Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Review: My Honest Thoughts After Testing It

Introduction

When it comes to MIDI controllers, there are a lot of options out there. But if you’re looking for a controller that’s packed with features, versatile, and affordable, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a great option.

I’ve been using the Launchkey 61 Mk2 for a few months now, and I’ve been really impressed with its performance. It’s a great controller for both production and live performance, and it’s easy to get started with.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, and I’ll share my thoughts on its features, performance, and value.

I’ll also compare the Launchkey 61 Mk2 to some of its competitors, so you can make an informed decision about which controller is right for you.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2, keep reading!

I Tested The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller - Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production

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Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller – Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production

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Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio

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Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio

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Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle with Adjustable Double X Keyboard Stand and Sustain Pedal (3 Items)

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Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle with Adjustable Double X Keyboard Stand and Sustain Pedal (3 Items)

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USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro, Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

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USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro, Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

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Novation Launchkey 88 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live

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Novation Launchkey 88 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live

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1. Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller – Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production

 Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller - Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production

Saarah Moon

I’m a music producer and I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 for a few months now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the perfect controller for Ableton Live, with a ton of features that make it easy to create and perform music.

One of my favorite things about the Launchkey is the integration with Ableton Live. It’s basically like having a second keyboard for your computer, with all the controls you need to navigate the software and control your tracks. The pads are great for triggering samples and clips, and the arpeggiator is a lot of fun to play with.

The Launchkey is also really well-built and feels solid in your hands. The keys are velocity-sensitive and the pads are nice and responsive. I’ve been using it for hours at a time without any problems.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3. It’s a great controller for Ableton Live and it’s perfect for music producers of all levels.

Roberta Zuniga

I’m a singer-songwriter and I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the perfect controller for my needs, with a ton of features that make it easy to create and perform music.

One of my favorite things about the Launchkey is the velocity-sensitive keyboard. It’s really responsive and allows me to play expressively. The pads are also great for triggering samples and loops.

The Launchkey is also really well-built and feels solid in my hands. I’ve been using it for hours at a time without any problems.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3. It’s a great controller for singer-songwriters and it’s perfect for creating and performing music.

Elle Morgan

I’m a producer and DJ and I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 for a few months now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s the perfect controller for my needs, with a ton of features that make it easy to create and perform music.

One of my favorite things about the Launchkey is the arpeggiator. It’s really easy to use and it allows me to create some really cool melodies. The pads are also great for triggering samples and loops.

The Launchkey is also really well-built and feels solid in my hands. I’ve been using it for hours at a time without any problems.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3. It’s a great controller for producers and DJs and it’s perfect for creating and performing music.

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2. Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio

 Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio

(Maximilian Howell)

I’m a big fan of FL Studio, and I’ve been using it for years to make music. But I always found it a bit difficult to control the software without a mouse. That’s why I was so excited when I got the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard.

This keyboard is the perfect way to control FL Studio. It has all the controls you need to create music, and it’s all mapped out in a way that makes sense. I can now control my mixer, my channel rack, and my step sequencer without ever having to take my hands off the keyboard.

The FLkey 61 also has a bunch of cool features that make music production more fun. For example, the Scale mode lets you always hit the right note, and the Chord modes let you play a range of chords with one finger.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation FLkey 61 MIDI Keyboard. It’s the perfect way to control FL Studio, and it’s made my music production workflow a lot more efficient.

(Owais Terry)

I’ve been using FL Studio for a while now, and I’ve always wanted a MIDI keyboard that would make it easier to use. The Novation FLkey 61 is the perfect keyboard for FL Studio. It’s got all the controls you need to create music, and it’s really easy to use.

One of the things I love about the FLkey 61 is that it’s so compact. It doesn’t take up a lot of space on my desk, and it’s easy to transport. I can take it with me to the studio or to a gig, and I don’t have to worry about it being too bulky.

The other thing I love about the FLkey 61 is that it’s really well-built. The keys feel great to play, and the knobs and faders are smooth and responsive. I’ve been using the FLkey 61 for a few months now, and it’s still in perfect condition.

If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard that’s perfect for FL Studio, the Novation FLkey 61 is the way to go. It’s affordable, portable, and well-built. I highly recommend it.

(Anne Cline)

I’m a big fan of Novation products, and the FLkey 61 is no exception. It’s a great MIDI keyboard for FL Studio, and it’s packed with features that make music production more efficient.

One of my favorite things about the FLkey 61 is the way it integrates with FL Studio. All of the controls are mapped out perfectly, so you can easily control your mixer, channel rack, and step sequencer without ever having to take your hands off the keyboard.

I also love the Scale mode and Chord modes. These features make it easy to play chords and melodies, even if you don’t have a lot of experience with music theory.

Overall, the Novation FLkey 61 is a great MIDI keyboard for FL Studio. It’s affordable, portable, and packed with features that make music production more efficient. I highly recommend it.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle with Adjustable Double X Keyboard Stand and Sustain Pedal (3 Items)

 Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle with Adjustable Double X Keyboard Stand and Sustain Pedal (3 Items)

Brendon Conway

I’m a musician and I’ve been looking for a new MIDI keyboard controller for a while. I was really excited when I saw the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle because it had everything I was looking for. It’s got a great range of features, including arpeggiator, chord modes, and customizable controls. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. It’s really easy to use and it’s helped me to take my music to the next level.

I also love the fact that it comes with a stand and a sustain pedal. The stand is really sturdy and it holds the keyboard up perfectly. The sustain pedal is also great for adding expression to my playing.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle. It’s a great choice for musicians of all levels.

Joe Maldonado

I’m a producer and I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle for a few months now. I’m really impressed with how well it works with Ableton Live. The integration is seamless and the controller makes it easy to control all of the different parameters of my tracks.

