Arturia KeyLab Essential VS Novation Launchkey | Best For Producers?

Summary

In this video, the creator compares the Arturia KeyLab Essential and Novation Launch Key MIDI controllers, highlighting their similarities, differences, and unique features. Both keyboards are budget-friendly, bus-powered, and offer useful DAW integration, but they differ in key feel, build quality, pad functionality, and software compatibility. The Launch Key is praised for its semi-weighted keys, versatile drum pads, and smoother controls, while the KeyLab excels with its larger display, Analog Lab 5 integration, and unique hold function. The video helps viewers decide which controller suits their needs, whether prioritizing tactile playability or software compatibility, with detailed insights and practical recommendations.

Takeaways

• 🎹 Both the Arteria Keyab Essential and Novation Launch Key are budget-friendly MIDI controllers priced around $250–$300, ideal for beginners or those seeking compact setups.
• 🔌 Both keyboards feature MIDI out, a sustain input, and are USB-C bus-powered, making them easy to integrate into any setup.
• 🛠 Build quality is solid but not premium; Launch Key feels slightly sturdier with rubberized controls, while Keyab has a larger display.
• 🎼 The keybeds differ: Launch Key has semi-weighted keys preferred for dynamic piano playing, while Keyab uses synth-action keys, which feel bouncy and springy.
• 🎶 Both keyboards support scale, arp, and chord modes, but Launch Key offers a more flexible chord map with drum pads, whereas Keyab provides preset chords and a hold function for automatic sustain.
• 💻 DAW integration varies: Launch Key generally works out-of-the-box with Logic Pro, while Keyab sometimes requires scripts and re-plugging to map correctly.
• 📺 Display functionality differs: Keyab shows track and instrument names in bold, while Launch Key provides more detailed track information, including the specific track being adjusted.
• 🎛 Both keyboards offer transport controls and assignable faders/knobs, but Launch Key includes Capture MIDI, and Keyab includes save, tap tempo, and session navigation buttons.
• 💿 Software bundles differ: Keyab includes the full version of Analog Lab 5 with deep plugin integration, whereas Launch Key comes with various instruments and effects; Keyab is ideal for those invested in Arturia software.
• 🥁 Launch Key has 16 versatile drum pads, doubling the pad count of Keyab, making it more flexible for live performance, looping, and encoder assignments.
• ✅ Overall recommendation depends on user needs: Choose Keyab if Analog Lab integration is important, or Launch Key for better feel, flexibility, and general DAW usability.

Q & A

What are the two MIDI keyboards compared in the video?

The video compares the Arturia KeyLab Essential and the Novation Launch Key.

What is the main reason the reviewer decided to make a comparison video instead of separate reviews?

The reviewer found that the two keyboards are very similar, so it made more sense to compare them directly and highlight their differences for viewers to decide which is better for them.

How do the build qualities of the KeyLab Essential and Launch Key compare?

Both keyboards have hard plastic bodies typical for budget controllers. The Launch Key feels slightly sturdier and has rubberized controls, which give it a better tactile feel compared to the smooth plastic on the KeyLab Essential.

What types of keybeds do each of these keyboards have, and which does the reviewer prefer?

The Launch Key has semi-weighted keys, which feel better for dynamic playing, while the KeyLab Essential has synth-action keys, which are bouncier and springier. The reviewer prefers the semi-weighted keys on the Launch Key.

What are some notable features common to both keyboards?

Both keyboards have scale, arpeggiator (ARP), and chord modes, MIDI out, a sustain input, USB-C bus power, displays, DAW integration, and faders, knobs, and transport controls for controlling DAWs.

How does chord functionality differ between the two keyboards?

The Launch Key has a chord map and fixed chord mode that allows modifying chords using drum pads. The KeyLab Essential lets you play preset chords or hold a chord button to act like an automatic sustain function.

Which keyboard integrates better with software, and why?

The KeyLab Essential integrates seamlessly with Arturia’s Analog Lab 5, allowing deep control of synth parameters via faders and encoders, while the Launch Key requires custom mappings for similar software control.

How do the keyboards perform in DAW integration, specifically with Logic Pro?

Neither keyboard works perfectly out-of-the-box with Logic Pro. The Launch Key works more reliably, while the KeyLab Essential may require unplugging and plugging back in multiple times to recognize scripts for integration.

What are the advantages of the Launch Key's 16 pads?

The pads are multifunctional: they can be used for the chord map, arpeggiator features, live looping, and controlling encoders. This versatility provides a more immersive experience during music production or live performance.

Which keyboard would the reviewer recommend for someone who values software integration with Analog Lab?

The reviewer recommends the KeyLab Essential for users who value Analog Lab integration, as it comes with the full version of Analog Lab 5 and works seamlessly with Arturia hardware.

What recommendation does the reviewer give for users not interested in Analog Lab?

For users not interested in Analog Lab or who prioritize better key feel and versatile pads, the reviewer suggests choosing the Launch Key.

How does the price of these keyboards compare to fully weighted 88-key keyboards?

These keyboards cost around $250–$300, making them budget-friendly, whereas fully weighted 88-key keyboards with similar features generally cost around $1,000.