Novation
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
$279.99
Released 2024-08
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 vs Nektar Impact GX61
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Nektar Impact GX61 is cheaper at $129.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Nektar
Nektar Impact GX61
$129.99Cheaper
Released 2016
Which is better: the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 or Nektar Impact GX61?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Nektar Impact GX61 is the cheaper at $129.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 | Nektar Impact GX61 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $279.99 | $129.99 MSRP / street price |
| Brand | Novation | Nektar |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2016 |
| Keys | 49 | 61 |
| Key type | semi_weighted | synth |
| Drum pads | 16 | 0 |
| Knobs | 8 | 1 |
| Faders | 9 | 1 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din | usb |
| Bundled software | Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics | Bitwig 8-Track |
| Release | 2024 | 2016 |
Sources — Novation Launchkey 49 MK4: us.novationmusic.com (verified 2026-09-21). Nektar Impact GX61: nektartech.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 and Nektar Impact GX61?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (7 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Keys: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 49 vs Nektar Impact GX61 61
- Key type: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 semi_weighted vs Nektar Impact GX61 synth
- Drum pads: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 16 vs Nektar Impact GX61 0
- Knobs: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 8 vs Nektar Impact GX61 1
- Faders: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 9 vs Nektar Impact GX61 1
- Connection: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 usb_midi_din vs Nektar Impact GX61 usb
- Bundled software: Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics vs Nektar Impact GX61 Bitwig 8-Track
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.
Nektar Impact GX61
No sourced tester review yet.