My Honest Thoughts... Novation Launchkey 88 MK3

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[terryricks]

I always appreciate your content and the time you take to share. 👑👊🏽💜✝️🙌🏼

[AdrianJonathanMusic]

Thank you! Legit was I was thinking abuot purchasing this one!

[GabeWilliams]

Great video, and I love how you play, I’m already inspired to get better. I think this is just what I need for what my budget is so I can learn, produce, etc., and I can upgrade a few years down the line if I feel like I want a more realistic feel. Much appreciated! Your review seems to be the most straightforward and honest.

[ColinWillsher]

Thanks for this Yaahn. My main issue has become getting in and out of venues in central London where there’s no parking and trying to lug a 22kg Kronos around. Just hoping this can get me through those gigs. Obviously I know I’m going to have to sacrificw playability somewhat.

[johnzuker]

I could listen to you play any keyboard. You are an excellent pianist/keyboardist.

[frankymino]

I purchased the Launchkey 88 MK3 and am very happy with the keybed for playing virtual piano's and many other virtual instruments/synths. I got a ton of midi keyboards and the 88 MK3 is by far the best for expressing virtual piano's (For me anyway) It's quite a premium feel in comparison to midi keyboards I own. Most midi keyboards/keybeds are very stiff towards the pivot point especially on the black keys which makes it difficult to express softly played compositions. Very difficult to humanize what I want to play when expression is crucial at given points in compositions. Another factor that affects expressive playing (midi keyboards) is how many points of velocity a sample based virtual piano has. And sampled virtual piano's have very few. Modelled virtual piano's are usually preferred as they have 127 points of velocity. But I digress.... If I was a full time heavy handed player or just love fooling around smashing away then I guess it wouldn't matter.

In my opinion most hammer action keybeds are far too heavy and mechanical to the touch and don't come close to the feel of an acoustic piano. Not to mention getting fatigued in the forearms after a while. I've only ever experienced forearm pump/soreness when playing electronic hammer action keyboards. Some people don't experience it though many others experience forearm fatigue from electronic hammer action keybeds but that may be also due to incorrect playing technique and seat height. Acoustic piano's I have played and own are much lighter to the touch than emulated/modelled hammer action keys found on electronic keyboards. And I digress

For studio use the Launchkey 88 MK3 (in my opinion) is the best allrounder. It doesn't feel like a piano but it's a great compromise I think between piano keys and synth action.

[anniedarkhorse]

Great video. You're an amazing keyboard player. I wish I had your chops.

[teedybear]

Got it.. keys are pretty responsive although not a fan of the flat top black keys

[ilinskimusic]

MK2 Has by far the best keybed out of all the midi keyboards I've tried! Thank you for your video!

[sampoetry]

Great review bro, thanks for sharing your insight.

[LegendaryMike]

4:22 - 4:36 Crazy! I need the midi to that lol

[robertnidever]

Great video, I'm glad it doesn't have a hammer keybed since ill be using it for synth hits and synth solos. I know just about everyone uses these to control DAWs but I'm needing 88 keys to split to use with Mainstage. Love the price for what I need it for, lots of keys, sliders, and hardly weights anything for gigging. It replaces my third keyboard on my rig, we are a Toto tribute band so I have allot to cover....Thx again was on the fence on what to buy...

[malanhemal]

Can you use the faders for expression?

[GospelMusicLife]

I just got the 61 key. Im wondering if the 88 keys are the same as the 61 but with waterfall type. Those rubber stops on the keyboard should be pushed in on both sides front and back to keep the keyboard from sliding. It was years before I realized this. 😀 So far I actually like the low profile on the 61 key. I also see that the key feel takes some getting used to and it also depends on what vst instrument you use with the feel of playing the keys. Seems like the soft velocity setting may be the one I use the most after I do some more testing. Glad I got insurance on it as it does seem like if you bump the keys the wrong way you may break one. Overall I’ve got somewhat good impressions of it as I do plan to gig with it but will be careful.

[twentysevenvale]

Hi Yahn, did you tried the Korg Liano L1, how do you compare to this controller? Both are very minimalistic

[GameWise]

What is the name of that track at the beggining, Fire!!

[stanislawtristan]

Hello! I have to ask owners - is this keyboard support zone splitting?

[brakinina]

Thanks for the review! Honestly disappointed to hear about the key bed, but at the same time not surprised. Semi weighted keys are always suspect especially on acoustic piano patches. It still seems like a good board overall 🤛

[lucketsky]

So, i need a controller for road and needs to be 88 keys or 61, do u recommended some video that you show's one good?

[Bashanvibe]

I may go this route!!!! Instead of get the Komplet Kontrol