- The Novation FLkey 2 is a master keyboard tailored for FL Studio, featuring pre-assigned controls out of the box.
- Available in 25 (Mini), 37, 49, and 61 keys, it suits setups from mobile rigs to expansive home studios.
- It includes 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, an OLED screen, and creative modes (Scale, Chord Map, Arpeggiator).
- USB-C + MIDI connectivity makes it a true production hub, both within the DAW and with external hardware.
I’ve been following the evolution of MIDI controllers long enough to tell you: few brands go as far in native integration with a DAW. With the Novation FLkey 2, we have a family of controllers that fully embrace their focus: communicating directly with FL Studio, no hacks, no endless mapping. Available in 25, 37, 49, and 61 keys, this second generation refines and strengthens what already made the first a success. We’ll explain what’s new, who it’s for, and how it performs in a session.
The Novation FLkey 2 49 is a master keyboard designed for FL Studio producers who want to save time and keep the flow. Its 49 full-size semi-weighted keys cover four octaves: enough to play two-hand chords, lay down a bassline, record a melody, or control a virtual synth.
The 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch truly change the daily workflow. In finger drumming, they allow you to add expression after the initial hit: open a filter, increase reverb, modulate pitch. It's no longer just a sample trigger, it's a full instrument.
On the control side, you get 8 endless encoders, 9 faders, and an OLED screen to manage the Channel Rack, Playlist, plugins, and mixing without breaking your focus. The USB-C, 5-pin MIDI DIN, and sustain input connectivity opens the controller to the entire studio, FL Studio or not. Comes with 6 months of FL Studio Producer Edition and a 3-year warranty.
Technical Sheet – Novation FLkey 2 49
| Type | MIDI Master Keyboard FL Studio Dedicated |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 49 full-size keys · semi-weighted · pitch bend and modulation wheels |
| Pads | 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads · polyphonic aftertouch |
| Controls | 8 endless encoders · 9 faders · transport keys and FL Studio functions |
| Creative Modes | Scale · Fixed Chord · Chord Map · Arpeggiator |
| Display | OLED screen for parameter feedback |
| Connectivity | USB-C 5-pin MIDI DIN Sustain input Kensington lock |
| Compatibility | Mac, Windows PC, iOS · Mackie HUI · Novation Components |
| Power | Via USB port (power adapter not included) |
| Included Software | 6 months of FL Studio Producer Edition · bonus instruments and effects |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Included | FLkey 2 49 · USB-C to USB-A cable (1.5 m) |
| Verdict | Strengths
Considerations
|
FLkey 2: A More Musical Second Generation
The first FLkey series introduced a simple idea: a master keyboard can be designed specifically for one DAW rather than as a generic tool. Three years later, the Novation FLkey 2 stays true to this direction but clearly tightens up ergonomics and expressiveness.
The keyboard is now semi-weighted on the 49 and 61-key versions (synth-action on the 25 and 37), the pads gain polyphonic aftertouch, and an OLED screen finally clearly displays what you’re adjusting. The concrete result: less back-and-forth to the computer screen, more time with your hands on the controller.
Polyphonic aftertouch lets you add expression note by note, after the initial hit. On a pad, you can press harder on a single note of a chord to open a filter or increase reverb without affecting the others. A rare nuance at this price point.
Who Is the Novation FLkey 2 For?
The FLkey 2 primarily targets FL Studio producers. If you regularly chain beats, melodies, automation, and pre-mixing in Image-Line, this is typically the keyboard that will save you time. But it remains an open MIDI controller: it also controls your hardware synths via the MIDI output and works with other DAWs through the Mackie HUI protocol.
Choosing Between 25, 37, 49, and 61 Keys
- FLkey 2 Mini 25: 2 octaves, mini synth-action keys, pitch bend and modulation ribbons. The ultra-portable version, designed for backpacks, laptops, and production on the go.
- FLkey 2 37: 3 octaves, synth-action keys, ideal for beatmakers and compact setups where the keyboard is secondary to the pads.
- FLkey 2 49: 4 octaves, semi-weighted keyboard, the most versatile format for home studios.
- FLkey 2 61: 5 octaves, semi-weighted, perfect if you regularly play piano, pads, or two-hand voicings.
If you’re torn between the 49 and 61, measure your desk before ordering. The 61 requires significantly more space. Conversely, if you mainly produce on the go or have limited space, the Mini 25 fits in a backpack without sacrificing pads or the OLED screen.
FL Studio Control: The Heart of the FLkey 2
Plug in the FLkey 2, launch FL Studio, and everything is already mapped. You get direct access to the Channel Rack, Step Sequencer, Playlist, mixing, and your plugin parameters. Dedicated keys cover transport, metronome, undo, pattern/song switching, and quantization.
