Novation FLkey 49chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Some users report FL Studio lag that resolves only when unplugging the device, application crashes with third-party synths, and a firmware-caused smart drive crash on Windows shutdown that must be manually disabled.

@Cammy-sn

Just so you know, the FLkey2 creates a smart drive that crashes in Windows when it shuts down. This can be disabled in the firmware. Also, the value added PLAY plugin offered is of very poor quality. And key press and release resonate tinny and cheap. **Edit: as more short comings reveal themselves, Velocity curve maxes out at 120 with the hardest most resonant percussion sound. If you use plugins that adjust timbre for articulation you may need a third-party velocity mapper. I've also discovered that all my Air Music standalone synths produce application errors in Windows when they close only when the Novation keyboard is connected.launch

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September 1, 2026

@AuntieWokery

I've watched a few of your video's and have found them quite informative. I don't know if you have addressed this in one of your videos but how do you fix latency/lag with these keyboards?\n\nI own the FLkey49 and use FL studio on a Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra laptop (32GB, Core ultra 9 185H with RTX4070) and have that linked up to my 55\" TV with soundbar via either HDMI or via a Wavlink Thunderbolt 4.0 USB-C docking station.\n\nWhen I use the ASIO driver and set the audio to the laptop speakers, there is no lag between keys pressed on the keyboard vs sound played which is great.\n\nHowever when I plug a speaker system into the laptops' headphone jack and set the headphones for sound output, the latency lag appears.\n\nThe same applies when setting the ASIO driver to HDMI output. \n\nI was considering buying a USB external sound card if you think this would fix the problem. Any advice would be appreciated.launch

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February 14, 2026

@BrittanyZastrow

I just got this keyboard and connected it to my new laptop. I also connected my new focus rite 2i2 3rd gen interface to my laptop and beyerdynamics headphones. I'm having a bit of an issue with the sound in FL Studio. \n\nEverything works, but the volume seems pretty low when I play the keyboard, unless I smash the keys really hard and fast. I've tried turning the volume up on the keyboard and the interface nob on the right, where the headphones plug in at. Nothing seems to change how the volume works for the keyboard. It's still quiet, unless I use a lot of force when playing, which feels very unnatural, and is hard to maintain while playing. \n\nIs there anything I'm missing, or do I need to just get used to smashing the keys the whole time I'm playing? I'm super new to this type of set-up. Thank you in advancelaunch

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December 9, 2023

@ripteyed

I actually ordered one as soon as I heard of this release, and flocked to your channel to see if you had posted a review. I was so excited to try it. Unfortunately ever since I received it, I've had nothing but problems. Writing this to help caution other potential buyers.\n\nIt makes my FL Studio software lag (when I unplug it, it goes back to normal). Some of my projects almost crashed and were ruined because of this. The additional Addictive Keys plugin selection is not available to you if you've already registered a previous Focusrite product. This was extremely disappointing as one of the reasons I bought it was to get another Addictive Keys product. The customer service has been quite slow, even when selecting \"Urgent\" as a priority. Even after installing all updates to drivers and FL Studio software, i was experiencing the same situation. The product, as advertised, also did not automatically speak to FL Studio. It took me hours, literally, to figure it out because since it's so new, there are no turorials available addressing hardware and software issues.\n\nI'm not writing this to shame on the company, I have quite a few Focusrite products. Great stuff. But this FL Key 61, has been quite a fail if anyone asks me. I hope people will see this and consider this info before purchasing because I'd hate to see other producers get all excited to try it just to ultimately have their FL Studio crash and ruin their projects.\n\nAlso, it's been about a week since I orderd, and they haven't even charged my card yet, really shows how urgent they are on wanting their money.launch

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July 3, 2023

Multiple users ask about or report clicking/resonant noise when keys are released, attributing it to thin felt dampening over a hollow plastic chassis, a concern for anyone with noise-sensitive neighbors.

@Immm-r8z

Hello mr Sanjay. I have a question about this Controller. How is its keys, does is make noise clicking when playing. Because i bought a lot of midi keyboards i threw them because of the clicking noise, because of the neighbours, they complained about it. So please inform me, if this midi does the same before i buy it. or recommend me to other midi keyboard if this one is not the right one. i need a midi keyboard that does not make any noises when playing. and thank you so much.launch

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October 19, 2023

@tomrobertson7403

I'm still using my old faithful SL49 remote. I love it (and Novation customer service is the best I've ever used too btw), but the keys are very noisy when u let them go. Are the keys on this one any quieter.\nAlso, these are much cheaper than the newest SL49's, so are the SL remote series still a better quality controller? If so, where have they cut costs with the FL range, and can you feel the difference anywhere?\nMany thanks in advance. Love your channel btw :)launch

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July 21, 2023

@AlavonMajor

Is the keybed dampening the same as the 37? That’s the only thing alongside a dedicated “pattern/song” button that I wish would be added..it seems like whatever felt is used isn’t thick enough to stop the dreaded plastic thunk sound that resonates thru the keyboard’s hallow chassis when playing the keys..maybe we’ll get a more programmable premium offering derived from the 61SL dubbed the 61FL…fingers crossed 🤓launch

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June 24, 2023

Several commenters say they want fully weighted keys rather than semi-weighted action, with one suggesting a fully weighted FLkey could make Novation the top choice in the category.

