# Launchkey 49 MK4 vs Komplete Kontrol M32: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Launchkey 49 MK4 (Novation) and Komplete Kontrol M32 (Native Instruments) among midi keyboards. Komplete Kontrol M32 is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | Launchkey 49 MK4 | Komplete Kontrol M32 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $279.99 | $129 |
| Brand | Novation | Native Instruments |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2019-03 |
| Keys | 49 | 32 |
| Key type | semi_weighted | synth |
| Drum pads | 16 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 8 |
| Faders | 9 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din | usb |
| Bundled software | Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics | Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials |

## Key differences

- Keys: Launchkey 49 MK4 49 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 32
- Key type: Launchkey 49 MK4 semi_weighted vs Komplete Kontrol M32 synth
- Drum pads: Launchkey 49 MK4 16 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 0
- Faders: Launchkey 49 MK4 9 vs Komplete Kontrol M32 0
- Connection: Launchkey 49 MK4 usb_midi_din vs Komplete Kontrol M32 usb
- Bundled software: Launchkey 49 MK4 Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics vs Komplete Kontrol M32 Komplete Kontrol software, Komplete Select, Ableton Live Lite, Maschine Essentials

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**Komplete Kontrol M32** — Only one whitelisted, hands-on tester (Engadget) covered the Komplete Kontrol M32 in its five-controller roundup. Engadget praised its studio-grade build, satisfying clicky buttons and encoder, best-in-roundup touch-sensitive knobs and an Arturia-rivaling keybed, but flagged that it failed on Windows 10 out of the box (needing a firmware update), has no pads, and is barely portable at 18.7in/2.3lb with fiddly Ableton transport setup. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Launchkey 49 MK4: https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49 (us.novationmusic.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Komplete Kontrol M32: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-m32/ (native-instruments.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/novation-launchkey-49-mk4-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Launchkey 49 MK4 ($279.99) vs Komplete Kontrol M32 ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/novation-launchkey-49-mk4-vs-native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-m32/
License: CC BY 4.0.