Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 review: MIDI controller scores with poly aftertouch pads, a powerful arpeggiator, inspiring chords, and a great software bundle.
Last summer, Novation unveiled the fourth generation (MK4) of its best-selling and popular Launchkey MIDI controller keyboards. The keyboards were launched in six versions, each with slightly different specs but with the same creative firmware under the hood.
Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to check out the new Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 in greater detail. Here is my review.
Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 Review
When Novation asked me if I wanted to test one of their new Launchkey Mk4, I said yes. The question was, which of the six? I decided on the Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 for review as it fits perfectly on any studio desk, remains portable, and offers regular keys.
The medium size has a disadvantage. It lacks the faders of the full-size versions 49 and 61, which can be very helpful, especially in DAWs.
Unboxing & Powering
The Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 came in a simple but beautifully designed card box packaging. The contents are minimal: the keyboard, a USB-C cable, and the manual.
The device’s backside features connectivity: a USB-C port, a 5-pin MIDI socket, a sustain pedal input, and a Kensington lock. That’s right, it has no power supply input because it is 100% bus-powered. Plug in and let the fun begin.
It worked smoothly out of the box, whether with my Apple MacBook Air, iPad Pro, or iPhone. However, if you want to use the Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 with USB-C iPads and iPhones, you need an additional USB-C to USB-C cable, as Novation only includes a USB-C to USB-B cable.
Important reminder: non-USB-C iPads with lightning connectors need the Apple Camera Connection Kit cable.
Knobs & Pads
The Novation Launchkey 37 Mk4 offers 37 lightweight velocity keys that are pleasant and easy to play. I like the feel better than its predecessor, which was more plasticky. A minus point is the lack of aftertouch on the fourth-generation Launchkeys.
We are in 2025, and I find it it bad that MIDI keyboards in the 200€ range still lack simple, old-school aftertouch. Yes, it concerns product strategies, so people still buy the more expensive MIDI controllers. In this case, the Impulse keyboards offer aftertouch. I hope that aftertouch becomes available in every keyboard category in the future.
Classic, quality-pitch mod wheels are offered on the left side, with octave up-and-down switches right next to them. This is no serious issue, but I would have implemented the buttons with more grip because I don’t like their flatness.
Then, you get eight endless encoders, two MIDI CC banks, and 16 RGB polyphonic aftertouch pads just underneath.
The knobs have a good grip and offer smooth turns. These can be easily customized using the eight encoder modes selectable with the shift button. Four modes are aimed at controlling DAW parameters, especially with Ableton Live mappings.
This works smoothly and, yes, in other DAWs, too. However, some DAWs still require scripts using the HUI protocol for this. The other four modes are fully customizable, which is very handy.
Just below are the RGB pads, which feel quality. I highlight the polyphonic aftertouch support, which makes the pads much more expressive and sets them apart from other entry-level keyboard/pad controllers. I did some tests in Ableton Live 12, and the polyAT data was recorded without problems.
The eight dedicated pad modes—two specially designed for playability—make setting up the pads straightforward. DAW mode sets them to clip launching, while drum mode maps them to a drum rack. The other pads enable the user chord, arpeggio pattern, and four user configuration modes.
There are also various DAW transport controls, mainly set for Ableton Live, including capture MIDI, undo/redo, quantize, metronome, and more.
All About Chords
One of the strengths of the new Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 is the small but powerful tools designed to stimulate musicians’ creativity. Powerful is the built-in scale/chord engine. In scale mode, you can pick a scale from the built-in presets. The individual scales are visualized on the screen, making them very enjoyable.
Once you select it with the first encoder, you can play the Launchkey keys on that scale. This way, you never play the wrong notes and are always in the right key.
Next to this is the unique chord map mode that allows you to perform chords that fit with the scale you select. It splits the pad interface into two sections: on the left, the matching chords, and on the right, the performance pads.
The left side can be precisely adjusted with the eight chords. For example, the adventure and explore parameters give you access to the 40 banks of eight chords. So, there are plenty of chords to explore. Things get more fun on the right side. The performance pads let you perform the chords in different ways.
I enjoy using the arpeggiator modifier, which allows you to play the chords like an arpeggiator pattern by cycling through the chords. To use the modifiers, hold down the respective performance pad.
A fixed chord mode also allows you to assign a chord to the keys. You can create chords up to 6 voices, then play and transpose the same chord up and down.
