Gearank

For Ableton Live users, the Novation Launchpad series enables the DAW to be an instrument in itself. The Launchkey series takes that a step further by combining clip launch buttons with synth-action keys.

The Launchkey 61 MK3 shares the same key features as other products in the new MK3 lineup. It has chord and scale modes, arpeggiator, larger pads, and other under-the-hood tweaks. It also has hardware control improvements worthy of the MK3 tag.

Ease of integration with Ableton Live is one of this keyboard's strongest suits. And it doesn't matter if you are new or accustomed to the Launchpad/Launchkey workflow. Despite how complicated it looks, I felt the Launchkey 61 MK3 was intuitive for both composing and arranging.

Not really a con but more of a wish, being a guitarist, I would like to have seen aftertouch implemented on this keyboard. That extra dimension of expression would have been a fun addition. It would be akin to how a guitar responds to the pressure you apply on the strings while playing a note. Is it too much to ask, maybe this feature will be available on the Mark IV. Synth patches nowadays would also benefit from an aftertouch feature since it's not just an ON/OFF MIDI sequence anymore.

Also, the light keyboard action is not the best I've felt.

If you're a producer who uses Ableton Live, the Launchkey 61 MK3 is a great choice. It is a full-featured MIDI controller and clip launcher with easy integration and good compositional tools.

Specifications

• Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action
• Pads:16 RGB-backlit performance pads
• Power: USB Bus powered
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, Virtual Instrument, and Sample Plug-in Bundle
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack, MIDI out
• Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 8 rotary knobs, 9 x 45mm sliders, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend, Arm/select buttons, Octave up/down buttons, Track navigation buttons, Capture MIDI/quantize/click/undo buttons, Scene launch button, Device select/device lock buttons, Arp/scale/fixed chord buttons
• Octave: up/down
• Compatibility: OS X 10.11 or later, Windows 7 SP1 or later, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
• Dimensions: 10.16" x 37.48" x 3.03"
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.