Novation · Updated June 2026
Launchkey 49 MK4: price, specs & release date
Launchkey 49 MK4, released 2024-08. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: us.novationmusic.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Comprehensive control surface with faders, encoders, pads and central OLED; Tight Ableton Live / DAW integration.
- Skip if Small OLED display and control labels that could be larger or better illuminated is a dealbreaker.
Is the Launchkey 49 MK4 a good buy?
At $280, the Launchkey 49 MK4 is #9 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149. On the spec sheet, its drum pads of 16 is the highest of the 12, its faders of 9 is the highest of the 12, and its release of 2024 is the highest of the 12. By release date, it is the newest of the 12 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 2 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 2 reviews · 2024-12-10–2025-02
Tested by MusicRadar, Sound on Sound
Consistently praised
- Comprehensive control surface with faders, encoders, pads and central OLED · 2 sources
- Tight Ableton Live / DAW integration · 2 sources
- Playable, semi-weighted full-size keys
- Generous software bundle (Ableton Live 12, GForce, Orchestral Tools, Klevgrand, Melodics)
- Creative arpeggiator and chord modes, especially the Chord Map
Commonly flagged
- Small OLED display and control labels that could be larger or better illuminated · 2 sources
- The larger 49/61 are chunky and heavier than the smaller range models · 2 sources
- Thin documentation for third-party DAW/plug-in control
- No off switch / sleep mode, so pads stay lit
Where reviewers disagree No genuine disagreement: both testers reach a positive verdict. Only Sound on Sound exercised cross-DAW integration (Reason, FL Studio, HUI) and, as a result, flagged weak third-party documentation and the absence of an off switch, dimensions MusicRadar did not probe.
The sources (2)
The semi-weighted keys are credible and add authority, especially when playing sounds that correspond to real-world instruments that might have similar keys.
they are excellent all-around controllers
Could do with more/larger text or illumination on control surface.
the Launchkey MK4 is a solid upgrade over the previous version, and the consistency across the range is top notch.
The Chord Map is an enormous amount of fun that can keep you fascinated for hours and is ultimately a very useful compositional tool.
The 49/61 are a bit on the chunky side.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $279.99 Current Novation US store price (launch MSRP was $249.99) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Novation |
| Released | 2024-08 |
| Keys | 49 |
| Key type | semi_weighted |
| Drum pads | 16 |
| Knobs | 8 |
| Faders | 9 |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Connection | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, GForce Oberheim SEM, Klevgrand plugins, NI Komplete Select, Melodics |
Source: us.novationmusic.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by sweetwater.com. CORRECTED PRICE: Novation US official store and Sweetwater/Perfect Circuit list $279.99 as of 2026-06-19; the draft's $249.99 was the original launch MSRP (Attack Magazine review). Verified: 49 semi-weighted keys (velocity only, no key aftertouch), 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, 9 faders, 8 endless encoders, 5-pin MIDI out. Released Aug 2024. Corroboration URL changed from Soundium (unverified retailer) to Sweetwater.
Is the Launchkey 49 MK4 worth it vs cheaper MIDI keyboards?
Launchkey 49 MK4 against its closest cheaper and pricier MIDI keyboards on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Keys | Key type | Drum pads | Knobs | Faders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launchkey 49 MK4 this | $279.99 | 49 | semi_weighted | 16 | 8 | 9 |
| A-49 | $175 | 49 | synth | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 | $299 | 49 | synth | 8 | 9 | 9 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. Praised: Playable, semi-weighted full-size keys; Comprehensive control surface with faders, encoders, pads and central OLED; Tight Ableton Live / DAW integration; Generous software bundle (Ableton Live 12, GForce, Orchestral Tools, Klevgrand, Melodics); Creative arpeggiator and chord modes, especially the Chord Map. 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; No off switch / sleep mode, so pads stay lit. (From 2 tester reviews.)
How much does the Launchkey 49 MK4 cost?
The Launchkey 49 MK4 has a US price of $279.99 (Current Novation US store price (launch MSRP was $249.99)), as of 2026-06-19.
How does the Launchkey 49 MK4 compare on price?
At $280, the Launchkey 49 MK4 is #9 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149.
When was the Launchkey 49 MK4 released?
The Launchkey 49 MK4 was released 2024-08.
What are the Launchkey 49 MK4's key specs?
Launchkey 49 MK4 (Novation): keys 49, key type semi_weighted, drum pads 16, knobs 8, faders 9. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.
Price of record: $279.99 at us.novationmusic.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Launchkey 49 MK4 on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar MIDI keyboards
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Compare with
Head-to-head
Cheaper MIDI keyboards
- A-49 $175
- V49 MKII $149.99
- MiniLab 3 $149
- Impact GX61 $129.99
- Komplete Kontrol M32 $129
- MPK Mini MK3 $119
Step up
- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 $299
- Oxygen Pro 49 $299
- MPK249 $399
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