Sharing some experience on Oxygen Pro 49 vs. LaunchKey 49 MK3

[Glyster]

Hi fellas, I recently looked into buying a medium size midi controller for Logic Pro X and NI virtual instruments. I already have an 88 key Yamaha digital piano and a Boston grand piano, so my goal is more looking for a midi controller that has decent coverage and good DAW integration. For full range play, I'd just use the digital piano. I personally don't have a lot of experience in this area with mid controllers, so I looked at a lot of reviews on the popular keyboards: Arturia, Oxygen Pro, Komplete Kontrol, LaunchKey, etc.

Here are my thoughts:
I wasn't so sure about buying highend keyboards ($500+ range) because I'm not a pro, mostly want a good quality keyboard for fun and make music. If needed I could always upgrade.

Komplete Kontrol A49 (Returned)
Initially, I really wanted a KK A49, because it got good reviews and the big selling point is close integration with NI KK (my primary virt. Inst.). I bought a used one for $150 at Guitar Center, but it didn't have software and looking at it in person, I wasn't really impressed. It seems to lack a lot of functionality compared to other brands (no faders, pads). I also later found out Komplete Kontrol software is open, i.e., you can use other midi controller to control it via midi assignments. So there's little benefit from the KK A49. I canceled the order on the spot. The S49 version probably has more fancy integrations, but is out of my price range.

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 (Returned)
Next I saw Oxygen Pro 49 in the store on sale for $207 and it checked all the boxes. On paper, this is a no brainer.
Pros:
It has wheels, faders, encoders, pads, good integration with DAWs. The controls layout is almost perfect (faders left). I had to update to the latest firmware to make it working with Logic Pro X, but once set up it worked pretty well. The control preset config software is awesome, almost everything is configurable (fader/encoders/pads). The dedicated button to switch between DAW and preset mode is very easy to use.
Cons:
My biggest issues for the Oxygen Pro 49 are the quality of the faders, encoders, and buttons (pads are ok). The fader is low precision and has non-uniform resistance across the range (top/bottom are low and mid is tight). The encoders also feel cheap. The buttons are clicky and loud.
Deal Breaker:
The automation recorded from the faders and encoders are noisy, i.e. they are like staircases, and multiple sample points at increments. They are not smooth at all. The faders also have shorter travel compare to LaunchKey 49 MK3. I eventually returned it.

After not very satisfied with Oxygen Pro 49, but confirmed Komplete Kontrol software works with third-party controllers, I looked at two other highly rated keyboards: Arturia KeyLab Essential and LaunchKey 49 MK3.

Novation LaunchKey 49 MK3 (KEEPING)
I looked at the reviews for LaunchKey 49 MK3, almost everyone said it's best for Ableton Live. But I use Logic Pro X, so I wasn't sure how well it integrated with it. Also in many comprisons, people say the keybed is not as good as others. But everything else seemed good quality. It also checked most boxes compare to Oxygen Pro 49. Only thing missing seems to be aftertouch, which is not very important to me.

So I went to the store to check it out in person. It was not onsale ($229). I opened a box and the fader and encoders are much better quality (similar to KeyLab Essential but with longer range). I tried the keys and it's not bad at all. If I were to be really picky, KeyLab Essential is just a little bit better. Oxygen Pro is worse, KK A49 is not better. Even the S49 is not much better. The quality of the keys are good. None of them are even close to a digial piano, let alone a real piano. I am comparing these with my Yamaha digial piano with hammer weighted action, where you actually notice the difference.

I bought it and went home. After everything is set up, I was very pleased with the faders and encoders. It indeed does not have the staircase sampling problem like the Oxygen Pro. The integration with Logic Pro X is as good if not better than Oxygen Pro. The fader action is very smooth and consistent across the ranges. All the buttons are quiet, and overall, I'm very happy with the quality of the keyboard.

The control configuration software is not as comprehensive as Oxygen Pro. The important parts (faders/pads/encoders) are all configurable.

I also discovered a bug in the Component software where the custom note assigned to pads are off by one (I try to use them as key switch). It can be worked around, but I filed a support ticket and hopefully it'll be fixed.

