The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 MIDI keyboard brings a fresh wave of creativity and versatility to the music-making process. Compared to the Launchkey 49 MK3 that has been sitting in our studio for a while, we immediately noticed that this MK4 model feels vastly more intuitive and user-friendly. It’s clear that Novation has enhanced the Launchkey to become a powerhouse tool for artists and producers of all levels looking to push their musical boundaries and creative workflow.
Look and Feel
The Launchkey 37 MK4, part of Novation’s fourth-generation lineup, is rightly described as “The Creative Controller.” From the start, we were struck by its upgraded hardware and refreshed, minimalist design that truly elevates the experience. The build quality feels premium, and the controller integrates seamlessly with all major DAWs, making it easy for you to move between various software setups without missing a beat. The continuous encoders are also a highlight, enabling you to fine-tune mixer levels, virtual instruments, and effects quickly, and even create custom user mappings, tailoring the controls precisely to your specific setup. It’s something that we didn’t realise we disliked about the MK3 model until we got it in the newer version. Sometimes, the finer details make a product way more enjoyable, so that alone is a big pat on the back for Novation!
We also appreciated the compact, modern industrial redesign. Despite its tiny footprint, the MK4 packs a complete feature set, making it ideal for studio and live setups. The high-contrast OLED display provides clear and comprehensive feedback, reducing any guesswork around chord types, scales, or parameters. The screen even reduces abbreviations, letting you focus on the music rather than deciphering symbols. In all honesty, it’s another one of those things that made us realise how much we preferred it to the MK3 version again afterwards. There’s just something about a simple black-and-white screen that is easy on the eyes and makes things much more fluid; the previous blue-on-white is almost overwhelming by comparison now when you go back to it. It sounds silly, but it’s such a game-changing and simple tweak that greatly enhanced our user experience.
Standout Features
The continuation of its 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch keeps the possibilities and control when writing, recording and arranging music pretty limitless, providing expressive interaction for launching clips, playing chords, or finger drumming. These pads are sensitive enough to handle delicate dynamics yet robust enough for intense rhythmic work. Additionally, we found the Chord Modes to be fantastic for exploring chord progressions without requiring in-depth music theory knowledge, again proving its focus on accessibility. The Chord Detector feature, which displays the played chord on the OLED screen, has proven invaluable, especially for learning and composing.
One of the most impressive updates is the Generative Arpeggiator, which lets you create patterns with an 8-step editor for unique rhythmic exploration. Combined with Scale Mode, which locks you into one of 30 scales, we found ourselves experimenting with musical ideas that otherwise would not have come to mind. Scale Mode’s various options simplify staying in key and creating a unique, creativity-boosting environment.
What comes with it?
The included software bundle rounds out the package. With Ableton Live 12 Lite, synths, orchestral samples, and effects processors, it comes ready to go with everything you need to start creating music immediately. The Launchkey MK4’s DAW integration is also more profound than ever, with enhanced “DAW Transport Mode” that allows for smooth control over arrangement views, scrub functions, and more. The sequencer for Ableton Live, which lets you input notes directly into MIDI clips using the pads, is another particularly standout feature.
Should you get a Novation Launchkey 37 MK4?
Overall, the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 is a massive step forward. From its generative tools to its sleek design and seamless DAW integration, it’s the ideal MIDI controller for those seeking to maximise creativity without compromising user experience. Whether using it for intricate production or live performances, the Launchkey 37 MK4 has proven to be an outstanding addition to any setup. Some of the simplest things that have changed from previous versions have made this new generation of Launchkey products that much more appealing. We think we speak for many producers when we say that sometimes you want elementary but unendingly reliable features in the hardware you will use heavily. It’s so easy to fall in love with a piece of kit when it makes it simple to connect with it and get to work without limitations and free reign.
The more we sit and think about it, the harder it gets to find anything we would change about the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4. What you get crammed into a compact unit is pretty crazy, to be honest. It lets you keep things as simple or expansive as you want with your use of it, and it almost refuses to let you fall foul of dreaded writer’s block. As for a product suitable for everyone from entry-level to seasoned pro, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better all-around unit, especially under £200. We’ve got a feeling Santa will be sick of the sight of these come December 25th, and with good reason: they’re bloody brilliant!
Head to Novation's website to buy directly or find a stockist near you today!
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