# MPK Mini MK3 vs Launchkey 49 MK4: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 (Akai Professional) and Launchkey 49 MK4 (Novation) among midi keyboards. MPK Mini MK3 is the cheaper of the two at $119.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPK Mini MK3 | Launchkey 49 MK4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $119 | $279.99 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Novation |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2024-08 |
| Keys | 25 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | semi_weighted |
| Drum pads | 8 | 16 |
| Knobs | 8 | 8 |
| Faders | 0 | 9 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start | Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics |

## Key differences

- Keys: MPK Mini MK3 25 vs Launchkey 49 MK4 49
- Key type: MPK Mini MK3 synth vs Launchkey 49 MK4 semi_weighted
- Drum pads: MPK Mini MK3 8 vs Launchkey 49 MK4 16
- Faders: MPK Mini MK3 0 vs Launchkey 49 MK4 9
- Connection: MPK Mini MK3 usb vs Launchkey 49 MK4 usb_midi_din
- Bundled software: MPK Mini MK3 MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet, NI Komplete Start vs Launchkey 49 MK4 Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics

## What reviewers say

**MPK Mini MK3** — Only one whitelisted tester, SoundGuys, reviewed this exact model hands-on over 10 days, scoring it 7.6/10. They call it an excellent, affordable all-round USB-MIDI keyboard praised for velocity-sensitive pads, endless 360-degree knobs and bundled MPC Beats software, but flag unforgivably stiff pads and missing onboard transport controls. No lab measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

**Launchkey 49 MK4** — Two whitelisted testers reviewed the Launchkey 49 MK4 hands-on: MusicRadar covering the 49 and 61 together, and Sound on Sound covering the whole MK4 range with 49/61-specific commentary. Both reach a positive verdict. Shared praise centres on the comprehensive control surface and tight Ableton Live / DAW integration. MusicRadar additionally singles out the playable semi-weighted keys and the software bundle; Sound on Sound additionally praises the creative arpeggiator and Chord Map modes. Both flag readability of the small OLED / under-labelled controls and the chunky, heavier build of the larger 49/61. Neither ran measurements, so all findings are qualitative. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- MPK Mini MK3: https://www.gearnews.com/akai-introduces-the-mpk-mini-mk3-keyboard-controller/ (gearnews.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Launchkey 49 MK4: https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49 (us.novationmusic.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-novation-launchkey-49-mk4/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPK Mini MK3 ($119) vs Launchkey 49 MK4 ($279.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-vs-novation-launchkey-49-mk4/
License: CC BY 4.0.