Novation launchkey 61 mk4 vs Arturia keylab 61 mk3

[Trancer]

Hello,

I'd like to buy a new 61-note master keyboard.

I'm hesitating between the Arturia Keylab 61 mk3 and the Novation LaunchKey 61 mk4.

Beyond compatibility with Ableton Live, I'd like a keyboard with a good touch (not a Bontempi touch), which is very important.

I'm not sure, there's no polyphonic aftertouch (except on the pads), so not a big difference compared to the Novation.

What I do like about the Novation, however, is the step sequencer function, a nice addition (controllable with pads).

The interaction isn't bad.

Unless I'm mistaken, there isn't that on the Arturia.

On the other hand, the Arturia has a very nice option: automatic arpeggiator generation (de).

Also, a very important point: user mode.

Which is the simplest, most intuitive, and most comprehensive (Novation Components / Arturia Midi Control Center)?

Also very important is the reliability, quality, and longevity of the hardware.

Regarding the Keylab 61 mk3, the screen and the tactile control of the knobs and faders make me hesitant regarding reliability and precision in the short/medium term, and even more so in the long term.

Based on my research, which model would be the most suitable?

Thank you in advance for your response.

[Bombadil]

I have the Launchkey mk4. Only you can decide which is more suitable for you. I am very pleased with the Novation. I like the keys just fine, and the reviews are uniformly excellent. I wish it had been available last year when I bought the Komplete Kontrol mk2 in April. I would've chosen this in a heartbeat.
I use it with Logic Pro, and the integration is excellent, but not quite as complete as Live.
I have no experience with Arturia.
If you can, try both. I would buy the Novation again in a heartbeat.

[koalaboy]

I looked at both of these, but wanting a more 'piano' feel I ended up going with a Casio PX-S1100 as I didn't need any of the features other than the keyboard (and I can practice basic piano with the computer off now).

If I was still looking and needing more than just the keybed, I would likely have gone for the Novation, although I would also have considered the Korg Keystage, I think. I would love to try all of them, but that's not easy to do where I am.

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your answers and opinions.

The Novation seems like a good choice.

Unfortunately, it's not really possible to try the Arturia.

I did try the Novation, though; the keyboard isn't great, but it's much better than the 61-note Keylab Essential.

Regarding the Korg Keystage 61, it really interested me at one point.

Polyphonic aftertouch, MIDI 2.0, and a really reasonable price.

But it didn't have any real commercial success, apparently.

Availability is quite limited, if not removed from the catalog at major traditional French-speaking retailers.

What also bothered me was the lack of a fader.

Otherwise, the Korg was really an interesting choice.

Thanks again for your answers.

[audio/fault]

last year i wanted to buy the launchkey 49 mk4 and replace my komplete kontrol a49, but when i tested it, they keys felt awful. bought the keylab 49 mk3 instead, which, to my fingers, has the much butter keys. in general it feels like a sturdy, valuable peace of gear. don't think this will break anytime soon (with studio use). i mostly use it with live, sometimes logic. i like the arpeggiator and the midi control center worked as intended. no experiences with novation components though.
so my vote for the arturia.

[Bombadil]

Strange. I expect keyboard preference is similar to fretboard preference, but I have no issue with the Novation keybed. I can move quickly, and I actually prefer it to the synth action of my moribund Komplete Kontrol mk2.
Horses for courses....

[db3]

I had a Novation Launchkey 49 mk3 and I really liked its synth action keybed for the price. I replaced it with the Arturia Keylab 49 mk3 becuase the Launchkey doesn't have aftertouch. The Keylab keybed was a step up in quality. Based on my hardware synths I would guess the keybed is a Fatar. I tried a Korg Keystage 49 before the Arturia but returned it as the keybed felt cheap and was incredibly noisy.

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your answers and opinions.

I was able to try out a Novation LaunchKey 49 mk4. I assume the touch is the same as the 61-note version (full keys)?

The touch is pretty good for the price.

On the other hand, the pads are really small.

Regarding the Keylab 61 mk3, is the monophonic keyboard aftertouch really a plus?

Compared to polyphonic aftertouch?

Both the Novation and Arturia pads have polyphonic aftertouch.

So, is monophonic aftertouch a good choice? Will it add value over a keyboard that doesn't have it (the Novation LaunchKey 61 mk4)?

Thank you again for your answers and opinions.

[Bombadil]

I don't really use aftertouch. I asked about it on a YT video to TechHelpGuy, and he said he didn't use it, either. (he was doing a review of the Launchkey 61 mk4 for Logic).

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your reply.

My question here is about the keyboard quality and feel compared to a 61-note version.

I'm not considering the monophonic aftertouch, just the quality, touch, and feel compared to a 61-note version.

Even though it's not the same keyboard and price, I looked at the 88-note version of the Keylab Mk3.

The keyboard should be of a completely different quality?

In 88 note version, playing with vst (Nexus 5, Sylenth1, Spire, Serum 2, etc...), will it be more pleasant to play with an 88 note or 61 note version?

According to some reviews, it has a more premium feel, more like a heavy (piano-style) touch.

Can you tell me more about this feel and feel?

[Bombadil]

I can't on the 88, no.

I'd find it easier to describe a fretboard than a keybed, lol. All I can say is, the keys feel fine to me, and I'm picky. I'd half expected the cheap M-Audio feel (my first midi keyboard), but these are very good, very sensitive, and easy for me to move on. I had thought about Arturia, but the integration with Logic is not as comprehensive, and it's 170€ more, more or less.

[db3]

Even though it's not the same keyboard and price, I looked at the 88-note version of the Keylab Mk3.
The keyboard should be of a completely different quality?
In 88 note version, playing with vst (Nexus 5, Sylenth1, Spire, Serum 2, etc...), will it be more pleasant to play with an 88 note or 61 note version?
According to some reviews, it has a more premium feel, more like a heavy (piano-style) touch.
Can you tell me more about this feel and feel?

The KeyLab 88 uses a Fatar TP/100LR, whereas the KeyLab 61/49 have something which feels like a Fatar TP/9S to me.

The TP/100LR is described as having 'A weighted hammer action with real moving mechanical parts perfectly emulates the iconic balance and strike feeling of a traditional acoustic piano'. So it depends whether that works better for you. Based on the plugins you listed above, I would think probably not.

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Unless I'm mistaken, the new Keylab 88 mk3 uses the new Fatar TP/110 keyboard.

At first glance, it seems a little more flexible (weighted feel) than the TP/100 version.

To use the VSTs I mentioned above, in terms of playability, comfort, and feel, is it better to get a 61-note version?

Thanks again for your replies and feedback.

[Trancer]

I purchased the Novation LaunchKey 61 MK4.

Really surprised by the quality of the keyboard and the overall product.

Very pleasantly surprised.

Thank you again for your responses and reviews.