Chris SennerTable of Contents
If you’re looking for a MIDI controller that combines portability with serious functionality, the Novation Launchkey MK4 25 is one of the strongest options on the market. It bridges the gap between compact controllers and larger keyboards by giving you full-size keys, an excellent control layout, and creative tools that help you stay inspired.
I’ve been using the Launchkey MK4 25 alongside other popular 25-key controllers, including the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25. While both are excellent, the Launchkey stands out in some important areas that make it a better fit for certain workflows.
The Launchkey MK4 25 is one of the best value MIDI keyboards on the market allowing for ultimate control and great portability/connectivity.
Key Features and First Impressions
The Launchkey 25 comes loaded with features that make it feel like more than just a small controller. Out of the box, you get:
- 25 full-size synth-action keys
- 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads
- 8 endless rotary knobs
- Transport and octave shift controls
- Pitch and modulation touch strips
- Built-in scale, chord, and arpeggiator modes
- OLED display for feedback
- USB-C connectivity, bus-powered
- Seamless DAW integration across Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, and more
When I first sat down with it, the full-size keys immediately felt like a step up from the Mini version. Playing chords, writing melodies, and recording longer passages felt more natural and less cramped. The pads are also bright and responsive, giving plenty of room for finger drumming or triggering samples.
**Read more about my favorite 25 key midi controllers here.
Build Quality and Design
The MK4 25 keeps things lightweight with a mostly plastic build, but it feels sturdy enough to handle regular use. The keys are firm, the knobs turn smoothly, and the pads hold up well even after hours of drumming.
The transport and mode buttons are placed logically, so you don’t have to think twice about reaching for them. The OLED display is small, but it provides quick feedback when switching modes or adjusting settings.
I appreciate the move to USB-C. It feels modern, connects securely, and keeps setup simple with one cable. Even though it’s plastic, the MK4 25 feels more refined than you might expect at this price point.
Playability
This is where the Launchkey 25 shines compared to mini controllers. The full-size keys give you enough room for expressive playing, whether you’re laying down chord progressions, melodic lines, or bass parts. They’re synth-action keys, so they don’t have the resistance of semi-weighted boards, but they’re responsive and consistent.
The 16 pads are another highlight. They’re velocity-sensitive, RGB-lit, and well-positioned for clip launching or finger drumming. While they won’t replace a dedicated pad controller, they’re easily among the best pads you’ll find on a 25-key board.
The knobs are smooth and responsive. I like using them for filter sweeps, effect parameters, and mixer adjustments. Because they’re endless encoders, you don’t get awkward jumps when changing assignments.
Creative Tools
One of the reasons I’ve gravitated toward the MK4 series is the inclusion of built-in creative features. The scale mode helps keep melodies in key, the chord mode makes it easy to try out progressions, and the arpeggiator is fun for generating rhythmic ideas on the fly.
These tools aren’t just for beginners. Even as someone who knows theory, I find they spark creativity and help me write faster. They’re especially useful when sketching out ideas quickly in a DAW.
DAW Integration
Novation has always excelled in DAW integration, and the MK4 25 is no exception. With Ableton Live, it feels like a natural extension of the software. The pads trigger clips, the knobs map to device macros, and the transport controls let you record without touching your laptop.
Logic, Cubase, and FL Studio integration is also strong, though it requires a little more manual setup. Once mapped, the workflow is smooth and reliable. The OLED display adds another layer of usability by showing parameter changes and mode selections.
For me, the Ableton Live workflow is where the MK4 25 really shines. It cuts down on the amount of mouse clicking and screen-staring, which helps me stay in a creative flow.
Workflow and Portability
Even with full-size keys, the MK4 25 is still compact enough to travel with. It fits in a backpack and only requires a single USB-C cable to run. That makes it easy to bring to a session, a live performance, or just to work in a coffee shop.
The workflow is fast and efficient. Having pads, transport, and knobs all built-in reduces the need to switch back and forth between the keyboard and computer. I’ve found myself finishing ideas faster because I’m not constantly breaking my flow to make adjustments on screen.
