Arturia
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3
$299
Released 2023-05
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs Launchkey 49 MK4
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Launchkey 49 MK4 is cheaper at $279.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Novation
Launchkey 49 MK4
$279.99Cheaper
Released 2024-08
Which is better: the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 or Launchkey 49 MK4?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Launchkey 49 MK4 is the cheaper at $279.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | Launchkey 49 MK4 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 Arturia store MSRP (US$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 |
| Release | 2023 | 2024 |
Sources — KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: arturia.com (verified 2026-06-19). Launchkey 49 MK4: us.novationmusic.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and Launchkey 49 MK4?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: New mid-panel screen and refreshed, tidy layout; Deep, near-seamless Analog Lab V integration; Strong scripted multi-DAW integration across the major DAWs.
Flagged: No CV outputs; Cannot shift control to other devices in Bitwig/Live; ARP/Chord/Scale modes require menu diving.
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.)
Praised: Playable, semi-weighted full-size keys; Comprehensive control surface with faders, encoders, pads and central OLED; Tight Ableton Live / DAW integration.
Flagged: Small OLED display and control labels that could be larger or better illuminated; The larger 49/61 are chunky and heavier than the smaller range models; Thin documentation for third-party DAW/plug-in control.