# Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 vs Roland DJ-202: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 (Native Instruments) and Roland DJ-202 (Roland) among dj controllers. Roland DJ-202 is the cheaper of the two at $299.

## Side by side

| Spec | Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 | Roland DJ-202 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $899 | $299 |
| Brand | Native Instruments | Roland |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2017-11 |
| Channels | 4 | 2 |
| Jog wheel size (in) | 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) | ~5.9 in (~150 mm) |
| Pads per deck | 8 | 8 |
| Standalone | No | No |
| Built in soundcard | Yes | Yes |
| Audio outputs | 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones | 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/4" headphones, 1x MIDI OUT |
| Software bundle | Traktor Pro 3 (included) | Serato DJ Lite (Serato DJ Pro upgrade-ready) |
| Deck control | 4 decks | 4 decks (2-channel mixer with 4-deck switching) |

## Key differences

- Channels: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 vs Roland DJ-202 2
- Jog wheel size (in): Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 5.5 in (motorized, haptic) vs Roland DJ-202 ~5.9 in (~150 mm)
- Audio outputs: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 2x XLR master (L/R), 2x RCA master (L/R), 2x 1/4" TRS booth, 1/4" and 1/8" headphones vs Roland DJ-202 1x RCA master (L/R), 1x 1/4" headphones, 1x MIDI OUT
- Software bundle: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 Traktor Pro 3 (included) vs Roland DJ-202 Serato DJ Lite (Serato DJ Pro upgrade-ready)
- Deck control: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 4 decks vs Roland DJ-202 4 decks (2-channel mixer with 4-deck switching)

## What reviewers say

**Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3** — Only one whitelisted outlet, Engadget, covered this exact model, and only as a launch preview/announcement rather than a lab test, so no measurements exist and its impressions are largely forward-looking. It highlights the motorized 'Haptic Drive' jog wheels and per-deck displays as the standout S4 MK3 upgrades. Sound on Sound and MusicRadar never reviewed this model; treat this as preliminary. (1 sourced review.)

**Roland DJ-202** — Only one whitelisted tester (MusicRadar) covers this exact model, in a roundup verdict with no measured lab data. MusicRadar calls it a great, surprisingly well-featured four-deck Serato controller, praised for sturdy jog wheels and on-board Roland 808/909/707 drum machines, but flags cheap-feeling performance pads and lock-in to Serato DJ. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3: https://djtechtools.com/2018/09/06/traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3-motorized-jog-wheels-with-haptic-feedback/ (djtechtools.com, verified 2026-06-20)
- Roland DJ-202: https://www.roland.com/us/company/press_releases/2017/ROLAND-ANNOUNCES-DJ-505-AND-DJ-202-DJ-CONTROLLERS/ (roland.com, verified 2026-06-20)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3-vs-roland-dj-202/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 ($899) vs Roland DJ-202 ($299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dj-controllers/native-instruments-traktor-kontrol-s4-mk3-vs-roland-dj-202/
License: CC BY 4.0.