Novation
Launchkey 49 MK4
$279.99
Released 2024-08
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
Launchkey 49 MK4 vs Komplete Kontrol M32
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Komplete Kontrol M32 is cheaper at $129. Every spec and price links to its source.
Native Instruments
Komplete Kontrol M32
$129Cheaper
Released 2019-03
Which is better: the Launchkey 49 MK4 or Komplete Kontrol M32?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Komplete Kontrol M32 is the cheaper at $129.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2024 | 2019 |
Sources — Launchkey 49 MK4: us.novationmusic.com (verified 2026-06-19). Komplete Kontrol M32: native-instruments.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Launchkey 49 MK4 and Komplete Kontrol M32?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Studio-grade build with satisfying, clicky buttons and encoder; Best touch-sensitive knobs in its class; keybed in the same league as Arturia; Integrates seamlessly with NI's Komplete Kontrol software.
Flagged: Failed on Windows 10 out of the box; needed a firmware update; No drum pads; Barely portable for its size/weight (18.7in, 2.3lb); fiddly Ableton transport setup.