Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 - The best keyboard for Ableton Live

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In this video I review and demo the brand new Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3. The Launchkey Mini Mk3 is the latest small, portable midi controller for budget needs. It has tons of new features, particularly geared towards Ableton Live users, but also works well with other DAWS - including Logic Pro. The Launchkey Mini Mk3 includes multiple features like arpeggiator, chord memory, daw control including transport controls, knobs for volume, solo, mute, and clip triggering for Ableton Live. This is a 25-key keyboard with mini keys.
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[@gacleite]

To be honest i dont care that much for this keyboard but for the production value of this video and the way you always comunicate in this platform, its a like for me. I predict your channel will grow substantially in the coming months

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much, Gacleite! I appreciate the support :-D

[@Wynmann1690]

Could you teach us how to write good music ?

[@rva]

I'm back watching as I just bought this! awesome job

[@kaganozcelik6084]

I just see your MIDI keyboard on Instagram stories and I'm back to looking for my first MIDI :D RVA is a good influencer :D

[@SanjayC]

Nice!!! So glad you're back to check out my latest videos!! Do you use Ableton?

[@rva]

@@kaganozcelik6084 ah hi! That's super lovely

[@rva]

@@SanjayC yes I'm trying to learn lol

[@SanjayC]

Nice!! I love it. Here’s some tricks kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CUp3qLotaoj9U

[@ashtonhunter4727]

I am so glad that they finally added the pitch and mod on this. I've been debating between this and the Minilab, but this makes it harder now!

[@SanjayC]

Yeah this is a pretty sweet leyboard

[@aniruddh_d16]

As an Ableton Live user,both are good but it's up to us,I guess.

[@WycliffStudios]

You get that sweet Analog lab with Arturia. Novation doesn't really offer any good sounds

[@ashtonhunter4727]

@@WycliffStudios I barely use the synths I have so it's not much of a problem for me 😂 But I went with the Minilab since I like modular synthesis

[@hagenz11]

About the LED brightness, I read online: It is now possible to adjust the brightness of the LEDs on the Launchkey Mini. This adjustment can be useful if the LEDs on the pads and buttons are either too bright or too dim in certain situations. To change the LED brightness, in the settings page use the [Octave up] button to increase the brightness and the [Octave Down] button to decrease the brightness.

[@daensch]

Excatly: hold shift and connect the device to get into the settings and then adjust the brightness with the octave switches.

[@st0rmchild]

Thanks Sanjay. Based on this video and Loopop's review I bought a LaunchKey Mini mk3 after looking for a great portable controller for well over a year. Overall this thing is a home run! I can't believe how much functionality is packed into such a small, light, cheap controller. It actually fits in a backpack (unlike the NI and Arturia 32-key keyboards); it weighs almost nothing; it has pitch/mod strips (and they're actually usable); it has 8 knobs (this was a must-have for me); and the keys are pretty decent. The 16 pads are better than I expected, and the Ableton Live integration is fantastic. Surprisingly it also works very well with Logic, and has at least decent support for Reason as well. The arpeggiator is excellent (love the mutate and deviate functions) and the chord mode is nice to have too. I only have two complaints about it: 1. Like you said, the LEDs are blindingly bright when they're all lit up. It's not too bad when the pads are in Session mode, but otherwise I find myself draping a cloth over them to protect my eyes (because the goggles do nothing). I emailed support; they said other people have asked about it, and they're looking into whether it's possible to add a way to control the brightness in a firmware update. 2. I really dislike having to hold Shift to use the arrow buttons. Makes it a pain to navigate as everything is a two-handed operation. They should have at least put the Shift button in the top right (which would also reduce how often I accidentally brush the mod strip and cause a synth to sound all wonky), but ideally they should have included separate arrow buttons. That said, at least the pads actually work pretty well for quickly jumping to any of the current 8 tracks.

[@SanjayC]

Hey Stormchild! Thanks for the additional info for other viewers. Always helpful for people to hear from real users like you! I appreciate that. happy to see you got it working with Logic and Reason too!

[@gladysng4314]

I picked this up a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I’m really enjoying your videos. I’m learning a lot about music production. Thanks!

[@SanjayC]

Gladys, I'm so happy to hear that! Are you experienced with Ableton?

