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Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Novation

Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Bottom line: The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller ($229.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch, not just velocity; main trade-off: 37 keys limits two-handed piano parts versus a 49 or 61.

$229.99

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Buy on Amazon — $229.99 Compare to similar audio & midi

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch, not just velocity
  • ✓ Scripted integration for Ableton, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reaper, Reason, Ardour
  • ✓ Editable arpeggiator plus three Chord Modes built into the hardware
  • ✓ Scale Mode locks played notes to the selected key
  • ✓ NKS-ready for automatic Native Instruments mapping

Cons

  • ✗ 37 keys limits two-handed piano parts versus a 49 or 61
  • ✗ Synth-action keybed, not weighted or hammer-action
  • ✗ Pad and mode depth means a real learning curve at first
  • ✗ Bundled Live Lite and Cubase LE are limited entry-tier versions

Manufacturer description

The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 is a 37-key USB MIDI keyboard controller built around fast, hands-on DAW control rather than menu diving. Its synth-action keybed sits above 16 FSR pads with polyphonic aftertouch, so the same grid handles finger drumming, step sequencing, clip and scene launching, and chord triggering without swapping modes on a screen. Deep integration covers Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, Reaper, FL Studio, and Ardour, giving you direct control of mixer levels, devices, and effects from the control surface. Onboard creative tools carry real weight here: Scale Mode keeps…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the audio & midi category. Novation's audio & midi lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for audio & midi of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keys does the Launchkey 37 MK4 have, and what type are they?

It has 37 keys with a synth-action keybed. Synth-action is light and fast for pads, leads, and clip work, but it is not weighted like a piano-style hammer-action board.

Which DAWs does the Launchkey 37 MK4 work with?

Novation lists integration for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, Reaper, FL Studio, and Ardour. It also works as a standard USB MIDI controller with other hosts, though the depth of hands-on control varies by DAW.

What are the 16 pads capable of beyond drum programming?

The FSR pads support polyphonic aftertouch and double as step sequencers, clip launchers, and chord triggers, so the same grid covers beat-making and arrangement without extra hardware.

What software comes in the box?

The bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, sounds from GForce, Klevgrand, Orchestral Tools, and Native Instruments, plus free Melodics lessons. Check the product listing for current bundle terms and redemption details.

Is the Launchkey 37 MK4 a good fit for beginners?

The creative tools help: Scale Mode keeps you in key, Chord Modes trigger progressions from one key or pad, and Melodics lessons are included. However, the mode-heavy workflow takes time to learn.

Key Features

  • The Creative Controller: Launchkey is an all-in-one DAW controller with premium keybeds and 16 responsive FSR pads for drumming, clip launching, and more
  • Seamless DAW Integration: Launchkey works with all major DAWs, offering intuitive workflows for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, Reaper, FL Studio, and Ardour
  • Go Beyond Finger Drumming: Launchkey’s FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch also serve as step sequencers, clip launchers, chord triggers, and more
  • Everything in the box: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, sounds from GForce, Klevgrand, Orchestral Tools, Native Instruments, and free Melodics lessons
  • Powerful Creative Tools: Never hit a wrong note with Scale Mode, trigger lush chords from a single key or drum pad, and create and mutate wild arpeggios
  • NKS-ready: Launchkey now works seamlessly with Native Instruments software, giving you hands-on control via Native Kontrol Standard

Full Specifications

Size37 Keys
BrandNovation
ColorBlack
PlatformMac, Windows 10, Windows 7
NKS-readyLaunchkey now works seamlessly with Native Instruments software, giving you hands-on control via Native Kontrol Standard
InstrumentKeyboard
Model NameLaunchkey 37 [MK4]
Model Year2024
ConnectivityUSB
Control TypeKeyboard Controller
Model NumberAMS-LAUNCHKEY-37-MK4
Material TypePlastic
Product Style37 Keys
Connector TypeMIDI, USB
Control MethodTouch
Instrument KeyAny
Number of Keys37
Outer MaterialPlastic
Special FeatureScale and Chord modes, Arp
Total USB Ports1

Ready to buy?

Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $229.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
$229.99
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