From Studio to Couch: Novation Launchkey 61 & Mini 37 Mk4 Test

Controllers That Finally Get Logic Pro Right

In the past couple of months, I had the opportunity to try out the latest Novation Launchkey controllers, which are now in their Mk4 version. As a primary Logic Pro user, I concentrated on its seamless integration with Apple’s DAW. However, even if you’re not a Logic user, I encourage you to continue reading. This hands-on review aims to cater to a diverse audience, and I genuinely hope it achieves that goal!

There’s something refreshing about a MIDI controller that doesn’t just promise DAW integration but actually delivers it. After years of using keyboards that felt like afterthoughts for Logic Pro users, the Novation Launchkey Mk4 series arrives with a clear mission: to make hardware control feel like a natural extension of your software workflow, not a compromise.

I’ve spent several weeks putting both the flagship Launchkey 61 Mk4 and the ultra-portable Mini 37 Mk4 through their paces in a Logic Pro-centered studio environment. What emerged was a picture of controllers that have moved beyond the basic transport-and-volume approach to offer something genuinely transformative for modern producers.

The Launchkey series has always been popular among producers who value straightforward functionality over flashy features. With the Mk4 generation, Novation has retained that practical philosophy while adding layers of sophistication that make these controllers feel purpose-built for contemporary music production workflows.

What’s New: Novation Launchkey Mk4 vs Mk3

The Novation Launchkey Mk4 series brings a host of upgrades over the Mk3 generation. Endless encoders replace the old fixed-range pots, eliminating parameter jumps and making workflow smoother. The 61-key model now features semi-weighted keys with a lighter action, which I found comfortable for fast synth lines and longer sessions. The Mini 37 Mk4 introduces a new compact form factor with three octaves, a first for the Launchkey line.

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Pads across all models are more responsive, with improved touch sensitivity and a less plastic feel. Faders on the larger models are more precise, and the OLED display is now centrally positioned, offering a clearer, more useful view than the old corner-mounted LCD.

Build Quality and Tactile Experience

The Launchkey 61 Mk4’s chassis uses a matte plastic that resists fingerprints and minor scratches, so it stays looking clean after repeated use. The keybed, while light in action, delivers a smooth and consistent response across all keys, with minimal mechanical noise—something I appreciated during late-night sessions in a quiet studio.

A standout feature on both the 61 Mk4 and Mini 37 Mk4 is the set of 16 RGB pads, which are not only velocity-sensitive but also support polyphonic aftertouch. This means each pad responds independently to pressure, allowing for expressive finger drumming, nuanced sample triggering, or controlling effects in a way that goes well beyond simple velocity. The pads feel firm and responsive, with just enough resistance for accuracy, and the RGB lighting is bright and easy to see in any environment. You can dim the lights or switch them off for comfort using the Components app or standby mode.

Faders and endless encoders have a reassuring feel, with a touch of resistance that helps prevent accidental bumps. The endless encoders are a real improvement over previous models, offering smooth, uninterrupted control with no jumps or dead zones.

The overall layout is ergonomic, encouraging intuitive hand placement and reducing fatigue during longer sessions. The pitch and modulation wheels (or touch strips on the Mini) are smooth and provide precise control.

Altogether, the Launchkey Mk4’s build quality and tactile experience add up to a controller that feels reliable, expressive, and comfortable—whether you’re in the studio, on stage, or producing on the go.

Connectivity and Standby Features

The Launchkey 61 Mk4 features USB-C, a 5-pin MIDI output for hardware synths or drum machines, and a sustain pedal input that supports half-pedaling. One practical feature: holding Shift + Settings for two seconds puts the unit into standby mode, turning off all LEDs (great for low-light studios or live gigs). To wake it, press Shift, Settings, or Arp. LED brightness can be adjusted in the Components app. There’s no physical power switch, so standby mode is genuinely useful.

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The Mini 37 Mk4 offers a 3.5mm MIDI output (adapter not included), so you’ll need to budget for that if you want to connect to standard MIDI gear.

DAW Integration: Official Support and Setup

The Launchkey Mk4 series provides dedicated integration for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason Studios, Bitwig Studio, and Ardour. These DAWs get full, deep integration with specialized control modes and visual feedback.

Bitwig Studio users get launcher, sequencer, drum, track remote, plugin, mixer, and transport modes—matching the experience of other top DAWs. Ardour is supported from version 8.7, with custom scripts and mappings, though setup can be tricky on Linux and some features are more limited.

Setup is straightforward for Logic Pro and Ableton Live, with auto-detection and comprehensive control. Cubase, FL Studio, and Bitwig Studio require downloading scripts but deliver excellent integration. Reason Studios also benefits from dedicated support. The Components app makes custom mapping and firmware updates painless.

Logic Pro Integration: Hands-On

After installing the Logic script and updating firmware, the Launchkey feels like it was made for Logic. The 16 pads match your Logic track colors, and track names appear on the OLED. The bottom row arms tracks for recording, and solo/mute is just a button away.

Transport mode turns the encoders into navigation tools: scrubbing, zoom, cycle, markers, and tempo. The nine faders on the 61 Mk4 give direct volume control, while encoders handle pan and EQ. Plugin mode lets you see parameter names on the OLED before you tweak, making it easy to stay focused.

See it in action:

NKS Integration: Beyond DAW Control

The Novation Launchkey Mk4 range now supports Native Instruments’ NKS (Native Kontrol Standard). Both the 61 Mk4 and Mini 37 Mk4 work as NKS-ready controllers, integrating with Komplete Kontrol and the NKS plugin ecosystem.

