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Novation Launchkey 49 MK4

Ranked #2 of 6 in Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers for Beat Makers and Producers (2026). Here is every spec we scored, where it came from, and how it compares.

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#2

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4

Best for: Ableton Live users who want lots of controls in a mid-size board

7.9/10

What we like

  • 16 pads with polyphonic aftertouch
  • 9 faders and 8 endless encoders
  • Semi-weighted keys

Watch out for

  • Key aftertouch not listed in the specs we used

Score breakdown

Keys 20%
Drum pads 20%
Knobs / encoders 15%
Faders 15%
Key aftertouch * 15%
5-pin MIDI out * 15%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Keys49
Drum pads16
Knobs / encoders8
Faders9
Key aftertouchNot listed
5-pin MIDI outNot listed
KeysSemi-weighted, waterfall-style, velocity-sensitive
Pads16 RGB FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch
Display128×64 OLED
PriceCheck price
Check price at Sweetwater Guitar CenterAmazon
Specs sources:

How it compares

Open the full comparison table

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61
9.8/10
#1 · The most complete feature list here, including key aftertouch
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3
7.5/10
#3 · Players who want 61 keys plus a full control surface
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
6.4/10
#4 · Komplete and Kontakt users who want deep plugin integration
Akai Professional MPK Mini IV
6.2/10
#5 · Beat makers with a small desk or a backpack setup
Arturia MiniLab 3
5.3/10
#6 · A compact board that still has faders