world of Low-cost MIDI keyboards are competitive, to say the least. There are countless companies that make keyboards in sizes from 25 to 88 keys for less than $300. There’s also a mini controller that you can throw in your bag. A controller with tightly integrated software to simplify sound design. Keyboard with MPC style drum pads. To be honest, it’s hard to go wrong no matter which one you choose. They all get the job done.
Still, there are a few that rise to the top depending on your specific needs. If you’re a user of Arturia or Native Instrument plug-ins, the respective KeyLab Essential and Komplete Kontrol A series are your best bet. But if you’re not tied to a particular company’s ecosystem, or have chosen Ableton Live as your DAW (digital audio workstation), Novation’s Launchkey series clearly stands out. And the new MK4 revision definitely proves that MIDI controllers are now the best on a budget.
Photo: Terence O’Brien
hardware
There are no surprises on the hardware front. The LaunchKey MK4 is a thoroughly affordable MIDI controller. The larger 49-key and 61-key models have semi-weighted keybeds, which are OK but not great. (The 37-key and 25-key models have even more decent synth-action keybeds.) Mostly plastic. Connectivity options are basic but sufficient. Just a USB-C port, a sustain jack, and a 5-pin MIDI output.
Plenty of practical controls. 9 faders (on the larger model), 8 endless encoders, 16 pads, and countless buttons. The faders and pads are pretty mediocre. The faders feel a little cheap and loose, and the pads don’t match those of the AKAI controller. It’s good for launching clips, but I don’t want to finger drum. However, the buttons have a nice click, and the move from potentiometers to encoders means you don’t have to deal with the mess of parameters that unexpectedly jump around when you turn a knob.
Photo: Terence O’Brien