[@gladysng4314]

@@SanjayC No, I'm not. Just learning how to use Ableton Live Lite. I watched your video to get started. :)

[@javierf55]

Hi Sanjay, just got it yesterday and I'm so happy. I Agree with you with the quality of the keys, but for the rest, I think this is the best option for someone as myself who is not a keyboard player, but wants to have a simple, yet powerful option to make some chord progressions in Ableton. Thanks for your videos, they are all so instructive and plenty of useful information I also go the MOTU M2 interface... this really needs a review from you.

[@SanjayC]

Oh I really want the MOTU! I need to try to get one. They keep selling out!

[@mcsaltine2769]

I bought this keyboard and it’s changed the way I make music🤝 thank you sir

[@kanny8742]

Oh that tabla groove 😍

[@sonyviva308]

And now I have to choose between this and the Akai MPK Mini MK 3. :O

[@salazar9870]

if you already have Ableton use the akai but if you dont and plan to switch get this one

[@shen6232]

@sonyviva308 which one you'd get?

[@sonyviva308]

@@shen6232 haha I finally bought the Novation! Its great!

[@shen6232]

@@sonyviva308 just ordered it uwu :')

[@DesireeD]

Hi Sanjay! I just saw the video because I was very busy today. Nice video as always!

[@SanjayC]

Hi Desiree! Thanks for watching!

[@crnova7]

It got this keyboard last week and it works great with Bitwig Studio as well. I can jam in a live session by switching between 8 patches using the pads and finger drumming is great as well. In my opinion better than on the Arturia or Roland synths. It feels very direct. I can change the pitch, volume and many parameters and skip through different device panels. I think its a lot of value for the money.

[@TonyThomas10000]

I am upgrading my Mk2 based upon your excellent review. You have raised the bar, Sanjay!

[@SanjayC]

So glad you enjoyed the video

[@CourtneyHawkins]

Ohhhh weeeee! This is nice keyboard. Great video Sanjay!!!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you Courtney 😊❤️

[@ashvitaramesh9034]

Beautifully explained. Thanks Sanjay.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Ashvita! :-)

[@iamshiv21]

This one is really amazing. Keep up the great work!!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks! Do you have any Novation stuff?

[@iamshiv21]

@@SanjayC sadly no!

[@SanjayC]

Good stuff for Ableton

[@iamshiv21]

@@SanjayC I'll keep that in mind

[@blaze6703]

Bought it, and I can attest that is more than I will ever need

[@Loagz_Beatz]

had an arturia mini lab, I liked it. Just got this, very impressed. The nobs feel wonderful. The keys are no problem, compared to an akai 25 or something. It feels new, and my creativity just came back. Feels like a launchpad with keys

[@SanjayC]

Awesome to hear that!

[@terabhaiseedhemaut]

Loagz Beatz, Sir Which DAW Are You Using?

[@gawaa5094]

I don’t have a novation keyboard 🎹 but it was an amazing 😉 video Keep creating your videos :-) Love your songs and videos :-D

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Gab!

[@kabassa]

Better than Arturia Minilab mkII????? Im not sure. Nice video, anyway. Thanks for sharing it!

[@SanjayC]

Depends on what you use it for. This has got much more Ableton Live control than the Minilab.

[@mxnny21]

Sanjay C I agree with Sanjay. I have the minilab mkii. I’ve been into production since the beginning of this year and it’s my first midi keyboard. I loved everything about it, but as I’ve progressed I’ve wanted a better flow in Ableton and I feel like the minilab can’t give me what I’m looking for. However, I also can’t afford to buy another $100 midi keyboard, even if I want it real bad. This keyboard does seem to be much better to me in every way except for the keys. The keys on the minilab are superb if I’m being honest, and have a nice heavy touch. However, everything else on this keyboard seems like something I wish was on the minilab. Hopefully I can get it one day

[@quentinmathieu1279]

@@mxnny21 It seems to me that in the end as long as you can send midi signals you can do pretty much everything with any controller. I find that the minilab is perfect because you can customize easily your presets . You could program banks that control things like Chords, arpegiator etc

[@filipilif]

@@mxnny21 If you want DAW transport control, you can always grab a controller like Korg nanoKontrol. Of course it's nice to be able to do it all from a single keyboard like the MK3 here but I'd give it a try if you want play, record controls etc. :)

[@GrayGhostDog1]

I was in the same boat... was almost set on going with Arturia's Keylab Mk2 and Minilab Mk2, but was not overly happy with their lack of Reason integration. Now, I'm staying away from Reason for a while and concentrating on Ableton Live... I went with Novation 49SL MK3 and it is excellent! This Launchkey Mini MK3 will be my next purchase for the mobile setup.

