The Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 aims to be an awesome choice for producers and performers looking for a portable, feature-packed MIDI controller. But with so many more entry-level, budget-friendly, feature-packed options on the market these days, can it compete with the deluge of other options out there that tempt us, producers?

From a personal perspective, I’ve been hitting a bit of a creative rut lately in my studio and so I’ve been trying to produce in other places around my house and studio just to get a change of vibe from the conventional sweet-spot listening position I’ve been making music at in my studio for years. So this keyboard hit my desk at the perfect time and most of the time familiarizing myself with it for this review was done using it alongside my Push 3 Standalone for a DAW-less production setup in the side corner of my room (where I usually paint my Warhammer and DnD Models – yes, I’m not only a synth nerd but a real nerd too).

I’ve spent a good amount of time with this controller, testing its capabilities in various settings (mainly around the studio and its portability while producing around my house). I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From its design and build quality to its standout features and potential drawbacks, here’s my honest take on the Launchkey 25 MK4.

Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 25-key Review At A Glance

  • Built for Portability: Lightweight and compact, it fits anywhere—from a cramped desk to your backpack. Feels sturdy enough for regular use.
  • Pads That Shine: The RGB pads are responsive, fun, and surprisingly expressive with polyphonic aftertouch. Perfect for beats, samples, and chops.
  • Ableton Integration: If you’re on Ableton Live, it’s like having a cheat code. Seamless workflow, especially for sketching out ideas.
  • Creative Tools: Chord modes and the arpeggiator make experimenting fast and easy, even if music theory isn’t your thing.
  • Worth the Price: It’s hard to beat this feature set at this price. Great for beginners or as a portable sidekick for pros.
Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 25-key Review
My mini-painting nook turned DAW-less production nook (the iMac isn’t plugged in or on, I swear!)

Design and Build

When I first unboxed the Launchkey 25 MK4, I thought, “Damn, this thing is compact.”

It’s lightweight and small enough to slip into a backpack, making it perfect for producers on the go or those with limited studio space, which I know is becoming increasingly the norm these days. The synth-weight mini-keys feel responsive enough for most playing styles, but I’ll admit that if you’re coming from a fully weighted keyboard, they might take a bit of adjustment. For its intended purpose—electronic music production and [maybe] live performance—its keys do their job well.

The 16 RGB-backlit performance pads are another slick feature. I found them to be super responsive, whether I was finger drumming or triggering samples in Ableton. The polyphonic aftertouch was an unexpected bonus of a keyboard at this price point, letting me add expressive dynamics to my playing. The eight rotary encoders are solid and feel satisfying, offering tactile control over parameters without constantly diving into your computer.

Honestly, I usually don’t really use finger pads or rotary knobs on smaller keyboards like this as I usually just use them for playing keys and maybe some rudimentary arp patterns, but I actually found myself gravitating towards them more with the Launchkey 25 MK4!

What surprised me most was how it all felt durable despite being so lightweight. Sure, it’s not built like a tank, but for regular use, it holds up well. The design balances portability and functionality, making it a great fit for smaller setups or mobile workflows.

Core Features

Keys and Pads

Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 25-key Review

The 25 velocity-sensitive keys feel pretty decent, especially for a MIDI controller in this range and vibe. I thought they were great for sketching out ideas, but the limited range can feel restrictive if you’re working on more intricate compositions. The octave buttons help, but if you’re used to a 49- or 61-key setup, you might feel a little cramped. For basic melodies and chords, though, they work just fine.

The pads, though—those are where the Launchkey shines, and while I know I mentioned it briefly above in the previous section, it bears a bit more focus here. I found myself using them constantly for beats, triggering effects, samples, and even vocal chops. The polyphonic aftertouch adds a level of nuance that I didn’t expect, making it easy to experiment with dynamics and expression. I was building drum loops and triggering one-shots, and all the while they felt precise and fun to use.

One of my favorite things about the pads is how they encourage a more hands-on approach to production. I know I touched on this above in the article, but I was really just impressed by these pads more so than other entry-level MIDI keyboards I’ve used in the past.

If you like to avoid the mouse and focus on performance, these pads make that transition seamless. For the price, they offer impressive control. I’ve used other controllers with mushy or inconsistent pads, but these are genuinely satisfying.

DAW Integration

I was legit impressed by how seamlessly this controller works with Ableton Live. It felt like the hardware and software were designed together, from triggering clips to controlling the mixer. The integration is one of the main reasons I’d recommend this to any Ableton user and once I got the flow of this keyboard alongside my Push 3 Standalone, it was one of the most compact, screen-less sketch-pad setups I’ve had in my decade or more of producing.

That said, while the controller technically supports other DAWs like Logic Pro and FL Studio, the experience isn’t as smooth. If you’re not an Ableton user, you’ll still get a lot out of it, but you might not enjoy all the bells and whistles. I tested it with Logic Pro, and while it worked fine, it lacked the same level of integration that makes it shine with Ableton. Luckily, I’m an Ableton user, though, and I know the largest swath of our readership is as well, so most of you out there will be just fine with how it works its way into your flow.

Chord and Scale Modes

The chord and scale modes are a creative powerhouse and something I’ve come to expect and love in other Novation keyboards I’ve reviewed.

Fixed Chord lets you lock in a specific chord shape and play it anywhere on the keyboard, while User Chord allows you to store custom chords for instant recall. I found these features super useful during songwriting sessions when I wanted to experiment without overthinking theory. Even for someone like me, who’s comfortable with music theory, these tools sped up my workflow a ton.