What I Like
- Full-size keys make a huge difference in playability compared to mini controllers
- 16 responsive RGB pads expand performance and beat-making options
- Endless rotary knobs are smooth and practical for mixing and effects
- Built-in creative tools like scale, chord, and arpeggiator modes
- Excellent Ableton Live integration out of the box
- USB-C bus-powered design keeps setup simple
- Portable but still feels substantial enough for serious use
What I Don’t Like
- No sustain pedal input, which limits expressive playing
- Plastic build, while solid, lacks the premium feel of metal controllers
- No aftertouch support on the keybed
- The OLED screen is small and not as detailed as I’d like
- Pitch and modulation strips work fine, but I prefer wheels for more natural expression
Novation Launchkey MK4 25 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
Both the Launchkey MK4 25 and the Komplete Kontrol A25 are popular 25-key controllers, but they serve different kinds of producers. Here’s how they compare:
| Keys | 25 full-size synth-action keys | 25 semi-weighted NI custom keybed |
| Pads | 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads | None |
| Knobs | 8 endless encoders | 8 touch-sensitive knobs + push encoder |
| Creative Tools | Built-in chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes | Smart Play with scales, chords, and arpeggios |
| Transport / Workflow | Transport buttons, pitch and mod strips | Transport buttons, pitch and mod wheels |
| DAW Integration | Deep with Ableton Live, strong across Logic, Cubase, FL Studio | Strong with NI software, Komplete Kontrol, Maschine; good DAW support |
| Pedal Input | None | TRS input for sustain or expression pedal |
| Display | Small OLED for parameters | OLED for preset browsing and parameters |
| Software Included | Ableton Live Lite, Novation plug-ins | Komplete Select, Maschine Essentials, NI software |
| Portability | Lightweight, compact | Slightly heavier but sturdy |
| Price | Around $189 | Around $169-$199 |
My Take
The Launchkey MK4 25 is the better choice if you want pads, more hands-on control, and a streamlined portable setup. It’s especially strong for Ableton users. The Komplete Kontrol A25, on the other hand, shines for players who want a more piano-like feel with semi-weighted keys and are invested in the Native Instruments ecosystem. If a sustain pedal input and deeper preset browsing are important to you, the A25 might be the better fit.
Pros
- Comfortable full-size keybed
- Great balance of portability and features
- Excellent pad and knob layout for beat-making and mixing
- Creative tools built directly into the hardware
- Tight DAW integration, especially with Ableton Live
Cons
- No sustain pedal input
- Plastic build
- No aftertouch
- Pitch/mod strips are less expressive than wheels
Who It’s Best For
The Launchkey MK4 25 is ideal for producers who want a portable yet expressive controller that doesn’t feel limiting. It’s especially useful for electronic producers, songwriters, and anyone working in Ableton Live. Beginners will also appreciate the built-in creative features, while advanced users will find the pads and knobs expand their workflow.
It’s less suited for pianists who rely heavily on sustain pedals, or those who want the feel of semi-weighted or fully weighted keys. In those cases, the Komplete Kontrol A25 might be more appealing.
Verdict
The Novation Launchkey MK4 25 strikes a balance that few 25-key controllers manage. It feels portable and lightweight but doesn’t compromise on features. With responsive keys, pads, knobs, and built-in creative tools, it provides a full production setup in a compact form.
Compared to the Komplete Kontrol A25, the Launchkey offers more performance-oriented features like pads and built-in creative modes, while the A25 delivers a more piano-like feel and better software integration for Native Instruments users. Both are excellent, but for most producers, the Launchkey MK4 25 stands out as the more versatile choice.
For me, it’s a controller that I can use both in the studio and on the go without feeling limited. If you want a 25-key controller that combines portability, hands-on workflow, and creative tools, the Launchkey MK4 25 is one of the best options available right now.
Chris Senner