[@zeechris9220]

Hi Sanjay , can u make a video “ the best midi keyboard for logic pro “ ? . I hope u will make this . Anyway , good reviews as always . Love from Malaysia 🇲🇾🙏

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Zee!

[@michaelmao6180]

I still prefer the Arturia minilab. It's a great little package with a great keybed. I've used novation's larger launchkey and the keybed is trash. I don't see the need to have so many drum pads if you don't use ableton with all its live performing features. The knobs on the minilab is also sweet, since it can use relative mode so I don't mess things up when I jump from DAW to plugins. The only thing that Novation wins is the arpeggiator, though there's plenty of arpeggiator plugins and I don't feel that is a big enough plus. Then, if you are also working with hardware synths, then you'd probably want that novation for the midi out, but honestly, if you're investing into hardware synths, you can easily buy a better keyboard.

[@SanjayC]

Good points, Michael!

[@geeves21312]

So the keybed on the Minilab is far better than the launchkey mini? I am only a very, very beginner but I have a launchkey mini Mk2 and absolutely hate the squishy feeling I get from it... Was hoping the Mk3 would be far better but from what I can see, the arturia keybeds are much nicer

[@michaelmao6180]

@@geeves21312 They're all not great. I don't really like mini keys. I'm so used to piano keybeds that small keys are simply unacceptable. The novation launchkey keybed feels so squishy and flimsy. The arturia keys feels OK to me (even though I still mispress a lot).

[@nicolemcgarthwaite7610]

I just got one yesterday it’s awsome.

[@thomasbass5032]

Again awesome vid bro!! 🤜

[@SanjayC]

Thank you 🤛🏼

[@annmcrory5089]

I enjoyed your vldeo tutorial. I'm new to the DAWs, Launchkey etc. I'm more "old-skool" using stand-alone synths etc. I'm looking forward to getting into Ableton Live and experimenting with the Launchkey Mini.

[@hardrod6989]

I'll settle with the Arturia miniLab MK-II, but i wish it had an arp. I hope they add it in the next version and with a USB type C

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, its time for the Minilab refresh, right? Do you have any other mini keyboards?

[@hardrod6989]

@@SanjayC have none yet. I am Just starting up. Hopefully Arturia will release their Mk - III soon. USB Type C will be great coz these days mobile phones and laptops are having the C Port. I was surprized that this new novation even though packed with so many features doesn't have type C

[@ItsNecieNee]

😊Waiting on mine to arrive in the mail !

[@SanjayC]

Congrats!

[@Jpaul038]

Kick a$$ New video SanjayC! 😍

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!!

[@jacksp8de]

This looks pretty dope, I'm still in love with my m32 tho. Wish I could combine them lol

[@dodosilent]

I think you could use this for ableton and in the same time use the m32 for your komplete plugins

[@anthonybradshaw]

I'd definitely be very convinced to get one! It looks like the really updated it a lot! Can't wait to see what you think about it after a while!

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, if you like Novation stuff before, they really got it right with this keyboard.

[@anthonybradshaw]

@@SanjayC definitely, I have the launchkey 49 m2 and this looks like it has even more features! How are the drumpads? I love the mpk ones cuz they're so responsive but the launchkey's always seemed a bit unresponsive

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Excellent video. For the price it seems indeed a great proposition, though I always like to have a display.

[@SanjayC]

Display would be nice, that's true. What are you using right now?

[@ytkim8010]

Awesome portable keyboard. Love your videos!

[@SanjayC]

Thank you! :-) You getting this new keyboard?