The Scale modes—Scale Snap, Scale Filter, and Scale Easy—are incredibly handy for staying in key too. As someone who likes to jam, I appreciated how these tools kept my improvisations from sounding off. They’re intuitive enough for beginners but flexible enough for advanced users who want to push boundaries. I’ve used the Scale Snap mode practice live sets here in the studio, and I could see it been a game-changer on stage.

That being said, if you plan on doing live performances with a MIDI keyboard, I would recommend getting something with a bit more keys from the Novation MK4 range if for any other reason than being, when performing live, your kit is a big part of the stage-appeal of your performance and 25 keys doesn’t make for much of a set piece. Maybe go with the 49 or 61-key options instead?

Generative Arpeggiator

I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to spend much time with the arpeggiator, but it surprised me. The Mutate and Deviate controls let me add subtle variations to patterns, making them feel more organic. Editing arpeggios at the step level opened up a ton of possibilities for creating sweet rhythms and textures. I’ve used it to build everything from tight rhythmic sequences to sprawling cinematic textures.

If you’re new to step editing, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of it, I found it adds a lot to my workflow. For electronic and cinematic music, I could definitely see if being a real game-changer and the arpeggiator makes it easy to stumble upon happy accidents that can inspire entire tracks or reimagine an already familiar arpeggiator when playing out live.

Connectivity

The Launchkey 25 MK4 checks most of the boxes regarding connectivity which is pretty standard now for most keyboards (regardless of price point).

The USB MIDI and 1/8-inch MIDI Out options make it versatile for studio and live setups, and the sustain pedal input is a nice touch for more expressive playing. I used it with a mix of hardware and software instruments and didn’t run into any compatibility issues. To be honest though, while the sustain option is obviously great to have, I can also see it being overkill on a 25-key MIDI controller as the only people who I have ever met who use the sustain pedal are composers and pianists, and I would imagine they would feel constricted on such a small keyboard; but that’s only a personal and anecdotal vibe check from me.

The connectivity options will be more than sufficient for most users, but if you’re running a super complex rig, you might need additional gear in your kit to fill in the gaps. I liked how easy it was to switch between hardware synths and DAW control without feeling like I was juggling too many devices.

Software Bundle

The software bundle adds a lot of value, especially for beginners. You get Ableton Live Lite, plugins from Klevgrand and GForce, and orchestral tools from Orchestral Tools (which is one of my favorite sound library companies of all time). I also dig the Melodics courses—they’re a great way to build keyboard skills, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up. Plus, we’ve had the privilege to meet the team at Melodics, and they’re a great bunch of people! For someone who’s newer to production, these resources make a big difference and it helps knowing the people behind the company are passionate about what they do.

Advanced users might find the bundle less appealing since many of the included tools are likely redundant if you already have a fully stocked plugin library. That said, it’s a thoughtful addition for someone just getting started that makes the controller even more of a steal. The inclusion of educational content is always a plus for me, and it’s a boon for newer producers wanting to pick up this appropriately priced MIDI keyboard.

Workflow and Customization

What I love about the Launchkey is how easy it is to customize, though I’ll admit I didn’t dive too deep into this functionality since programming and mapping isn’t as much my forte as good ol “music making” is. Using Novation’s Components software, I was able to set up mapping profiles tailored to my workflow. Switching between setups for different projects was seamless, and it really helped me stay organized. This feature is a big win for anyone juggling multiple projects or performance setups.

Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, the learning curve for setting up custom profiles is manageable. It’s a feature that adds a lot of flexibility, whether you’re in the studio or performing live. I also appreciated how well the customization options fit into my existing setup without requiring a lot of extra work. I’ve had controllers in the past that felt like they added more work, but this was a pleasant surprise.

By tailoring the controls to specific projects, I felt like I was getting more out of the controller than I would with a generic setup. It’s little things like this that make the Launchkey feel like a tool built for actual musicians, not just gearheads. I’ve found myself diving deeper into projects simply because the controller made it so easy.

Value for Money

For the price, you’re getting a portable, feature-packed controller with deep DAW integration and creative tools that punch above its weight. Sweetwater’s free shipping and two-year warranty only sweeten the deal too if you go through them. I’ve tried other controllers in this price range, and this one stands out for the sheer number of features it offers.

If you’re an advanced user looking for something ultra-durable or with more keys, you might want to consider spending more on one of the bigger keyboards in this range. But for beginners and mid-level producers, this is a fantastic entry point. I also think the included software and educational tools add a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you’re starting from scratch. I’ve recommended it to students and friends, and it’s always been a hit.

One thing that stood out to me was how much mileage you can get out of this controller without breaking the bank. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make great music. Whether you’re using it as your main controller or as a portable option for on-the-go sessions, it delivers great value.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Limited key count: The 25 keys can feel restrictive, especially for pianists or those working on more complex pieces. I found myself wishing for more range during certain projects, but the octave buttons help mitigate this.
  • Ableton-centric features: While it works with other DAWs, the tight integration with Ableton Live might not appeal to everyone. If you’re a Logic or FL Studio user, you’ll still get a lot out of it, but some features might feel less intuitive.
  • Learning curve: Some features, like the arpeggiator and custom mappings, might take time to master if you’re new to MIDI controllers. I found the documentation helpful, but it’s worth noting if you’re a complete beginner.

Conclusion

The Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 strikes an impressive balance between portability, affordability, and functionality. I found it to be a joy to use, especially with Ableton Live, and its creative features kept me inspired during sessions. While it might not be the best fit for advanced users or those needing more keys, it’s a reliable and versatile tool for beginners and mid-level producers alike.

Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the Launchkey 25 MK4 delivers.

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