This appears to be working correctly now, could be a transient bug.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 (Did not buy)
I almost went for this. It was even on sale for $189. I think in general Arturia seems to have a very good reputation. The key reason for me to not buy it is because it's an older generation of keyboard compare to Oxygen Pro (Jan/2021) and LanuchKey (Jun/2020), both KK A49 (2018) and KeyLab Essential (2017) are showing their age in terms of features. I think LaunchKey is just better feature
wise overall. The selling points for KeyLab: Analog Lab, is not that important to me (I use NI). The only big deal to me was the endless encoder vs. fixed range encoder.

Endless encoder vs. fixed range encoder:
It appears neither is perfect. Endless encoder does not give you feedback on where you are in terms of the range. But it's argueble that it's not important since you are likely looking at the computer screen anyway. Both can be configured to have wider range. I didn't like fixed range encoder when switching it between DAW/instruments etc, where the values they control are different and values suddenly jump if I turn the encoder. The workaround I use is enable "PICK UP", so the value does not change while turning the encoder unless the encoder reaches the previous set value. LaunchKey's fixed range encoder has fairly good response and precision, I find this workaround very reasonable.

Summary
That's all my experience in the last few days while hunting for a midi keyboard controller. I hope it's useful to some of you. From this experience, I highly recommend trying them out yourself rather than just watching/reading reviews. LaunchKey wasn't even on my radar initially (Komplete Kontrol was my top choice, then Oxygen Pro).

[chk071]

Novation LaunchKey 49 MK3 (KEEPING)
[...]
I tried the keys and it's not bad at all. If I were to be really picky, KeyLab Essential is just a little bit better. Oxygen Pro is worse, KK A49 is not better.

Pretty surprised about that, TBH. KK A49 is supposed to have some of the best keys in that price range. At least that's what I always read about it.

Maybe a case of personal preference?

[chk071]

Bit confused about this as well:

The key reason for me to not buy it is because it's an older generation of keyboard compare to Oxygen Pro (Jan/2021) and LanuchKey (Jun/2020), both KK A49 (2018) and KeyLab Essential (2017) are showing their age in terms of features.

In which way do you think KK A49 shows its age in terms of features? Like the other KK keyboards, it's working with Komplete Kontrol software (did you try that?), which is very good IMO. And, standalone, it offers the usual MIDI CC functionality, but with 4 pages of controls which can be mapped to the controls (and the controls of the 4 pages can even be named in the control editor, so you see the parameters on the keyboard's display), which is great, actually.

At least I don't see how it could "show its age".

If I had to choose from the keyboards you mentioned, I'd probably be split between the Arturia, and the KK A49. With tendency towards the KK, because the Arturia only offers a single page of controls in standard MIDI CC mode. I know what I surely wouldn't buy: The M-Audio. I had a few of their devices (2 keyboards, and a set of speakers), and they all were rather low quality. On one of the keyboards, the Axiom 49 2nd gen, the rotary encoders messed up after a few months of very, very moderate use... the keys went yellow from standing in the sun as well, although I didn't have the keyboard too close to the window, and curtains all of the time. I don't know... M-Audio is rather low budget stuff.

Anyway, still quite happy with my Novation Impulse 49. Sometimes the encoders are a bit jumpy, but, it usually sorts itself out after some use.

[Glyster]

Novation LaunchKey 49 MK3 (KEEPING)
[...]
I tried the keys and it's not bad at all. If I were to be really picky, KeyLab Essential is just a little bit better. Oxygen Pro is worse, KK A49 is not better.

Pretty surprised about that, TBH. KK A49 is supposed to have some of the best keys in that price range. At least that's what I always read about it.

Maybe a case of personal preference?

Sure, could very well be. The KK A49 I looked at was a used one, no new ones available in store. I also grouped keybeds in three categories: synth keyboard, digital piano weighted action, real piano. To me the difference between these three categories makes a difference. But within the synth keyboard at this price range, I'd need to be really picky to differentiate them. There are definitely worse synth keybeds (like some Casios), but in comparison the difference between them are fairly minor to me.

[chk071]

I'm pretty sure, in that price region, you only get synth action to semi-weighted synth action style keys. At least the ones I bought in that price category always were, M-Audio Oxygen, M-Audio Axiom 2nd gen, and now my Novation Impulse 49. The Axiom and the Impulse are "semi-weighted", but, the Impulse definitely leans more towards synth action (the Axiom had quite a shitty feel, pretty stiff, and the keys were sticky when you played them for the first time). Which is not negative for me though. I like synth action, if it's not too light. After all, I'm playing synths.

