Producer Rack

Checked September 2026

Novation

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 review

MIDI controllers

A 25 mini-key DAW controller with polyphonic-aftertouch pads, Scale/Chord modes, and an arpeggiator. Best for compact daw control with pads and encoders. Price: $139.99.

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 by Novation

Key features

  • 25 synth-action mini-keys
  • 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
  • 8 endless rotary encoders
  • 128x64 monochrome OLED display
  • Scale, Chord, and generative arpeggiator modes

Pros

  • Deep custom DAW scripts for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, FL Studio, and Ardour.
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Komplete 15 Select.

Cons

  • No Bluetooth MIDI; USB-C wired connection only.
  • No official iOS support listed on the product page.

Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 alternatives

  • Akai Professional

    Akai Professional MPK Mini IV

    $99once

    Compact 25-key USB-C MIDI controller with pitch/mod wheels, 8 pads, and 5-pin DIN MIDI output.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS

  • Arturia

    Arturia MiniLab 3

    $149once

    A 25-key universal MIDI controller with pads, faders, encoders, and a bundled software suite.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported

  • Native Instruments

    Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

    $139once

    NI's smallest keyboard controller with 32 synth-action keys and deep NKS/Komplete integration.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
All Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 alternatives

Sources: novationmusic.com, us.novationmusic.com