Setup is plug-and-play: the software recognizes the controller, and all major controls are pre-mapped. Browsing the NKS library and tweaking synth parameters with the endless encoders feels immediate. I found it smooth to switch between Logic control and Komplete Kontrol editing, especially with instruments like Massive X and Kontakt libraries.

Learn more about Komplete Kontrol integration.

Creative Features in Practice

The arpeggiator’s Mutate function and step editing are genuinely useful for composition. Chord Map gives you eight chords at your fingertips, and 30 scale options with note correction make it almost impossible to hit a wrong note. Split and Layer modes on the 61 Mk4 let you play bass and lead or layer textures with ease.

See a full walkthrough of creative features:

Software Bundle and Value

The included software package is strong, especially for new producers: Ableton Live Lite, Klevgrand, GForce, Orchestral Tools plugins, and Melodics lessons. Even if you already have a DAW, these extras are a solid bonus.

Portability and Real-World Use

The Mini 37 Mk4 is a true travel companion. It fits in a laptop bag, sets up quickly, and provides the same deep Logic control as the larger model. The 3.5mm MIDI output (adapter sold separately) connects to compact hardware synths. In coffee shops or hotel rooms, it’s quiet, reliable, and comprehensive. Standby mode solves the RGB lighting issue in dark environments.

Does the Novation Launchkey Mk4 Work With iPad and iPhone?

Yes! The Mini 37 Mk4 also works smoothly with iPad and iPhone music apps. It’s class-compliant, so you can just plug it in—either directly to a USB-C iPad or with the right adapter for Lightning models. All the creative features, including Chord, Scale, and Arp modes, are available when using compatible iOS apps.

This makes the Mini 37 Mk4 a practical and flexible option for mobile producers and anyone making music on iOS.

Tip: if you’re working with an older iPad, a powered hub can help ensure a stable connection.

Compared to the Arturia KeyLab Mk3

The Arturia KeyLab Mk3 is often the first alternative that comes to mind for anyone shopping for a premium MIDI controller in this price range. Both lines are well-regarded, but their strengths appeal to slightly different users.

Arturia’s KeyLab Mk3 stands out for its larger, high-resolution color display, which provides more visual feedback and easier navigation through presets and parameters. The build is a touch more substantial, with a metal chassis and a keybed that feels springier and a bit heavier under the fingers—some players find this preferable for expressive synth or piano parts, while others might prefer the lighter, faster feel of the Launchkey Mk4’s keys.

Where the Novation Launchkey Mk4 pulls ahead is in its DAW integration—especially with Logic Pro and Ableton Live. The workflow is more deeply embedded, with features like color-matched pads for track selection, instant Smart Controls mapping, and the ability to assign Logic shortcuts directly to hardware controls. The Launchkey’s RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch also add an expressive dimension that Arturia’s pads lack.

Arturia’s KeyLab Mk3 does offer aftertouch on the keys (a plus for certain playing techniques), more extensive hardware controls, and a wider range of bundled software, including Analog Lab. But if your priority is hands-on DAW control, especially in Logic Pro, or if you want a controller that feels instantly at home in a modern, software-centric workflow, the Launchkey Mk4 is likely to feel more immediate and rewarding.

Last but not least, the Launchkey 61 Mk4 is more affordable and lighter than the KeyLab 61 Mk3, making it easier to transport and a better fit for smaller studios or mobile setups.

In short:

• If you want a premium feel, a bigger display, and aftertouch on the keys (and you’re already a heavy Analog Lab user), the Arturia KeyLab Mk3 is hard to beat. It’s more expensive and heavier (about 7.2 kg for the 61-key), but you get a solid, pro-grade build and deep integration with Arturia’s own software.
• If you value deep DAW integration, speed, and flexible pad control, the Novation Launchkey Mk4 is the more seamless fit—especially for Logic Pro and Ableton users. It’s lighter (about 4.8 kg for the 61-key), easier to carry, and more affordable, while still offering excellent workflow tools and expressive pads. You’ll save some money, which is good.

Both are excellent, but your choice will come down to which features matter most in your daily workflow.

Pros & Cons

Pricing & Value

The Launchkey 61 Mk4 at $329/€329 and Launchkey Mini 37 Mk4 at $119/€119 offer excellent value for their feature sets and build quality. The included software bundle adds significant worth, especially for new producers. Add about $15/€15 for the Mini’s required MIDI adapter, in case you need it.

You can also buy from Thomann using the following links:

• Launchkey Mk4 61

• Launchkey Mini 37 Mk4

Final Thoughts

After weeks of daily use, I can honestly say I’ve been enjoying the Novation Launchkey Mk4 range more than I expected. The 61 Mk4 has become my main studio controller—not just for Logic Pro, but for sketching ideas in Ableton and even jamming with hardware synths thanks to the MIDI out. The workflow feels fast and natural, and I find myself relying on the color-coded pads and hands-on controls far more than I ever did with previous MIDI keyboards.

The Mini 37 Mk4 has surprised me too. It’s a great couch-friendly controller, but I’ve also enjoyed taking it out of the studio. It fits in my backpack, sets up in seconds, and still gives me access to all the creative features I rely on with the bigger model. For travel, couch production, or quick sessions in a rehearsal space, it’s just plain useful.

What’s stood out most is how these controllers have made my DAW feel more like an instrument and less like a piece of software. The Logic Pro integration, in particular, has changed the way I approach arranging and mixing—I’m spending less time clicking and more time actually making music.
No controller is perfect, but the Launchkey Mk4 series gets so many of the important things right. If you’re looking for a keyboard that feels immediate, flexible, and genuinely enjoyable to use, I think you’ll find a lot to like here. I certainly have.