[@JESchomb]

I'd love to see you make more videos with this keyboard

[@SanjayC]

Oh man...they loaned me this keyboard so I have to return it soon

[@JESchomb]

@@SanjayC I feel like every youtuber I've seen review this talks it up and says how good it is, then after they'll never use it again because they just got paid to use it in a video or something lmao. I still love it though

[@neilsmith5464]

another helpful enjoyable well produced and informative dream - keep on keeping on & thankyou

[@bombjelly5795]

I have this and the arturia mk2 49 and they both Were great decisions that you have helped me make. Thanks ! I returned the novation SL for the arturia. I also got v collection 6 for free with it

[@SanjayC]

Sweet! Great deal!

[@KaninManeepairoj]

love your background music

[@SanjayC]

Thank you BNK48 ReMig! I made it myself :-)

[@KaninManeepairoj]

@@SanjayC it’s very soul comforting

[@elliotbasmati1055]

Really nice review man...love your vids

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@timothygregory826]

Loving the track you played!!! Nice!!!

[@margaretchristo6859]

Great portable keyboard. Love your videos!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@RevElaineNjerveZack7]

Got here much sooner than last time. 😊

[@SanjayC]

Yes! Headache is gone?

[@RevElaineNjerveZack7]

Sanjay C Yes, finally after four days!

[@ih2122]

nice one Sanjay and, as ever, so professionally done :-)

[@SanjayC]

Thank you, Ian. I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@ih2122]

@@SanjayC no worries, my pleasure... I know how much effort goes into creating video content... after decades of playing drums, bass and guitar, I'm shifting towards creating music via DAW... it's a fascinating project but, as you know fella, there's so much choice... your channel I know is going to help me on the journey!

[@SanjayC]

Its never to late to learn new things, and music is a rewarding learning experience! Good luck, and keep in touch. Check out my others video. I'm all about sharing what I know.

[@ecristalcristal9099]

Love the arp!!

[@SanjayC]

Yes, finally on par with Akai

[@kmanley29687]

Just ordered this keyboard to get into recording music. Never done any recording, so I'm a bit intimidated, but I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun! I just know the basics of piano (I've played bass for over twenty years, so I'll need to get an interface soon, but the keyboard was on sale, and much cheaper than the Focusrite 2i2 and mic bundle I was looking at), so I'll basically be learning the instrument and the software. I know I've got a lot to learn, but I'm really excited for the road ahead!

[@Esk8Tech]

Nice video on this cause I had the MK2 then sold it for a Nektar LX impact 49. I'm am now going back to Novation for the MK3 🤘😎👍

[@javierf55]

Thanks for another awesome video Sanjay. I thing we all would love to see a tutorial on how to use it with Ableton. How to get the best of this keyboard which looks pretty cool

[@WolfGodwin]

So this video has won me over. I was looking at the Native Instruments m32, but it was too big for my bag and I want a highly mobile setup. This is pretty much everything I want in a mini keyboard.

[@SanjayC]

Glad it was helpful to you. I guess you use Ableton, right?

[@WolfGodwin]

I primarily use Reason, but I’ve been orbiting Ableton for a long time and it’s time I started to learn it.

[@tobiasthy8140]

This video made me wanna buy 10 of these! hahahah good job! i enjoyed it!

[@SanjayC]

haha...thank you

[@EjReid]

Awesome video, I went and purchased based on this

[@SanjayC]

Do you have it already? What do you think?

[@EjReid]

@@SanjayC I bought it yesterday afternoon, this is my first beat pad. Using your videos I was able to play and record sounds from the keys into a loop. Tonight I am going to get some sounds into the program and get them into the drum pads

[@ianmitchell4745]

I am so torn between this and the Arturia Minilab Mk2. I even made a weighted pluses and minuses list and it wound up even, but I think I'm going to have to go with the Arturia mostly due to the inclusion of Analog Lab, build quality and keyboard feel. I'm also more fond of knobs than pads. What I'm going to miss is ... the pads(and the fact that they can be color coded), midi control, what seems to be, according to your review, better Ableton control, and some of the special features like the "Mutate" and "Deviate" knobs and the chord storage feature. I am pretty much a beginner in all aspects, but have also owned some keyboards and gooveboxes in the past. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Also, thanks, I'm really glad I subscribed to this channel.

