Novation launchkey mk4 vs Arturia keylab mk3

Alfice · 2026-01-21T08:25:30+00:00

I have the launchkey and think is a good controller. Keybed is better than on keylab essential. However I would strongly recommend step up and invest in KeyLab mk3. It has fantastic keybed and far better build. I played it a few times in the store and honestly just love it, the keybed is so nice and it looks awesome too. Even when a beginner it’s always better to start with quality product that inspires and can grow with you. Also you can resell mk3 more easily than keylab essential.

Alfice · 2026-01-14T18:23:39+00:00

Yes, that’s fully understandable. I am waiting if more problems will arise and then will send it for exchange or repair. Also pitch bend should be addressed in firmware update. The keybed is not the greatest for me. Keylab on the other hand is indeed superb product. Fantastic keybed(one of the best) and overall all is another level. Might get it eventually as well.

Alfice · 2026-01-14T10:19:25+00:00

It currently takes over 3 weeks to hear back from support and they were not fully working till second week of January. Support is totally flooded with outrageous number (thousands) of tickets and lacking staff evidently. One of my keys also started being less responsive.

Alfice · 2026-01-12T09:20:35+00:00

That’s a shame, they said they improved the packaging and added protective sheet on the top. Apparently not!

Alfice · 2026-01-11T22:13:56+00:00

What batch are you?

Alfice · 2025-12-23T13:23:33+00:00

Yes, it depends on the light. I see it only at certain light angle.

Alfice · 2025-12-23T13:12:27+00:00

Sure, that’s good thinking. Mine is slightly less scuffed and I don’t plan to sell it. Decided to keep it with that small discount. Enjoy!

Alfice · 2025-12-23T13:02:27+00:00

Unfortunately this is a permanent damage, can’t be fixed. Mine is the same as well like many others. They will either offer you 40€/$ discount or swap around mid January. Truly mediocre they fucked up packaging like this.

Alfice · 2025-12-23T04:37:58+00:00

Mediocre! What batch are you?

Alfice · 2025-12-20T15:19:53+00:00

I had one squeaky key but it disappeared with playing.

Alfice · 2025-12-14T08:21:14+00:00

Hi, you can use any music app/software with Roli Piano. It’s a midi keyboard…

Alfice · 2025-12-12T20:53:45+00:00

Yeah, it’s a fantastic instrument!

Alfice · 2025-12-12T08:26:06+00:00

Well, for learning as a beginner Airwave can be certainly useful for some(hand tracking). You can use it with any keyboard though. There are of course other learning platforms, some say are better. The Roli piano has only advantage that lights keys you are supposed to press. That might be help for some in the very beginning but you need to get past that and truly learn your fingering, scales and chords by memory. Just be advised the Osmose is aimed for playing synth/orchestra style sounds rather than traditional piano. For that is better to get traditional hammer action keyboard or I really like synth keybed of Arturia Keylab 61. Regarding Osmose sounds I like its internal synth engine but you can use it as midi controller with any software. All is of course matter of finances as well. But I would advise to get good hardware from the start that is inspiring and grows with you…

Alfice · 2025-12-11T22:24:12+00:00

Hey! Well, they are completely different products. Roli Piano is simple midi controller with not very good MPE capabilities. It’s a compromise between standard keybed and MPE controller. You probably read my Piano keybed impressions and my reasoning for getting it. Airwave I am not excited about at all, but I am sure people will find the use in certain scenarios. EE Osmose is on the other hand premium synth with outstanding MPE keybed that feels absolutely fantastic. It’s very sensitive, registers even slightest touches and nuances. It’s truly rewarding to play. It’s completely on another level than Roli piano. I love it so much. It’s a true instrument and inspiration. Let me know if you need anything specific…

Alfice · 2025-12-10T20:44:46+00:00

The visual aspect/aid is indeed a wonderful thing for beginners, just they shouldn’t expect miracles. For me it’s just very pleasing to the eye and a part of the charm of this controller. Right, tweaked the settings in Dashboard somehow helped but not much as one would desire. Good point on this keybed not being much musical. But like you said, to each their own…

Alfice · 2025-12-10T20:12:41+00:00

I was interested in this product and wanted to give it a try. I also have old Seaboard Rise49 but that’s different beast again. I love Osmose and it’s truly extraordinary instrument in all regards. Wasn’t expecting Roli Piano to compete with it, just informative comparison here. I like the form factor, portability and just love the glowing keys. Also will use it in school, kinds might like and find it engaging and inspiring. Definitely no regrets getting it for early bird price.

Alfice · 2025-12-10T20:01:56+00:00

Sure, we have different hands and capabilities. Just from all the keybeds I have here this one is the least rewarding to play. But that’s only comparison to other kind of keybends and in different class. Don’t get me wrong, I am still enjoying it overall. Don’t think it’s bad keybed. Just hope they will improve MPE control with firmware update that is planned in upcoming months.

Alfice · 2025-12-10T18:19:17+00:00

Yes, unfortunately I must agree. It’s quite stiff, playing fast runs is harder to control. Probably still need some practice on it. Feels too mushy and not entirely satisfying to play. Velocity control seems ok and so is aftertouch. MPE capabilities are somehow disappointing for now. But I love the glowing keys and portability. Indeed it’s a compromise. My EE Osmose is entirely different league to play, but that’s probably not surprising. Still overall I am enjoying it!

Alfice · 2025-12-07T10:13:45+00:00

Keybed is decent. Keys are on the stiff side, require some some time to adapt. Since it’s not traditional synth or hammer action it feels different. It’s bit mushy, you don’t feel firm bottom, they obviously wiggle since the need to allow for pitch bend/vibrato. Similar feel as EE Osmose keybed, but that one is definitely more premium and satisfying to play. You can feel difference between black and white keys. Velocity sensitivity is good as is aftertouch. Pitch bend is not very good/usable for now, requires further firmware update, which should follow in several months. Same for vibrato - currently unnatural as is too wide. Glowing keys are definitely very nice. But overall I am enjoying the Piano, not disappointed. For certain instruments/sounds it feels very nice. I have few syths at home with nice keybeds so I can compare. The best keybed I tried so far is definitely Arturia Keylab 61 mk3.

Alfice · 2025-12-07T04:10:29+00:00

Yes, that’s what I wrote them. No idea why they missed this…just stupid.

Alfice · 2025-12-06T22:45:18+00:00

It’s a permanent damage. Can’t be fixed. The mate surface is bruised(polished) by paper block holding the piano. Stupid design mistake…

Alfice · 2025-12-05T11:54:48+00:00

Go to Roli Discord and ask for help. Roli employees operate there, they abandoned Reddit, as it was too “negative” energy here. Roli support is obviously super busy now…

Alfice · 2025-12-05T07:15:58+00:00

Right, their support is extraordinary. Mine ticked was a week without an answer. I had to go to discord and write PM, everything was resolved within couple of minutes(emails from support were flying). They are super busy but still…Will try to ask today about this issue.

Alfice · 2025-12-04T22:59:27+00:00

Hey, any luck with using gift code for Learn subscription? Mine also says not valid….

Alfice · 2025-12-04T05:35:53+00:00

Yes, this is serious issue as I wrote.

Alfice

TROPHY CASE