Novation’s Launchkey MK4 Is an Awesome MIDI Controller

The world of budget MIDI keyboards is competitive to say the least. There are countless companies cranking out keyboards under $300, ranging in size from 25 keys to 88 keys. There are mini controllers for tossing into a bag. Controllers with tightly integrated software for simplifying sound design. Keyboards with MPC-style drum pads. Honestly, it’s kinda hard to go wrong picking any of them—they’ll all get the job done.

Still there are a few, depending on your particular needs, that rise to the top. If you’re a user of Arturia or Native Instrument plugins, your best bets are their respective KeyLab Essential and Komplete Kontrol A series. But if you’re not locked into a particular company’s ecosystem, or if your DAW (digital audio workstation) of choice is Ableton Live, then Novation’s Launchkey series is a clear standout. And, with the new MK4 revisions, it makes a solid case for best budget MIDI controller period.

Hardware

There aren’t really any surprises on the hardware front. The LaunchKey MK4 is a budget MIDI controller through and through. The larger 49- and 61-key models have semi-weighted keybeds that are decent, but not great. (The 37- and 25-key models have synth-action keybeds that are even more meh.) It’s mostly plastic. And connectivity options are basic but adequate: just a USB-C port, sustain jack, and five-pin MIDI out.

There are a wealth of hands-on controls. Nine faders (on the larger models), eight endless encoders, 16 pads, and countless buttons. The faders and pads are pretty mediocre. The faders feel a little cheap and loose, and the pads just can’t compete with those on Akai controllers. They’re fine for launching clips, but I wouldn’t want to finger drum on them. The buttons are pleasantly clicky, though, and the move from potentiometers to encoders means you don’t have to deal with the chaos of parameters unexpectedly jumping around as you turn knobs.

Photograph: Terrence O’Brien