Novation Launchkey 88 MK4: The Launchkey MK4 Series is now Complete

The Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 completes the Launchkey MK4 series with a refreshed design and new, more expressive keys and pads.

Everything You Need to Know about the Novation Launchkey MK4 SeriesNovation Launchkey 88 MK4Launchkey 61 MK4 WhiteNovation Launchkey MK4 WhiteNovation Launchkey Mk4: A New Generation of Keyboard Controllers

Novation Launchkey 88 MK4

When Novation launched (ahem!) the Launchkey MK4 series a couple of years ago, one model was missing from the range. The Launchkey 88, which had been introduced only two years prior, remained unchanged for the time being. Now, Novation is completing the line-up with the new Launchkey 88 MK4.

Like its little siblings, the 88-key controller sports a new design with a clearer panel layout. The 16 pads and 8 endless rotary encoders are now on the right side, while the 9 faders have moved to the left. I think that’s a great idea, as it means you can play on the keys or pads using your right hand while tweaking the faders with your left.

Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 · Source: Novation

The Launchkey 88 MK4 also gets the new OLED display of the MK4 series, which replaces the outdated LCD screen. Below the display, you’ll find a pair of Track Select buttons, as well as the buttons for the Scale and Chord modes and the arpeggiator. On the far right, there’s a DAW control section with transport keys, Quantize, Metronome, Undo, and Capture MIDI.

According to Novation, the keybed has been refined for enhanced expressiveness. It should be noted that the Launchkey 88 MK4 is not a hammer-action keyboard controller, but features 88 semi-weighted keys. While it’s a bit of a bummer that the keys don’t have aftertouch, the upgraded pads do support poly pressure.

Source: Novation

Thanks to two independent MIDI zones, you can create split and layer setups using two different MIDI channels. In addition to USB-C, there’s a 5-pin MIDI output for controlling hardware instruments, as well as a sustain pedal jack.

The Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 directly supports Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, and Ardour. In these DAWs, no complicated setup is required. The NKS standard is also supported. The controller comes with a comprehensive software package, including Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, and various instruments and effects from Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools, and Native Instruments.

Price and Availability

You can now pre-order the Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 from Thomann* for $425 / £387 / €444, with deliveries expected to begin in about 6-8 weeks.

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Novation Launchkey 88 MK4

$425 / £387 / €444 at

The rest of the Launchkey MK4 bunch is also available at Thomann*.

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Novation Launchkey 61 MK4

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$279.00 / £255.00 / 295.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 WH

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$283.00 / £256.00 / 295.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4

Customer rating: (24)

$209.00 / £189.00 / 219.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 WH

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$209.00 / £189.00 / 219.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 37 MK4

Customer rating: (23)

$177.00 / £159.00 / 185.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 25 MK4

Customer rating: (9)

$152.00 / £138.00 / 159.00€ at

Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4

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$122.00 / £111.00 / 128.00€ at

Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 WH

Customer rating: (3)

$133.00 / £120.00 / 139.00€ at

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

Customer rating: (15)

$105.00 / £95.00 / 111.00€ at

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Novation Launchkey Mk4 · Source: Novation

Novation Launchkey Mk4: A New Generation of Keyboard Controllers

[29 August 2024] The Novation Launchkey Mk4 is here! The freshly redesigned fourth generation of the popular keyboard controller is available in six sizes and comes with many new features. What’s new in the Launchkey Mk4?

Novation’s Launchkey range has long been one of the most popular options when it comes to keyboard controllers for Ableton Live and other DAW software. And the brand-new Launchkey Mk4 is much more than a facelift. The new controllers not only come with a refreshed design and new hardware, but also with lots of new features for a new level of control.

Even in the previous generation, the Launchkey family covered nearly all common keyboard sizes. Along with updated versions of the Launchkey 25, 37, 49, 61, and Mini, Novation has now introduced a sixth variant – the Launchkey Mini 37. This means that you now have a choice of four full-size models and two compact versions with slim keys. Curiously, the Launchkey 88 (which was only introduced two years ago) is missing from the line-up – as of now, we don’t know if the manufacturer plans to update this model to Mk4, as well.

The Launchkey Mk4 is available in six sizes · Source: Novation

According to Novation, the hardware was completely overhauled, starting with the design. I like the minimalist look of the new generation; it seems a bit more grown-up to me. If you take a closer look at the two biggest versions with 49 and 61 keys, you’ll also notice that the manufacturer has moved the pads and encoders to the right, while placing the faders on the left side. Perhaps Novation found out that most users tend to use their right hand for the pads.

New Premium Keybeds

In addition to a new design, the Launchkey 49 and 61 Mk4 (which Novation now calls the “premium” models) have received a new keyboard mechanism with semi-weighted, piano-style keys. Novation claims that the new keybeds offer a smoother, more sensitive response and a better overall playing feel. The Launchkey 49 and 61 Mk4 also offer layers and zones for the first time, so you can do things like solo over an arpeggiator pattern.

The Launchkey 49 and 61 now feature semi-weighted piano-style keys · Source: Novation

Furthermore, all models of the Launchkey Mk4 series feature new FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch. The FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) technology ensures a reliable and precise response, Novation says.

All new models now also feature high-resolution OLED displays that can display much more information than the previous generation’s text-based screens. Even the two new Launchkey Mini models get displays for the first time – excellent!

Launchkey 49 and 61 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey 25 and 37 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey Mini 25 and 37 Mk4 · Source: Novation

The Launchkey is for Ableton only? Think again!

Until now, the Launchkey series was most popular with Ableton Live users. The new Launchkey Mk4 series now explicitly supports other DAWs, as well. In addition to Live, the controllers come with custom scripts for Logic Pro, Cubase, Reason, and FL Studio. You can also control Reaper, Pro Tools, and Studio One via the HUI protocol. Novation plans to release more custom scripts for additional DAWs in the future. In Ableton Live, you can now use the pads to control the step sequencer.

More new Features of the Launchkey Mk4

In addition to this, the Launchkey Mk4 offers an expanded Scale Mode with 22 additional scales (for a total of 30). Scales now automatically sync to scales in Ableton. There are also three new Chord Modes (Chord Map, User Chord, Fixed Chord), as well as a Chord Detector feature that detects and displays chords as you play. Moreover, the generative arpeggiator now offers a step editor that allows you to edit arpeggio patterns using the pads.

Launchkey 61 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey 49 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey 37 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey 25 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey Mini 37 Mk4 · Source: NovationLaunchkey Mini 25 Mk4 · Source: Novation

Comprehensive Software Package

The Novation Launchkey Mk4 comes with a generous software package. In addition to Ableton Live 12 Lite, you get licenses for the GForce Software Oberheim SEM, Oberheim OB-EZ and AXXESS synths, as well as Klevgrand LUXE, R0Verb, and Slammer. A custom orchestra bundle from Orchestral Tools is also included.

Prices and Availability

The Novation Launchkey Mk4 series is now available to order from Thomann* with the first shipment expected to arrive at the end of October.

Affiliate Links

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4

Customer rating: (24)

$279.00 / £255.00 / 295.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4

Customer rating: (24)

$209.00 / £189.00 / 219.00€ at

Novation Launchkey 37 MK4

Customer rating: (23)

$177.00 / £159.00 / 185.00€ at