Arturia
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3
$299
Released 2023-05
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 vs Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 is cheaper at $279.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Novation
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
$279.99Cheaper
Released 2024-08
Which is better: the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 or Novation Launchkey 49 MK4?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Novation 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 | Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | Novation 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 — Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3: arturia.com (verified 2026-09-21). Novation Launchkey 49 MK4: us.novationmusic.com (verified 2026-09-21).
What's the difference between the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and Novation Launchkey 49 MK4?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Key type: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 synth vs Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 semi_weighted
- Drum pads: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 8 vs Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 16
- Knobs: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 9 vs Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 8
- Bundled software: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, NI Komplete Select, UVI Model D, Loopcloud 2-month vs Novation 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.
Arturia 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.
Novation 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.