[@coreyguyholmes6054]

You know you can buy both

[@ianmitchell4745]

@@coreyguyholmes6054 Ha, thanks, this comment is so old. I did get the Launchkey MK3, but now I have a couple of synths, and a Novation Tracks, and I find I need a larger keyboard. In retrospect I wish I had spent a little more and gotten the Arturia Keystep 37. I'm also more in to Reaper than Ableton. It takes time to figure this stuff out you know...

[@markomedjugorac3121]

I'm new at music production, guess i'll pick this keyboard. I watched every your midi keyboard video at least 3 times,but i still didn't decide! 🤔

I love your music too!! 🎵💙🙌

[@ritapatel5727]

Nice 👍 love your video and knowledge

[@SanjayC]

aw thanks

[@heymisterjoshua]

2 Questions... 1 - Controller Redundancy: Are the pads/controls ultimately redundant for those with a PUSH2 as centerpiece (plus APC40 or LaunchControlXL)? I’m a beginner with Ableton (and may use Logic also), buying a full setup, and trying to avoid overlap in functionality. I love the idea of deep integration with Ableton, but perhaps a simple set of keys is adequate with a robust setup centered on Push? 2 - Multiple Midi Keys: Most advice/videos focus on the pros/cons of individual keyboards, and comparisons with peers; but what advice do you have for those buying multiple keys, i.e. a mini (for simple) and larger (for traditional playing). Perhaps a no-frills mini + a larger with all the bells & whistles (knobs/sliders). Perhaps from different manufacturers to get more total plugins/instruments?

[@alistairgreaves6343]

I have the AKAI MPK249 which I use in my 'studio' but this looks like the best option for portability, and I like the idea of experimenting with the arp. I also have the AKAI APCmini, and especially like 'Device Control' which should have been built into the 249, so that looks useful too

[@ankitsatiofficial]

Which midi keyboard you suggest for FL studio ?

[@SanjayC]

Look at Nektar keyboards

[@nkmusical075]

What's The Reason Behind It Sir ❤ ? ...

[@TheValueOfN]

@@nkmusical075 Nektar keyboards are really good for Reason.

[@nkmusical075]

@@TheValueOfN But Novation Bro ? ...

[@vlusky_husky]

@@nkmusical075 Novation is mainly good for Ableton Live, but you can maybe do some research and see if it works for you.

[@Yedmike31]

Nice video, outstanding editing and explanation. I’m deciding between the launchkey mini mk3, launchkey 25 mk3, arturia minilab mk2, and the m-audio oxygen pro mini. I use logic for now but i really want to learn ableton as well. I need a mini keyboard that has a good feeling keybed and pads, build quality, and have full integration with logic and ableton. What would you prefer? Also, do the novation keyboards offer full logic integration? I know this comment is super late, but hopefully i could get a response. Thanks!

[@chrisbasmati3177]

Oh yeaH!!! I was going to buy the old one!

[@SanjayC]

Lucky you waited!

[@AlphaMachina]

The only major difference is, people who typically use their MKII to play live have had some complaints for the MKIII, in that they have to hold the Shift key to change some functions/settings/navigate Ableton, etc., while the MKII had navigation keys that were standalone. This way, with the MKII they're able to keep one hand on the keys or pads and continue playing, and navigate with the direction buttons at the same time. You can't do this with the newer version, as you need both hands─one to hold shift and the other to choose functions. Hopefully they add a Shift-Lock function.

[@hcktylr1]

My bad it's called the x station mini. I loved that x-y pad

[@ninatervoort9613]

I am a starter. For the first time feel inspired to buy a keyboard like these. Want to sing with it an create melodies and music under the song. Could someone give a tip? Thank you!

[@Mr.Gonfio]

Great Keyboard but Novation is awesome for Ableton integration, for me (i use Reason) the Akai MPK Mini is ok (cheap keyboard but it's mini ! ;-). Have you ever used any other daw ? Off-topic: your videos are always great and professional made, what do you use to make them and for post production ?? How about a video on how YOU make videos ?? :-D

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much! Do you film videos as well? I actually created a video about my video process. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5eQfaCQf7GUZtE

[@thymsky8205]

Hey Man, great video. But i have one question. What do you think about Novation Launch Key 49 Mk2? Is it worth those money?

[@ShanayaSinner]

Thank you for always providing us with such quality content. I wanted to purchase this but the only version which is available in my country is the Launch Key 25 Key MK3, after searching on youtube I couldn't find many videos on it. By any chance can you let me know your thoughts on it? Is it as good as the mini?