[Glyster]

Bit confused about this as well:

The key reason for me to not buy it is because it's an older generation of keyboard compare to Oxygen Pro (Jan/2021) and LanuchKey (Jun/2020), both KK A49 (2018) and KeyLab Essential (2017) are showing their age in terms of features.

In which way do you think KK A49 shows its age in terms of features? Like the other KK keyboards, it's working with Komplete Kontrol software (did you try that?), which is very good IMO. And, standalone, it offers the usual MIDI CC functionality, but with 4 pages of controls which can be mapped to the controls (and the controls of the 4 pages can even be named in the control editor, so you see the parameters on the keyboard's display), which is great, actually.

At least I don't see how it could "show its age".

If I had to choose from the keyboards you mentioned, I'd probably be split between the Arturia, and the KK A49. With tendency towards the KK, because the Arturia only offers a single page of controls in standard MIDI CC mode. I know what I surely wouldn't buy: The M-Audio. I had a few of their devices (2 keyboards, and a set of speakers), and they all were rather low quality. On one of the keyboards, the Axiom 49 2nd gen, the rotary encoders messed up after a few months of very, very moderate use... the keys went yellow from standing in the sun as well, although I didn't have the keyboard too close to the window, and curtains all of the time. I don't know... M-Audio is rather low budget stuff.

Anyway, still quite happy with my Novation Impulse 49. Sometimes the encoders are a bit jumpy, but, it usually sorts itself out after some use.

I did not try A49 in actual use. But it lacks fader and pads. I know they sell other hardware for those usages. But it seems to be intentionally crippled compare to other more generic keyboard contollers. Since I could assign the 8 encoders to Komplete Kontrol software midi nobs. I think it's fairly close to what A49 offers. S49 is definitely nicer but at 2.5X the price of these keyboards.

[chk071]

I did not try A49 in actual use. But it lacks fader and pads.

Ah. You're right, of course, if you're looking for faders and pads, the keyboards aren't for you. Personally, I can at least give the pads a miss (seriously, never used those on any keyboard... maybe for arpeggiator programming). And, considering the KK A49 has 8 knobs, and 4 pages of possible controls for those, that would be enough for me. I wouldn't be able to memorize more than that anyway.

[iPlogger]

Thanks for this interesting look at the various controllers. I sometimes consider replacing my M-Audio Oxygen 49. I have a rather old one, probably got it 8 or 9 years ago. I went into it thinking if it lasts a year, I'll be happy and it's still going. I use it all the time on the kitchen counter, on the couch, around the house. But I'd like something a bit more up to date. I really like that 49-key for easy portability (I take it on trips and use it around the house).

I already have the KK S61MK2, so I've been more thinking of the non-NI controllers you mentioned.

[3ptguitarist]

The launchkey mk3 has a nice keybed. I think it's listed as synth action, but to me it almost feels semi-weighted. I think it's way better than the keylab essential's keys that feel too light for me. KK A-series are better, but too loud, and KK S-series have the best midi keys, but too expensive if you're in the launchkey price range.

[Milky-Joe]

I appreciate that this is an older thread, but this was really useful information. I'm looking at getting one of these keyboards, and it's had been between the Oxygen Pro 49 and Launchkey 49 mk3. The Launchkey's noted focus on Ableton Live was a concern, but your experience has helped to alay that. I was also looking for endless encoders, but maybe that's not as important as I'd convinced myself it was.

[Trensharo]

LaunchKey MK3 supports Mackie Control or HUI, which means most things will work as expected in most DAWs.

This is how the Oxygen Pro supports DAWs. Only difference is they have some presets for most DAWs pre-loaded onto the device's ROM. The big difference between these two is AfterTouch on the Oxygen Pro 49, but honestly it is so hard to use that it basically doesn't exist. I actually think the layout of the LaunchKey is superior, and the pads are less stiff and seem to have better pressure response.

Between these two, I'd probably go with the LaunchKey.

If you plan to get something like a Maschine MK3 or Mikro MK3, then I'd consider the Komplete Kontrol A46, as well, due to the Komplete Kontrol (software, NKS, etc.) integration. Lots of DAWs support Komplete Kontrol controllers out of the box, now, and that integration can be a bit less messy than the Mackie Control/HUI stuff in some software.