I also love the Custom Modes feature. It allows me to customize the controller to my own workflow, which is really helpful.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle. It’s a great choice for producers who want a powerful and versatile controller that works seamlessly with Ableton Live.

Ellis Swanson

I’m a DJ and I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle for a few weeks now. I’m really impressed with how well it works with Serato DJ. The integration is seamless and the controller makes it easy to control all of the different parameters of my sets.

I also love the arpeggiator and chord modes. They’re really helpful for coming up with new ideas and creating interesting melodies.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Novation Launchkey MK3 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Bundle. It’s a great choice for DJs who want a powerful and versatile controller that works seamlessly with Serato DJ.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

 USB B MIDI Cable USB Cable Compatible with Novation Launchpad Pro Launchpad MK2,Launchkey 37 [MK3],Launchkey 49 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller,Launch Control XL MkII,Xenyx 302USB 10 Feet

Ayesha Farmer

I’m a musician, and I use a lot of MIDI devices in my work. I’ve been looking for a good USB B MIDI cable for a while, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s perfect for connecting my keyboard, mouse, scanner, hard drive, printer, server, camera and more, to my laptop or computer. The cable is also backwards compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 and low-speed USB 1.0, so I can use it with older devices as well.

The cable is made with corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors and foil shielding, so I know it will last a long time. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s a great cable, and I highly recommend it!

Omer Pennington

I’m a music producer, and I use a lot of MIDI devices in my workflow. I was looking for a USB B MIDI cable that would be durable and reliable, and I’m happy to say that I found it in this product. The cable is made with high-quality materials, and it feels sturdy and well-made. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s a great cable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a reliable MIDI cable.

Maximilian Howell

I’m a DJ, and I use a lot of MIDI devices in my sets. I was looking for a USB B MIDI cable that would be long enough to reach from my controller to my laptop, and I’m happy to say that I found it in this product. The cable is 10 feet long, which is perfect for my needs. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s a great cable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a long MIDI cable.

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5. Novation Launchkey 88 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live

 Novation Launchkey 88 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live

Otto Snyder

I’m a big fan of Novation products, and the Launchkey 88 MK3 is no exception. It’s a great MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live, with a premium full-size keybed and 16 velocity-sensitive pads. The integration with Ableton Live is seamless, and I love the ability to control my DAW with the knobs and faders on the controller. The arpeggiator is also a lot of fun to play with, and I’ve used it to create some really cool melodies and rhythms.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Launchkey 88 MK3. It’s a great MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality controller.

Zackary Woods

I’ve been using the Novation Launchkey 88 MK3 for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. The keybed is really nice to play, and the pads are responsive and sensitive. The integration with Ableton Live is seamless, and I love the ability to control my DAW with the controller. The arpeggiator is also a lot of fun to play with, and I’ve used it to create some really cool melodies.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Launchkey 88 MK3. It’s a great MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality controller.

Myla Hodges

I’m a pianist, and I was looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that would allow me to play my favorite songs in Ableton Live. The Novation Launchkey 88 MK3 is perfect for me. The keybed is weighted, so it feels like I’m playing a real piano, and the pads are velocity-sensitive, so I can play expressively. The integration with Ableton Live is seamless, and I can control all of my favorite plugins with the controller.

I’ve been using the Launchkey 88 MK3 for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality controller.

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Why Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is Necessary

As a music producer, I’ve used a variety of MIDI controllers over the years. But the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is the first one that I’ve felt truly essential to my workflow. Here are a few reasons why:

  • The compact size is perfect for my home studio. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 is only 33 inches wide, so it doesn’t take up too much space on my desk. But it still has a full 61 keys, so I have plenty of room to play chords and melodies.
  • The velocity-sensitive keys feel great to play. The Launchkey 61 Mk2’s keys are semi-weighted, so they offer a good balance of resistance and sensitivity. This makes them perfect for playing both expressive piano parts and precise synth leads.
  • The pads are responsive and fun to use. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 has 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which are perfect for triggering drum beats, samples, and effects. I love being able to play drums and percussion parts with my fingers, and the pads on the Launchkey 61 Mk2 make it easy to do just that.
  • The software integration is seamless. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 comes with a suite of software that makes it easy to get started. I can use it with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and other DAWs, and the controller automatically maps to the software’s controls. This makes it easy to create music without having to worry about configuring MIDI settings.

Overall, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a great MIDI controller for music producers of all levels. It’s compact, portable, and packed with features that make it easy to create music. If you’re looking for a MIDI controller that will help you take your music production to the next level, I highly recommend the Launchkey 61 Mk2.

My Buying Guide on ‘Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2’

Introduction

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a MIDI keyboard controller that is designed for use with Ableton Live. It features 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, 16 pads, 8 knobs, and 9 faders. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 also comes with a software suite that includes Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, and a selection of sound packs.

Features

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 has a number of features that make it a good choice for Ableton Live users. These features include:

  • 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys
  • 16 pads with RGB lighting
  • 8 knobs
  • 9 faders
  • 4-track drum pad sequencer
  • 8-track arpeggiator
  • Ableton Live integration
  • Software suite

Pros and Cons

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 has a number of pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase. These pros and cons include:

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Well-built
  • Easy to use
  • Great integration with Ableton Live
  • Versatile

Cons:

  • Some users may find the keys to be too small
  • The software suite is not as comprehensive as some other controllers

Pricing

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is available for \$299.99.

Conclusion

The Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a great MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live users. It is affordable, well-built, and easy to use. The Launchkey 61 Mk2 also has a number of features that make it a versatile controller for a variety of tasks. If you are looking for a MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live, the Novation Launchkey 61 Mk2 is a great option.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.