# KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs Launchkey 49 MK4: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 (Arturia) and Launchkey 49 MK4 (Novation) among midi keyboards. Launchkey 49 MK4 is the cheaper of the two at $279.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | Launchkey 49 MK4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $299 | $279.99 |
| Brand | Arturia | Novation |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2024-08 |
| Keys | 49 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | semi_weighted |
| Drum pads | 8 | 16 |
| Knobs | 9 | 8 |
| Faders | 9 | 9 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month | Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics |

## Key differences

- Key type: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 synth vs Launchkey 49 MK4 semi_weighted
- Drum pads: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 8 vs Launchkey 49 MK4 16
- Knobs: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs Launchkey 49 MK4 8
- Bundled software: KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month vs Launchkey 49 MK4 Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics

## What reviewers say

**KeyLab Essential 49 mk3** — Two whitelisted testers cover this 2023 Mk3: Sound on Sound reviewed the exact 49-note unit, MusicRadar the 61-note version of the same line. Both call it a slick, good-value refresh, praising the new mid-panel screen, deep Analog Lab V integration, scripted multi-DAW support and the synth-style key action. Both are qualitative with no lab measurements; Sound on Sound flags more integration limits. (2 sourced reviews.)

**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

- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: https://www.arturia.com/store/keylab-essential-49-mk3 (arturia.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/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-novation-launchkey-49-mk4/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 ($299) vs Launchkey 49 MK4 ($279.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/arturia-keylab-essential-49-mk3-vs-novation-launchkey-49-mk4/
License: CC BY 4.0.