I'd also ask myself if a 49 key KB is even needed. If you don't need more than 32, then I'd go for one of the 32-key mini controllers (KK M32, Launchkey Mini, Oxygen Pro Mini, etc.) because there is a huge disparity in how much space a 49 key controller with full size keys requires over that.

If the pads are a huge draw in getting one of these controllers, then I'd serious reconsider that, as they are really not in the same league as what you'd find on an good pad control (e.g. the Maschine Mikro, which can be mapped to any DAW using Controller Editor).

I would get a Keystation MK3 + Maschine Mikro MK3 over just an Oxygen Pro 49 or LaunchKey 49 MK3 if pads were a major factor.

The disparity in pad quality is much larger than the disparity in key quality. These are budget controllers.

If you're going for the keyboards, then I'd factor in Arturia's controllers, as well. I don't think 8 extra pads is a huge win. I think I'd prefer Arturia and Novation over M-Audio. Better support from those companies, and actually useful software bundled with them (if that is a factor).

[Trensharo]

I got a Launchkey 49 MK3 (already own an Oxygen Pro 49). I feel like the Oxygen Pro is better.

1. The automation resolution has been addressed by a FW update with the Oxygen Pro.
2. The ability to easily switch between DAW and Preset on the controller is kind of huge for workflow.
3. It's more mappable than the Launchkey 49 MK3 (there is more room to assign your own functions, which can increase workflow efficiency).
4. The Pitch and Mod Wheels feel better, to me.
5. Pads on the Oxygen Pro are significantly better than on the Launchkey. Sensitivity is far superior, and they're bigger. They feel better to play, if you are into that.
6. Oxygen Pro has an On/Off Switch. I put the Launchkey on my Laptop because my desktop keeps USB ports powered when it's off. The lights were very distracting!
7. The Keybed on the Oxygen Pro is much better than on the Launchkey. Oxygen Pro has a semi-weighted KB with After Touch. It feels better to play. The Launchkey 49 MK3's keybed is totally Synth Action. The Launchkey feels more like an Arturia Keylab Essential. The Oxygen Pro feels a bit more premium in terms of key feel. Honestly, this alone is probably worth getting the Oxygen Pro over the Launchkey MK3.
8. Layout for transport controls are better on the Oxygen Pro - they are also positioned better on the controller, IMHO.
9. Oxygen Pro has Pad Banks and Note Repeat. The Launchkey 49 MK3 does not. It's a better performance controller.
10. The way the Oxygen Pro has a more productive design. A lot more things are "front and center" on the controller. There is also [more intuitive] visual feedback for some elements (MIDI Clock/Tempo, Button Modes under the Faders, etc.). Arp stuff is more immediately accessible on the Oxygen Pro (Arp Rate, etc.). I really hate how Novation doesn't put a navigation Rotary Knob, and expects you to use pads in Arrow Mode with an Enter Pad (that doesn't work in many places in Cubase) in its stead.
12. There is a push encoder in the center of the controller that you can use for navigation. For hand-on DAW operation, the Oxygen Pro is a better user experience than the Launchkey MK3.
13. Centered display is positioned better, easier to read, and editing settings on the controller is a better experience.

Things I like about the Launchkey 49 MK3:

1. Plug-and-Play with Cubase Pro 12, with visual feedback on the LCD.
2. Both have good Preset Editors, but I do feel like Components has the edge. Just wish there was an option to remember what controller you selected across restarts.
3. Some parts are rubberized, and feel better than the harder plastic on the Oxygen Pro.
4. Faders are a bit longer (more on that below).

-----

In Cubase 12, the Launchkey is plug-and-play with the MIDI Remote System.

However, in practice, the Oxygen Pro is the superior controller due to the fact that neither of these has reliable pick-up for the Faders and Knobs, and the MIDI Remote Script doesn't really do anything that the Oxygen Pro doesn't do using Mackie Control emulation. All MIDI Remote does is offload some things from the Preset Editor/Components and onto Cubase... and not a lot of things at that.

If the MIDI Remote negotiated reliable fader/knob pickup with Cubase, then I think it would be a blow out. But, as implemented... It basically works like an Oxygen Pro... except with a weaker keybed, weaker pads, weaker layout, and less intuitive workflow.