[@jessesmith8552]

start making videos on making instrumentals from start to finish id def watch all producers use programs different and learning from as many people as i can is whats gonna make my own style as is others to whom they watched learned and self tought you kno

[@SanjayC]

I have a bunch already on my channel. And many more to come in the new year

[@lextron-audio]

BIG let up that the pads midi channel can’t be changed when changing midi channel so we can control other sample banks

[@josetorres213]

Obviously the Mini works well with Live: 10/Lite. My question is this...does or CAN the Mini work well with Live: 9 Suite?

[@JESchomb]

You'd need Live 10, but it comes with the Lite version if you don't have it already. I realize this comment is a month old but I just got mine today so I figured I'd answer in case you were still wondering!

[@martinkulik9466]

@@JESchomb can it work with garageband ?

[@I_leave_mean_comments]

@@martinkulik9466 Yes, it works with Garageband and a ton of other DAWs, even old builds of Ableton Live.

[@seanodonnell1271]

Sanjay what would be better for Ableton: The novation or the arturia minilab? Great video 😁👌

[@AbrahmLion]

I want a smaller keyboard to replace my Nektar Impact LX25+, and this Launchkey could be it. But it needs a pad learn/assign feature! The Nektar has that, and it's the one thing that keeps me from replacing it.

[@SanjayC]

You can use the Novation software to configure all the controls

[@Paul-gp5om]

thanks bro. I was sitting on the fence after having picked up an Arturia Minilab MKII. In all fairness that one has a great key-bed, but as an Ableton Live controller it was letting itself down in various areas. The Launchkey Mini MK3 kept winking at me.. Think I'm gonna buy one :)

[@michael_canton]

Would love to know what you think of it if you do

[@Paul-gp5om]

@@michael_canton hey dude, so after a lot of hunting around (they are basically out of stock everywhere) I eventually got one. It arrived yesterday when I was at work and I walked in very knackered at about 9:30pm. Nonetheless I was keen to get this little sucker plugged in and put to some use. I have to say that so far, after about an hours use, I am very impressed. It's very easy to use and despite everything being quite dinky the build is good for a totally plastic unit. The pads and pots work well and the whole unit is quite intuitive to use. It's a very handy size for taking your music making with you. One minor criticism is that the pads shine so brightly that I was struggling a little to make out the text that is above the top row. That said it was late and I didnt have the room lights up bright so in lighter conditions it would likely have been better. Also one can learn where the different controls are quite quickly. All in all probably one of the best if not the best mini keyboard controllers out there, especially for Ableton :)

[@michael_canton]

Paul Huggett I appreciate your response. I am having difficulty finding one online as well (I'm also interested in the larger sized versions). I've read about that criticism about the bright pads. Do you feel any different about the brightness since that first night?

[@Paul-gp5om]

@@michael_canton hey dude. If you're in the UK I found they had some stock left at Guitar Guitar. Not the cheapest at £99.99 but that seems to be the going rate at the moment, probably due to the scarcity of stock at the moment. Also they charge £5.95 next day delivery. Aside from that option it might be a waiting game as most outlets were telling me that stock was not due until late August / early September

[@Paul-gp5om]

@@michael_canton Hello Michael. Having used an Arturia MiniLab MkII and now the launchkey Mini, I can hopefully provide some useful feedback. The Minilab had a better keybed, but really only a bonus if that's super important. The one on the launchkey is not as good, but does the job just fine, especially if you are looking for a portable solution. The Minilab is ab out 1/3 bigger and heavier than the Launchkey which is very light and portable , but also quite well built despite being made entirely from plastic whilst the Minilab is metal and plastic. If you are using Ableton Live as your DAW I would say the Launchkey has a massive advantage over the Minilab and here's why. The Minilab can be set to sync up with Ableton, but is nowhere near as intuitive or functional to use. The pot rotations do not reflect there movements well within the DAW and launching scenes and clips is convoluted and frustrating. Whereas with the lanuchkey it's all to hand and everything works as you would expect it to. The smaller size of the launchkey mini is also a massive advantage for taking it anywhere to make music. If portability is not an issue for you, consider one of the full-size Launchkey models, as if their integration with Ableton is on par with the mini launchkey, you would be onto a winner. As for the bright lights issue mentioned earlier, it is def a factor, but the layout of the Launchkey mini(it's made with Ableton in mind after all) means I soon found I knew my way around without even having to check the text on the unit itself. Don't get me wrong, I do like the Minilab MkII as a controller, Arturia stuff is very well made and were I using a different DAW I would likely favour it as the keybed is nicer and the pots are also nice, but for the perfect 'portable' solution for Ableton I would say that Novation have nailed it :)

