gateway to expressive music-making. With its 16 tri-color performance pads, you can easily tap out beats, launch loops, or even trigger samples, making it a perfect companion for live performances or studio sessions.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Launchkey Mini MK1 offers seamless integration with Ableton Live, allowing you to navigate effortlessly through your projects. It's not just limited to Ableton, though; this MIDI controller plays well with any DAW on your Mac or PC. Whether you're in a studio or on a train, the Launchkey Mini connects to your iPad via the Camera Connection Kit, letting you harness the power of Novation's iOS apps to compose on the go.

The Launchkey Mini MK1 is equipped with 8 programmable knobs, giving you hands-on control over parameters like levels and panning. Plus, the included software bundle—featuring Ableton Live Lite, Novation V-Station, and Bass Station soft synths—ensures you have everything you need to start creating right out of the box.

Key Features:

Compact 25-mini-key MIDI controller for Mac, PC, or iPad
16 tri-color, backlit performance pads for drums, loops, and more
8 programmable knobs for controlling levels, panning, and parameters
Advanced integration with Ableton Live and iOS apps
Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation V-Station, Bass Station synths, and Loopmasters sample pack
Compatible with iPad via Camera Connection Kit

Videos

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] Performance, ft. KillTheRobot

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1] performance explained ft. KillTheRobot

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Novation // Launchkey Mini [MK1]: play your music - anywhere

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Novation Launchkey Mini [MK1] - Overview

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Reviews

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PROS

Great for beginners, easy to use
Highly portable, fits in a laptop bag
Responsive pads, ideal for music production
Works well with Ableton Live, mapping is intuitive
Compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go use
Versatile, suitable for music creation and live sets
Additional knobs and touch buttons enhance production
Velocity-sensitive keys add expressiveness
Plug and play compatibility, especially with Ableton

CONS

Feels cheaply made, predominantly plastic build
Limited to 25 keys, not ideal for complex chord progressions
Interface not perfectly mapped to all DAWs without manual adjustment
Lacks mod/pitch wheel, limiting expression
InControl function can be cumbersome, especially during live performance
Some users report durability issues, like breaking keys
Small pads and keys may not suit all users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Launchkey Mini MK1.

Features and functionality

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The Launchkey Mini MK1's knobs can retain mapping on a device if manually assigned, but new projects require remapping unless a default MIDI map is created.
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There's an emphasis on utilizing MIDI mapping guides for Serum to optimize control and efficiency on the Launchkey Mini MK1.
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The Launchkey Mini MK1 requires switching to the 'Drum' mode by pressing Shift + the second top-left pad for drum pad functionality in Ableton.
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Exclusive Arm setting in Ableton disarms previous tracks automatically, enhancing track management without manual inputs.
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Software and compatibility

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Using non-InControl mode helps maintain consistent CC messages, allowing for a default MIDI map setup for plugins like Serum, ensuring seamless control over parameters.
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Enabling Ableton-specific mappings on the Launchkey Mini MK1 involves pressing the InControl button, which looks like a ">" symbol.
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Enabling Exclusive Arm affects Launchpad functionality, requiring users to hold down multiple track buttons to arm them simultaneously.
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Use cases and applications

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Integrating the Launchkey Mini with Native Instruments products is suggested for users familiar with NI's seamless workflow, leveraging the controller's 8-knob layout.
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For drumming in Ableton Live, users should ensure the drum rack is loaded on a MIDI track that's armed and selected before using the Launchkey Mini MK1 pads.
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Critic Reviews

Novation Launchkey Mini review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK1 is a compact and versatile MIDI controller that scores high on portability and user-friendliness. It offers rich control options with 25 keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and multiple knobs and buttons, making it an excellent tool for musicians on the go. The device is compatible with iOS and Linux, adding to its flexibility. However, it requires a Camera Connection Kit for iOS use, which might be a downside for some users. Despite this minor inconvenience, its bright orange design and substantial input options make it a standout choice for those seeking a portable yet powerful MIDI controller.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 27 Reviews and 107 Ratings

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newyorkimposter

106

about 7 years ago

Cute and does the job, low build quality

The interface is made for specific software and doesn't map perfectly to other DAWs unless you do it manually. The pads and keys are small, though it is a 'mini'. The build quality honestly isn't great. I've had it for a couple of years and a key's broken already, without any hard usage. The Akai series seem more stable (though I've never owned a mini Akai, only full-sized).

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Stage & Screen Alternative rock

robertbullin

over 7 years ago

Great, but a couple problems

I love this! It works really well and it's amazing for a producer on a budget. The only problem I have is I never use the INCONTROL feature, but it automatically turns on when I open FL Studio. I'm not sure if I can fix this but other than that and the lack on a mod/pitch wheel (Which makes sense since it's a budget controller) It works perfectly!

aiur

235

over 10 years ago

Great, cheap, high quality controller

(I'm reviewing the MK2) This keyboard feels really nice. The keys may be small, but I quickly got used to them. A big downside is that, because of the InControl function, you need to have it off to tweak any knobs. That's kind of annoying, when you're doing a live performance with the InControl, but you have to control something. Other than that, I find it really easy to play on, the functional buttons are all hard rubber. The pads (that are also made out of hard rubber) look like actual buttons, but they are certainly not. You're not really pressing them, you're just putting pressure on them. The knobs are soft, but they're really high quality. Totally worth its price.

mark_digital

117

almost 9 years ago

Novation

I definitely should have gotten more than 25 key midi controller for when I am slamming big chords and just fucking laying down the funk if you know what I'm saying. But for what it is it's ok, maybe overpriced or maybe I just don't know how to use it right but fuck it. I will probably buy real outboard synth because a) I want to nerd out with real hardware and b) I fucking love nerding out on hardware.

chillproductions

216

about 11 years ago

Good pre-mapped controller for Ableton

This is a great MIDI controller for Ableton Live. Everything is mapped out and it's very easy to use. The pads are responsive, but a bit small and the knobs work quite well. My only complaint is that it feels cheaply made. It's all plastic. Other than that I recommend it.

robhsmit

201

almost 11 years ago

Nice Portable Device

This is a wonderful device for putting together musical pieces. I use it with my iPad through a USB converter for the Novation apps. It works okay with FL Studio. I wish it had more functionality as with Ableton. I've messed around with Ableton, but it is the light version. Overall, it is a great little product that travels well and provides music creation as well as performance options.

victus

105

over 9 years ago

Great keyboard for on the move work

Really cool MIDI Keyboard, the size of it makes it easy to carry around and use on the go. Additional features such as the touch buttons and extra knobs that the product gives you are really useful for production and I'm sure they will be useful for live sets as well.

pikminjamie

almost 10 years ago

Fantastic for its price

The Launchkey Mini is excellent for beginners, it's incredibly easy to use and for its price you really can't get anything better. You can use for just music production or writing a melody, or the other way around; you can use just the launchpad half when making mashups. Or you can use both for both!

r0cket_fuel

126

almost 6 years ago

it's good

i hardly ever use this, but i still like it

Roles:

Drummer Rapper DJ

Genres:

Rock Hip Hop Alternative hip hop

From Gear Setup

manicbureau

130

over 11 years ago

Ideal for DJs/producers who are always on the go.

I use this with Ableton Live and so far this piece of kit has yet to disappoint. Great form factor and you can slot this into any backpack with much ease.