@swatforce3309

Here's the thing. All I really want is to have fully weighted keys. And be able to midi controll any vat I open up in fl. I don't want to use a date inside a saw like Maschine, etc. so as long as I can midi cc controls in any vat In fl studio, and it has weighted keys, I want it. But I haven't found anything like this yet.launch

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February 15, 2026

@1parkway

FLKey full weighted keys.\n\nIs going to put Novation in the \n\n#1 Spot.\n\nForever.\n\nThat’s Only if Novation Decides that they ain’t scared to take that Opportunity.\n\nFLKey Standalone would be a Game Changer. \n\nBut I don’t think anybody is Prepared for that Conversation.\n\nYet.launch

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July 25, 2024

@ryanmoore1193

I wished the 61key version had semi-weighted keys, waterfall keybeds, endless encoders etc.launch

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June 16, 2023

The faders don't move to reflect the actual FL mixer level when switching tracks, which multiple users say would cause confusion or an urge to constantly realign them, and some request motorized or display-reactive faders.

@DesoloZantas

It would be helpful if the faders displayed or reacted to the selected sound fader, allowing users to quickly identify them. Also, we need motorized fades that automatically adjust based on the current setting, rather than fixed options especially when switching to the next fader down.launch

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September 9, 2025

@r1chm

I would like to buy one BUT. Well first let me tell you that If you google this keyboard and 3rd party plugins, there is 3rd party control scripts, you just load them in and they work just like the internal FL plugins.. If you can script you can change the default for each knob by editing a premade script and saving it back. So no one spoke about this. I have beringer 2000 which has motorized sliders, to when you select a song, the sliders jump to the location they are in FL. How does this one work. Is it relative or static. In other words if you volume is at 50 percent and you touch the slider at 90 percent, does it jump to 90 percent. Or does when you slide it to 100 percent, FL rack moves up 10 percent. This is kind of important. Does anyone know. I think I might have to try and look this up in the manual and see if it is there. .launch

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April 27, 2025

@High-Tech-Geek

I like my 16 year old M Audio Keystation 49ES. I prefer using a keyboard and mouse with my midi keyboard. I don't want finger drums and I just don't trust 3rd party hardware buttons and sliders, although it's cool this seems to be purpose built to integrate with FL Studio. But I'm already jaded by everything else I've tried flaking out. Mines got semi weighted keys and my guess is it's a lot lighter than the FLkey 49 (is it?) and I take it with me and carry it with one hand. I picked mine up used for $85. How much does the FLkey 49 cost? (My keys are also still white). Oh and the sliders not matching up with the on screen mixer would drive me nuts... even though you described the way they function very well. My OCD would constantly try to align them without changing values and I see that as a setup for failure. Awesome review! Thanks!launch

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June 26, 2023

One user comparing it in-store to the Arturia MiniLab 3 found the FLkey tactilely inferior in materials and assembly quality, while another separately reported cheap, tinny key press/release feedback.

@Cammy-sn

Just so you know, the FLkey2 creates a smart drive that crashes in Windows when it shuts down. This can be disabled in the firmware. Also, the value added PLAY plugin offered is of very poor quality. And key press and release resonate tinny and cheap. **Edit: as more short comings reveal themselves, Velocity curve maxes out at 120 with the hardest most resonant percussion sound. If you use plugins that adjust timbre for articulation you may need a third-party velocity mapper. I've also discovered that all my Air Music standalone synths produce application errors in Windows when they close only when the Novation keyboard is connected.launch

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September 1, 2026

@zuowa

Initially, I wanted to buy a FLKey for myself, but after comparing it in the store with Arturia minilab 3, I opted for Arturia. Because tactilely, FLKey is very much inferior to Arturia in terms of the quality of materials and assembly.launch

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June 16, 2023

A couple of users report trouble getting the FLkey script recognized in FL Studio despite following installation steps, and one customer described slow support response when troubleshooting software conflicts.

@mas.natanegara

excuse me, I just bought a novation flkey 61 but I'm having trouble integrating the flkey script into the fl studio software. The script file already exists and I have copied it to the hardware folder but there is no follow-up. Please help friends who use FL Key for FL Studio on how to do it. Thank Youlaunch

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October 29, 2023

@ripteyed

I actually ordered one as soon as I heard of this release, and flocked to your channel to see if you had posted a review. I was so excited to try it. Unfortunately ever since I received it, I've had nothing but problems. Writing this to help caution other potential buyers.\n\nIt makes my FL Studio software lag (when I unplug it, it goes back to normal). Some of my projects almost crashed and were ruined because of this. The additional Addictive Keys plugin selection is not available to you if you've already registered a previous Focusrite product. This was extremely disappointing as one of the reasons I bought it was to get another Addictive Keys product. The customer service has been quite slow, even when selecting \"Urgent\" as a priority. Even after installing all updates to drivers and FL Studio software, i was experiencing the same situation. The product, as advertised, also did not automatically speak to FL Studio. It took me hours, literally, to figure it out because since it's so new, there are no turorials available addressing hardware and software issues.\n\nI'm not writing this to shame on the company, I have quite a few Focusrite products. Great stuff. But this FL Key 61, has been quite a fail if anyone asks me. I hope people will see this and consider this info before purchasing because I'd hate to see other producers get all excited to try it just to ultimately have their FL Studio crash and ruin their projects.\n\nAlso, it's been about a week since I orderd, and they haven't even charged my card yet, really shows how urgent they are on wanting their money.launch

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July 3, 2023

The onboard screen is criticized as small given how cheap displays have become, though one detailed comment notes it's mainly just for checking mixer/channel selection rather than core workflow.

@Windiguana

Not quite sure why companies still keep putting such small crappy screens on stuff when displays add almost no cost to a product these dayslaunch

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August 1, 2023