[@nkmusical075]

Mind Blowing Sir 😇❤ - Sir What Midi Keyboard Shall U Suggest Me For A Intermodarator Sir ? - Nectar Or Novation Sir ! ... Kindly Plz Tell Me Sir ❤ ...

[@SanjayC]

Nektar is excellent if you use FL Studio. Otherwise I like Novation

[@nkmusical075]

@@SanjayC What's The Difference Between The Both Keyboards Sir ✨ ? ...

[@kaimargonar2588]

Hi Sanjay :), thanks a lot for the informative video! Comes the keyboard with ableton light?

[@clauberalex]

An absolutely marvelous review as always! Now a question: does this mini version loses anything from its big brother, Launchkey 25 MK3, other than pitch and modulation wheels (that here turn into strips)? Or is it really just smaller?

[@SanjayC]

There are minor differences - not really going to make an impact. Biggest one is the key size of course.

[@Άδης-ο2σ]

this product is impressive, HOWEVER arp is on and i input new notes they overlap !! I contacted novation and the told me "It's also worth noting that trying to play individual notes with the arp turned on with have unpredictable results.​" so they are telling me that i cant make an arpeggio progression with more than one chord ??

[@xyzman001]

Can the pad lights be dimmed?

[@NS7EVEN]

For a few weeks now i just can't decide between this Launchkey Mini and the Arturia MiniLab MKII. Can you please help me choose by telling which is better for creating EDM tracks in Ableton? Many thanks in advance!

[@SanjayC]

I like the Ableton integration in launchkey mini better. But the keys on the Minilab are so much nicer. Hope that helps you decide.

[@gothamadesilva1452]

I got this a year ago, keys keep dying on this, at first I could clean these out and it works, now it doesn't hope its fixable

[@TheFunkloft]

Would you suggest this one over the NI M32 in combination with the MASCHINE Mikro MK3 and Ableton?

[@SanjayC]

If you are going to use Maschine software, the NI M32 is really useful - great combo. But for general Ableton clip triggering control, you can't beat the Novation

[@sunnydayz77]

Hi Sanjay. As usual enjoy watching your videos. I have the NI M32. Would the launch key mini be worth upgrading to. Or would it be similar to the NI M32

[@SanjayC]

Hi Sunny! The Launchkey is very different. I wouldn't say its a replacement. The M32 is going to give you better control of the NI software. The Launchkey will add additional features for Ableton Live - particularly if you're using Ableton's sessions view (to trigger clips)

[@jonathanman6395]

I'm just starting out could really do with your help picking a midi keyboard. I am a total beginner and wanna learn to play the piano and make beats? Thanks

[@jameskosloff]

Best budget keyboard in the WORLD(video idea, and also I’m looking for the perfect first mini keyboard, any personal favours?)

[@SanjayC]

In the world?! That’s tough. I’ll think about that video idea though

[@neetusharma886]

Super useful review as always Sanjay ! Is it possible to setup ableton live to use at the same time , both novation keyboard (particularly for clip triggering like you showed ) along with say an arturia 61 (something with more keys than 25 to have the range ) ..basically , trying to understand if ableton can be fed with information from multiple midi keyboards at the same time ..thanks !

[@SanjayC]

Yes, you can. Just connect both of them by USB to your computer, and in Ableton Control Surfaces (in Preferences), you select both keyboards as controllers. I do this all the time

[@neetusharma886]

@@SanjayC thanks a lot !

[@YouzTube99]

What does the Launchkey 61 lack that the Mini Mk3 offers?

[@valdiskrebs566]

Thanks, very informative! How does it work with iOS(iPad)?

