Novation Launchkey MK4: Complete Range Guide (Mini to 88-Key)
Novation's Launchkey MK4 controllers have quietly become some of the most capable MIDI keyboards at their price. Deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour, plus a suite of built-in creative tools that actually work, not just spec-sheet filler. In 2026 the lineup is complete: from the pocket-sized Mini 25 all the way up to a new full-size 88-key model with a semi-weighted keybed.
If you have been eyeing the MK4 range but were not sure which size fits your setup, this is the rundown. Every model, what makes each one different, and who it is for.
The Complete Novation Launchkey MK4 Lineup
Eight models cover every setup, from laptop producers who need something that fits in a backpack to players who want a full piano-style controller on their desk. All share the same deep DAW integration and creative tools; the differences come down to key count, key size, and control surface.
Launchkey Mini MK4: The Portable Producers
The Mini 25 and Mini 37 are built for portability. Mini-size keys, compact footprints, and USB-C power so you can plug into a laptop and go. You still get 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight encoders, and the full creative suite: Arpeggiator, Chord Modes, Scale Mode and a Chord Detector on the OLED display.
The Mini 25 starts at $189 CAD and is genuinely small enough for a backpack. The Mini 37 at $229 CAD adds an octave and comes in both black and white. If your main concern is fitting a capable controller into a small space or a travel rig, these are the ones.
Best for: laptop producers, travel rigs, bedroom setups where desk space is tight.
Launchkey 25 and 37 MK4: Standard Keys, Compact Size
Step up to the Launchkey 25 and Launchkey 37 and you get full-size keys with velocity sensitivity. These are the sweet spot for producers who want normal key feel without giving up too much desk space.
Both add nine faders on top of the eight encoders, giving you hands-on mixer and instrument control that the Minis do not have. The Launchkey 25 runs $279 CAD, and the 37 comes in at $319 CAD. For most music production workflows where you are not playing extended piano parts, two or three octaves is plenty, and the faders make mixing and sound design faster.
Best for: producers who want standard keys and faders without a large footprint.
Launchkey 49 and 61 MK4: Full Control Surface
The Launchkey 49 and Launchkey 61 are where the range gets serious as a main studio controller. Four and five octaves respectively, full-size keys, and the same complement of 16 pads, eight encoders, and nine faders.
At $379 CAD and $459 CAD, they compete directly with controllers from Arturia and Native Instruments but bring tighter integration with a wider range of DAWs out of the box. The 49 is the most popular choice for studios that run a mix of software, and the 61 gives keyboardists room to play two-handed parts comfortably.
Best for: main studio controllers, keyboardists, producers who need four or five octaves and a full control surface.
Launchkey 88 MK4: Semi-Weighted, Full-Size Controller
The newest addition. The Launchkey 88 MK4 completes the lineup with over seven octaves of custom-designed, semi-weighted waterfall keys. This is not the same synth-action feel as the rest of the MK4 range. Novation designed a dedicated keybed for the 88, tuned for a piano-like response that is closer to a weighted instrument than a standard MIDI controller.
You still get the full MK4 feature set: 16 pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight endless encoders, nine faders, Arpeggiator, three Chord Modes, Scale Mode, Chord Detector on the OLED display, Split and Layer keyboard modes, and a full-size five-pin MIDI output for driving hardware synths.
At $599 CAD it sits at the top of the Launchkey range and directly targets players who value key feel alongside DAW integration. If you play piano-style parts, record two-handed keyboard performances, or just want the most expressive controller Novation makes, this is the one.
Best for: pianists, keyboardists, film composers, and anyone who prioritizes key feel and full-range playing.
What Every MK4 Shares
Regardless of size, every Launchkey MK4 runs the same feature set under the hood. That means your workflow and muscle memory transfer if you move between sizes, which matters if you have a Mini for travel and a 61 in the studio.
- DAW integration - Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Ardour out of the box, plus Mackie HUI for other DAWs
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch for drums, clips, and instruments
- Arpeggiator with editable parameters for quickly building patterns
- Three Chord Modes - Fixed Chord, User Chord, and Chord Maps for one-finger progressions
- Scale Mode that locks the keyboard to the right key
- Chord Detector on the OLED display showing what you are playing
- NKS-ready for Native Instruments and NKS-compatible plugins
- Included software - Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, plus instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools and Native Instruments
Which Launchkey MK4 Should You Buy?
It comes down to three questions: how many keys do you need, do you need faders, and does key feel matter?
- Portability first: Mini 25 ($189) or Mini 37 ($229)
- Standard keys + faders, small desk: Launchkey 25 ($279) or 37 ($319)
- Main studio controller: Launchkey 49 ($379) or 61 ($459)
- Semi-weighted, piano-feel controller: Launchkey 88 ($599)
All prices are in CAD. Orders over $199 ship free across Canada from our Toronto base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is new in the Novation Launchkey MK4?
The MK4 adds deeper DAW integration with more software (now including Cubase, FL Studio, Bitwig and Ardour alongside Ableton and Logic), an editable Arpeggiator, three Chord Modes, Scale Mode, a Chord Detector on the OLED display, and polyphonic aftertouch on the pads across all models.
What sizes does the Launchkey MK4 come in?
The MK4 range covers Mini 25, Mini 37, 25-key, 37-key, 49-key, 61-key, and 88-key models. The Mini models use mini-size keys, the 25 through 61 use standard full-size keys, and the 88 uses a custom semi-weighted waterfall keybed.
Does the Launchkey MK4 work with FL Studio and Cubase?
Yes. The MK4 range has dedicated integration with Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour. Other DAWs are supported via Mackie HUI.
Is the Launchkey 88 MK4 weighted?
The Launchkey 88 MK4 uses a custom semi-weighted, waterfall-style keybed. It is not fully weighted like a digital piano, but it offers more resistance and a more piano-like response than synth-action keys.
Can I buy Novation Launchkey MK4 in Canada?
Yes. Blackout Audio stocks the full Launchkey MK4 lineup with Canadian pricing. Orders over $199 CAD ship free across Canada.