Review MIDI keyboard Novation Launchkey Mini MK3. Where to buy it?

Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd. is a British music equipment manufacturer, founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson as Novation Electronic Music Systems. Today, the company specializes in MIDI controllers with or without keyboards, analog and virtual analog performance synthesizers, grid-based performance controllers and audio interfaces.

I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 keyboard.Then you have a video or two, purchase links and then you have one of the most useful parts, which are comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €98/£89/$99 and gives you 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (which translates as intensity in MIDI language), which allow you to play melodies and chords as well as compose or arrange your musical ideas.

It includes 16 RGB pads (RedGreenBlue backlighting) with sensitive dynamics, which allow to create percussion loops or other used samples, we also have 8 assignable rotary controllers, to be more precise in the parameters of the DAW or plugin we are using.

It also has touch-strips or sliders to control the pitch bend and modulation in real time, i.e. at the moment of sounding. We also have arpeggiator function and fixed-chord mode, that is to say playing a chord using only one note.

Finally the connections of the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 are: 3.5 mm minijack MIDI output, USB port, Sustain pedal input, and offers a Bundle Software license.

Now that we have seen the features of this Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 keyboard look at these related videos to learn more.

Post you may be interested in

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Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Akai MPK mini MK2

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €98/£89/$99 compared to the Akai MPK mini MK2 €79/£70/$81, but the difference is so small that this may vary. Let’s see the face to face:

• Both offer 25 speed-sensitive (MIDI language intensity) mini synthesizer action keys.
• The Novation offers 16 backlit pads, 8 assignable knobs and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, and transport buttons (play, rec, forward, reverse), while the Akai offers 8 high-quality MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, 8 assignable knobs and a 4-way thumbstick for pitch bend and modulation control.
• Both have an arpeggiator function as well as a sustain pedal input. Both are USB powered, no other power supply is needed.
• The Novation includes a Software Bundle and the Akai includes Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials as licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

We have a very even comparison, with two MIDI controllers with very similar features and prices, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 that we have already analyzed with a bigger amount of pads and transport buttons (only relevant differences), and the Akai MPK Mini MKII of which we have the difference already mentioned, and a slightly lower price, but with a slightly higher popularity, and according to that, I would go for it. Seeing also the size of its pads, in the Novation they are very small, while in the Akai they are a little bigger and with MPC quality.

And here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 white keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK Mini MKII review.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Arturia MiniLab MKII

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €98/£89/$99 and the Arturia MiniLab MKII is priced at €91/£82/$91, but the difference is so small that this may vary.

• Both offer 25 synthesizer-action mini keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language).
• The Novation offers 16 backlit pads, 8 assignable knobs and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, and transport buttons (play, rec, forward, reverse), while the Arturia offers 16 assignable rotary encoders (knobs), 8 sensitive pads with RGB (RedGreenBlue) feedback and pitch bend and modulation touch strips.
• Both have a sustain pedal input. Both are USB powered, no other power supply is needed.
• The Novation includes a Software Bundle and the Arturia includes the Analog Lab Lite software license with 500 sounds in V-Collection Five quality, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Again in this comparison, we have two very similar MIDI controllers, where the only relevant difference is that the Novation has 16 backlit and sensitive pads, and 8 assignable knobs, while the Arturia is the opposite, offering 16 assignable knobs, and 8 backlit and sensitive pads. In terms of weight, the Novation is very light at 689g and the Arturia is still light at 1.5kg. If you wish to have more pads in order to have more controls of this type (to give throws or to have samples/parameters assigned), the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is better for you, on the other hand, if you wish to have more knobs (to have parameters assigned) to control, your choice will be the Arturia MiniLab MKII.

And here’s a video of the Arturia MiniLab MKII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia MiniLab MKII review.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €98/£89/$99 while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is priced at €105/£98/$108, but the difference is so small that this can vary.

• The Novation has 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to MIDI language). When the Native Instruments has 32 mini-keys equally sensitive.
• The Novation offers 16 backlit pads, 8 assignable knobs and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, and the transport buttons (play, rec, forward, reverse). The Kontrol M32 offers 8 assignable encoders and two touch-strips for pitch bend and modulation. In addition to a 4D pushbutton encoder.
• Both have input jack for sustain pedal, USB port and USB power.
• The Novation includes a Software Bundle. The Kontrol M32 includes the software Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essentials, Komplete Start, Ableton Live 10 Lite. Plus intuitive control over the DAWs: Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 keyboard

The most relevant difference between these two models of MIDI controllers is the number of keys, in the Novation there are 25 (2 Octaves) and in the Native Instruments, there are 32 (3 Octaves). The Native Instruments does not offer any pads, whereas in the Novation we have 16 of them. And in the Native Instruments, we have a 4-dimensional push encoder, useful for the control of the DAW, or some plugin parameter. According to your needs, you will choose what suits you best.

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 review.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Arturia Keystep

The MIDI Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is priced at €98/£89/$99 and the Arturia Keystep is priced at €102/£89/$101, but the difference is so small that this can vary.

• The Novation has 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys (intensity according to MIDI language), while the Keystep has 32 thin keys with sensitivity and aftertouch.
• As the Keystep is a polyphonic sequencer, it offers up to 64 steps and 8 notes of polyphony.
• The Novation offers 16 backlit pads, 8 assignable knobs and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, and the transport buttons (play, rec, forward, reverse). The Keystep offers transport buttons and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation.
• Both have input jacks for sustain pedal, USB port and USB power. And the Keystep has a CV output/door, input/sync output.
• The Novation includes a Software Bundle. The Kontrol M32 includes Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essentials, Komplete Start, Ableton Live 10 Lite. Plus intuitive control over the DAWs: Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Now we have a slightly more interesting comparison with a MIDI controller as such, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, and the Arturia Keystep which is also a MIDI controller and which merges the functions of a sequencer, allowing you to work with sequences (steps) of different musical elements such as percussive rhythm loops, harmonies, arpeggios and also basses and melodies in order to create musical ideas. If you want to experiment with this function, the Arturia is for you.

And here is a video of the Arturia Keystep

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia Keystep review.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs Akai LPK 25

The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €98/£89/$99 and the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42.

• Both have 25 speed-sensitive mini keys (intensity according to the MIDI language).
• The Novation offers 16 backlit pads, 8 assignable knobs and touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation, and the transport buttons (play, rec, forward, reverse). The Akai offers octave up/down buttons, sustain button and tap tempo. It’s really very basic.
• Both have input jack for sustain pedal, USB port and USB power.
• The Novation includes a Software Bundle. The Akai is Plug and Play and works with virtually all audio software.
• The Arturia Minilab MKII has the dimensions of 355 x 220 x 50mm and a weight of 1.5 kg, while the Akai MPK mini MK2 has the dimensions (W x H x D): 9.65 x 34.04 x 2.79 cm and a weight of 635 g.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Now we have an equally interesting comparison, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 which we have already discussed with a considerable number of functions and features for the beginner in music production. The Akai LPK 25 is a more minimalist MIDI controller, and at the same time very portable, that due to its measures and weight can fit in a suitcase or pocket. According to your needs, you will choose the best decision.

And here is a video of the Akai LPK 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.

Although one of the closest comparisons was the first one, where we found ourselves face to face with the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and the Akai MPK Mini MK2. As we mentioned before, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 has some advantages against its competitors: better quality pads and a slightly cheaper price, besides having more software licenses included. If you want a driver that won’t let you down, go for it.

Where to buy the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

Amazon

• Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

 

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

 

Also look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case