[@xXadambXx]

I didn't find any movie about exactly the first midi keyboard you recommend. I see you really like Artudia minilam mkII and Akai MPK Mini. Very soon will be Christmas/Black Friday and i think will be good topic

[@ClaudePrieur]

Thank You

[@jaketanner109]

Hi. Comparing the launchkey keys to the key step 37, which are better for playing.

[@1jennifer]

Just discovered your channel this morning! I have a novation launchkey 49 (original) for many years - is it worth upgrading? Probably would like to stick to 49 keys

[@SanjayC]

Yes, they've really made some huge advances with these keyboards.

[@amoghramamurthy5288]

Hi Sanjay. Are the keys velocity sensitive? What would you rate them for their sensitivity. Also , apart from portability is everything same between this and 49 key version of the controller?

[@bjorn8381]

Hey.. Great videos you have concerning the midi controllers. Which one you recommend for using garage band on the iPad Pro? Thank you.. 😊

[@soriba391]

Man, I'm still not sure if I should go for the Mini MK3 for size on the table or for the MK3 37 for functionality

[@sethjennings3706]

So does the regular launchkey have all of the same features as the mini mk3?

[@victorarrow7183]

Really helpful video, I was about to buy a launchkey 49 mkii, ignoring size and amount of keys and just talking about the other features do you think this new mini version is better than what the 49 mkii can offer?

[@SanjayC]

Feature wise it’s the latest with the rest features, but you may miss the extra keys on the 49.

[@tanukusiddharth9675]

I use logic pro x...can I use this keyboard

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Here just to see if it still has midi out. Criminally under mentioned feature that alot of other "midi kyboards" lack. Who wants to spend money on a clunky midi host when its a feature inexcusable to exclude imo. Wish reviewers in general would explore tge hardware side a little more. Does it have the 16 channels of midi? How ez is it to switch midi channels without a computer? Can u rexommend this as main controller in a portable dawless setup? These are the kind of questions id like to see addressed in mini midi reviews.

[@josetorres213]

I'm curious...if you had to pick between the MPK Mini and Launchkey Mini, which one would you go with and why? Also, any chance you can make a comparison video of the two?

[@SanjayC]

Launchkey mini for sure. Especially for Ableton Live.

[@Mickey_McD]

Thanks, Sanjay. Of the mini keyboards you tested which one has the best feeling keys? The Arturia MiniLab MkII?

[@SanjayC]

Of the mini keyboards, yes the Arturia has the best keybed, and the Native Instruments is in second place.

[@PavanMS87]

Thank you Sanjay. Can I learn music theory using this MIDI keyboard..? Kindly advise. I’m going to eventually use this with Ableton.

[@cristophersoto1244]

Some new best keyboard right now or is the best option?

[@glo516]

Hi Sanjay, Many thanks for yours videos, there are all nice and very interesting. I'm totally new in music , in ableton and in keyboard. what do you advice me? Arturia Mini lab or the Novation Launchkey mini MK3? thanks.

[@SanjayC]

For Ableton, the Launchkey is better, but I don't care for the keys so much. :-/

[@rodrigobmusic15]

Hi Sanjay! First off, great videos! I've stumbled upon them as I've been doing research on recording and building a small studio in my room. Thanks for all the helpful info! My question for you is do you recommend the new Launchkey Mini MK 3 over the Arturia Minilab MK 2 and the Akai MPK Mini? I found this video just after I watched your video comparing the top 6 $100 keyboards. I was already leaning towards the Akai, but now this one has caught my eye. What would be your recommendation?

[@SanjayC]

I recommend the Launchkey Mini MK3 over the Minilab if you're an Ableton Live user only. The LK has better Ableton control of clips and scenes for triggering. Just keep in mind that the keybed on the Minilab is a lot better.

[@rodrigobmusic15]

@@SanjayC Alright, awesome! I'm currently using Abelton more, so this is really helpful. Thanks for the reply, Sanjay! I look forward to your future content 😀

[@Dark0ne2099]

Thanks for the hard work, I'm looking to buy a mini keyboard (2/3 Oct) with midi pads and built in sounds to use live (guitarist singer looper setting, trying to add keys with portability to it). Do you recommend a particular product?

[@Viersen98]

Cool video! Would you prefer this keyboard or the akai mpc key 25? I’m doubting because the akai has mode clip launch buttons.. thanks!