If you’re looking for a compact MIDI controller keyboard that still gives you enough keys to play properly, the Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 is a really interesting option.
In this review, I’ll break down why I chose the Launchkey 37 Mk3, what you actually get for your money, how it works with Logic Pro X, and whether it’s the right MIDI keyboard for your studio setup.
Why I Chose the Launchkey 37 Mk3
Up until now, I’d been using a 25-key MIDI controller. While that’s fine for basic ideas, I often found myself needing just a bit more range, especially when playing two-handed parts or sketching chord progressions.
A 49-key keyboard felt too large for my desk, so the Launchkey 37 Mk3 hit a sweet spot:
- 37 full-size keys (rare at this size)
- Compact enough for a small studio desk
- Enough range to feel musical rather than cramped
It’s an unusual format, but in practice it makes a lot of sense.
First Impressions & Unboxing
Out of the box, the Launchkey 37 Mk3 feels solid and well built.
The keys are:
- Full-size
- Not weighted (which is expected at this price)
- Comfortable and responsive for synths, keys, and drums
Despite the compact footprint, Novation has packed in a lot of controls without it feeling cluttered.
Hardware Features Overview
For a relatively small MIDI keyboard, the feature set is impressive:
Performance Controls
- Pitch bend wheel
- Modulation wheel
- Octave up / down buttons
Pads, Knobs & Buttons
- Velocity-sensitive drum pads
- Multiple assignable rotary dials
- Dedicated buttons for workflow control
Transport Controls
- Play
- Stop
- Record
- Loop
These transport controls are especially useful when working in a DAW, as they reduce how often you need to reach for the mouse.
Connectivity
- USB connection
- MIDI output
- Sustain pedal input
Free Software Bundle (Big Value Add)
Once registered on the Novation website, the Launchkey 37 Mk3 unlocks a very generous free software bundle.
At the time of recording, this included:
- Ableton Live Lite
- XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- Applied Acoustics Systems Session Bundle
- Lounge Lizard
- Ultra Analog
- Spitfire Audio Expressive Strings (Novation exclusive)
- Klevgrand R0verb
- Klevgrand DAW Cassette
- Softube Time & Tone bundle
Some items are full licenses, others are time-limited trials, but overall the value of the software alone easily exceeds the price of the keyboard.
If you’re just starting out — or want to expand your plugin collection — this is a big plus.
Using the Launchkey 37 Mk3 with Logic Pro X
After installing the Novation drivers, setup in Logic Pro X is refreshingly straightforward.
Once connected:
- The keyboard integrates automatically
- Smart Controls can be accessed directly from the hardware
- The rotary dials map to the selected track’s parameters
- Transport controls work instantly (play, stop, record, undo, loop)
For example:
- Holding Shift + Device lets you control Logic’s Smart Controls
- Loop mode can be toggled directly from the keyboard
- Undo works from the hardware (a small but very welcome touch)
My advice here is simple:
Install the drivers, register the keyboard, and grab the free software first — everything else falls into place very quickly.
What I Like Most About the Launchkey 37 Mk3
After spending time with it, three things really stand out:
1. The Size
It’s a perfect middle ground between 25 and 49 keys, especially for smaller studios.
2. The Feature Density
You get:
- Pads
- Knobs
- Buttons
- Transport controls
All without the keyboard feeling oversized or awkward to use.
3. The Software Bundle
This isn’t filler software — it’s high-quality instruments and effects that I’ll genuinely use in real projects.
A Few Things to Consider
No piece of gear is perfect, so here are a few points to keep in mind:
- No faders
The 49-key (and larger) Launchkey models include faders, which can be useful for mixing. - Keys are not weighted
Fine for synths and production work, but pianists wanting weighted keys should look elsewhere. - Small LCD screen
Usable, but on the small side — not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Final Verdict
The Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 is a fantastic MIDI controller if you want:
- More range than a 25-key keyboard
- A compact footprint for a small desk
- Deep DAW integration
- A genuinely useful software bundle
If weighted keys or physical faders are essential for you, another model might be a better fit. But if size, flexibility, and value matter most, the Launchkey 37 Mk3 is very hard to beat.
For more information on the full Launchkey range, visit Novation’s site:
👉 https://novationmusic.com/en/keys/launchkey
And for more reviews, tutorials, and home-studio tips, check out:
👉 The Home Recording Studio blog