The price range is aggressively steep. Firms produce a wide range of keyboards priced under $300, spanning compact designs with as few as 25 keys to full-sized models boasting 88 keys. These compact controllers are designed to fit neatly in a bag for effortless transportation. Controllers designed to seamlessly integrate proprietary software, streamlining sound design processes. Keyboards with MPC-style drum pads. Honestly, selecting one is tiring as they’ll all deliver satisfactory results.
Regardless of personal preferences, a few stand out as truly exceptional. For users familiar with Arturia or Native Instruments plugins, the most suitable options are likely their respective KeyLab Essential and Komplete Kontrol S series products. If you’re not tied to a particular brand’s ecosystem or if your chosen digital audio workstation has limitations, Novation’s Launchkey series shines as an uncomplicated choice. With the introduction of the latest MK4 revisions, this MIDI controller solidifies its position as a reliable choice within the best value range for MIDI controllers.
{Hardware}
The hardware launch isn’t marked by any unexpected developments. The LaunchKey MK4 is a budget-friendly MIDI controller that offers versatile connectivity options for both USB and MIDI interfaces. While the 49- and 61-key versions boast semi-weighted keybeds that are impressive at first, they ultimately fall short of being truly exceptional. The 37-and 25-key designs feature synthetic-action keybeds that are often met with mixed reactions, as they tend to exhibit a less authentic playing experience. Furthermore, the materials used in their construction are primarily plastic-based. Connectivity options remain limited yet sufficient: a single USB-C port, a maintained analog audio input, and a five-pin MIDI output.
The aircraft boasts an array of intuitive, hands-on control mechanisms. Nine faders on larger models, accompanied by eight endless rotary encoders, 16 pads, and a plethora of buttons. The controls’ performance is decidedly unimpressive, failing to deliver a satisfactory user experience. While the faders may initially seem budget-friendly and unrestricted, they pale in comparison to the exceptional quality of those found on Akai’s flagship controllers, particularly when it comes to the pads themselves. Although they excel at launching clips, I don’t see the value in using them for finger drumming purposes. The tactile satisfaction of clicking buttons is a delight, while the upgrade from potentiometers to encoders eliminates the frustration of unexpected parameter jumps when adjusting knobs.