The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 keyboard offers many features, making playing enjoyable even for inexperienced musicians. The scales and chord functions are handy and inspiring.
A big like to Novation for the implementation. However, the functions are linked to key combinations. It’s a bit unsexy at first, but you quickly get used to it.
Arpeggiator Beyond Classic
I particularly enjoyed testing the built-in arpeggiator of the new Novation Launchkey Mk4 versions. Of course, it hosts all the classic features tweakable with the encoders, including tempo, swing, rate, gate, arp type, and octave.
Too boring? Grab the last two encoders and dive into new, inspiring arpeggiator spheres. Encoder 7 introduces mutation and varies your existing arpeggiator pattern with every knob turn. It’s a powerful tool that makes the arpeggiator more complex quickly.
With the last encoder, you can even modify the arpeggiator’s rhythm. Turning the dedicated encoder makes rhythmic variations. Every time you move the encoder, you’ll create a different pattern of rests. Two powerful tools that make your arpeggiator patterns more complex and fun. But there is more.
Hold shift and press drum pad 12 to enter the arp pattern mode. This mode displays your steps on the pads for advanced editing and allows you to delve deeper into the arpeggiators.
In addition to toggling individual steps, you can assign each arpeggiator step a color-coded function/modifier: tie (red), accent (orange), and ratcheting (yellow). The latter, in particular, adds even more fun and complexity to every pattern.
The workflow here is also very much connected to button combinations. They are simple, but you have to get used to them.
When testing, I sometimes slipped the buttons, accidentally turning off the arpeggiator instead of changing a function. I find it uncomfortable that the shift function can only activate the hold button.
While writing this review, Novation partnered with Native Instruments to bring the NKS format to the keyboards.
Software Bundle
Like other MIDI controller manufacturers, Novation bundles the Launchkey 37 Mk4 and the entire range with extensive third-party software. In addition to the usual Ableton Live Lite serial, it includes plenty of commercial plugins, making the package even more attractive.
You get four Synthesizer plugins worth 369€ (regular prices) from the British plugin developer GForce Software: Axxess, Oberheim SEM, Oberheim OB-EZ, and the all-new Novation Bass Station Synthesizer.
Further, it includes two Klevgrand plugins: Roverb reverb and Slammer percussive virtual instrument, as well as a sample-based instrument, Parallel Orchestra, from Orchestral Tools. Plus, it includes special curated lessons for Novation users for the the desktop and mobile app Melodics.
An excellent software package with many high-quality plugins. The latest Bass Station version is like the cherry on the cake here.
Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 Review: Summary
The new Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 is a successful MIDI keyboard that combines quality hardware with the latest software options.
Well-built but lightweight and easy to transport, a smooth, playable keybed and the new polyphonic aftertouch pads give you an extra expression level in a budget MIDI keyboard.
Although we are still far from a MIDI controller revolution, the fourth generation offers a nice evolution, especially in the embedded software. Tight Ableton Live integration, clever tools that simplify working with scales and chords, and an inspiring, powerful arpeggiator that leaves nothing to be desired. Features that also arouse the interest of DAWless hardware users thanks to the controller’s MIDI output.
With the recently announced NKS support at NAMM 2025, another big firmware update/ goodie will soon be available for the Novation Launchkey Mk4 controllers.
I hope Novation doesn’t add too many new features to the controller in the future. Currently, the menu with the buttons is easy and quick to set up, even if you must get used to it. However, I fear that if they add more features, the fast workflow could suffer because of many shift button combinations, etc.
I have criticisms about the decision to keybed. It is easy to play and feels quality, but it still lacks aftertouch. In 2024, polyphonic aftertouch keyboards popped up, even for under 500€ (Korg Keystage).
Then, musicians would be happy that Keyboards in the 200€ range are slowly getting aftertouch support. Standard aftertouch was not invented in 2024. It’s time to move on from the era where MIDI keyboards don’t feature aftertouch, even in the affordable range.
Nonetheless, the Novation Launchkey 37 Mk4 is a rock-solid MIDI keyboard for modern musicians with many tools that simplify and advance creative work.
Pro
- built quality
- polyphonic aftertouch pads
- second bank of MIDI CC via firmware update
- creative arpeggiator
- DAW integration
- advanced chord generator
- software bundle
- NKS support very soon
Neutral
- display size
- button combinations
Contra
- no aftertouch on the keys
Novation Launchkey 37 mk4 is available now for $209,99/199€.
More information here: Novation
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