Status, November 2026: current. Novation still lists the Launchkey 49, in black and in white.
What it is
The Launchkey 49 MK4 is a USB MIDI controller: it makes no sound itself and plays software instruments in a DAW or standalone, such as the bundled Novation Play (Novation user guide). Its 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys sit below 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, eight endless encoders, nine faders with buttons, pitch and modulation wheels and a 128 × 64 OLED display (Novation product page). Built in are an arpeggiator with a step editor, a Scale mode with 30 scales and three chord modes, and the keyboard splits into two zones or layers two MIDI channels. Novation provides custom scripts for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig and Ardour; other DAWs work through HUI.
At the back are USB-C, which also powers it, a 5-pin MIDI out, a sustain pedal input and a Kensington slot. It is 730 mm wide and weighs 4.08 kg. The box holds the keyboard and a USB-C to USB-A cable, and the software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Komplete 15 Select and Melodics lessons. Novation says to update the firmware in its Components software when you first plug it in, or many features may not work.
Sound On Sound noted there is no aftertouch on the keys and called the 49 and 61 a bit chunky, and AMAZONA.de found the keys light and loud at full stroke. Owners at Thomann mostly praise the build for the price, though a few find some plastics and buttons cheap.