On the 49 and 61 versions, the 9 faders provide a real “console” logic to balance your mix. On all versions, the 8 endless encoders prevent value jumps when shaping filters or adjusting sends. And the OLED screen, present even on the Mini 25, confirms every tweak you make. This trio changes the game when your sessions get dense.
Creative Modes: Compose Without Missing a Beat
Novation has clearly beefed up the composition aids on this generation. Four modes let you speed up writing without breaking your flow:
- Scale: locks notes into the correct key, so you never play out of tune while recording.
- Fixed Chord: triggers a full chord with one finger, perfect for laying down harmony in two minutes.
- Chord Map: builds coherent progressions on the pads, like an idea generator.
- Arpeggiator: turns a held chord into an evolving rhythmic pattern, ideal for leads and synth basses.
Combine Scale + Arpeggiator to create instantly usable synth lines. Choose your scale, lay down three notes, and vary the arpeggio’s rhythmic division to generate a full riff. Maximum productivity, especially in electronic genres.
RGB Pads: Finger Drumming and Nuance
The 16 RGB pads, present on all versions (including the Mini 25), are probably the area that evolved the most between generations. Polyphonic aftertouch adds a rare expressiveness at this price: you play your pattern and evolve each element after the initial hit (open a filter on a kick, add modulation on a sample, thicken reverb on a snare).
This works especially well with FPC, SliceX, and Fruity Slicer, but also shines on synths and atmospheric textures. The result sounds less “mechanical” than classic triggering, and you gain organic feel without multiplying mouse automation.
Studio Openness: Beyond FL Studio
The FLkey 2 isn’t locked to Image-Line. The MIDI output (5-pin DIN on the 37/49/61, 3.5mm mini-jack on the Mini 25) lets you control hardware synths or drum machines without the computer. Handy for integrating a Moog, Korg, or any MIDI-compatible module into your production flow.
On the software side, support for the Mackie HUI protocol allows smooth use in other DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase). You can also fully customize the mapping via Novation Components to fit your workflow.
If you’re new to production and still unsure about your DAW, know that the FLkey 2 comes with 6 months of FL Studio Producer Edition. It’s an ideal entry point to seriously test the Image-Line workflow before committing to a lifetime license.
FAQ – Choosing Your Novation FLkey 2
Which FLkey 2 version should I choose: 25, 37, 49, or 61 keys?
The FLkey 2 Mini 25 is designed for mobile production, with mini synth-action keys and pitch/modulation ribbons. The FLkey 2 37 is made for beatmakers and compact setups, with synth-action keys. The FLkey 2 49 is the most versatile home studio format, with a semi-weighted keyboard spanning 4 octaves. The FLkey 2 61 is better if you often play piano, pads, or two-hand chords.
Does the FLkey 2 work with DAWs other than FL Studio?
Yes. The FLkey 2 is a standard MIDI controller compatible with any DAW (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig…). Support for the Mackie HUI protocol eases integration in different environments. The deepest integration remains, of course, the one designed for FL Studio.
What’s the difference between the original FLkey and the FLkey 2?
The FLkey 2 adds an OLED screen for visual feedback, pads with polyphonic aftertouch, a semi-weighted keyboard (on the 49 and 61 keys), and enhanced creative tools (Chord Map, Scale, Fixed Chord, Arpeggiator). FL Studio integration remains the core, but playability and visibility clearly improve.
Is the FLkey 2 Mini 25 a real production controller or just a mini keyboard?
It’s definitely a real production controller. The Mini 25 keeps the 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch, the 8 endless encoders, the OLED screen, and creative modes (Scale, Fixed Chord, Chord Map, Arpeggiator). The only notable differences: mini synth-action keys, ribbons instead of wheels, and MIDI output on a 3.5mm mini-jack. Ideal for producing on the go without sacrificing workflow.
Is polyphonic aftertouch really useful in a home studio?
Yes, especially for finger drumming and sound design. You can evolve a single sound after the initial hit (open a filter, raise reverb, modulate pitch) without affecting other pads. It’s a direct alternative to multiple automation lanes, making performances much more organic.
Does the FLkey 2 work on iPad?
Yes. The FLkey 2 is natively compatible with iOS via its USB-C port. You can connect it to a recent iPad to control FL Studio Mobile, GarageBand, or any MIDI app. Just plan for an external power adapter if your iPad doesn’t supply enough current through its port.
Novation’s Most Advanced FL Studio Keyboard
With the FLkey 2, Novation isn’t reinventing the wheel: the brand deepens a recipe that already worked and fixes the details that caused frustration. The semi-weighted keyboard, OLED screen, and polyphonic aftertouch on the pads transform the daily experience, especially on the 49 and 61 versions. For FL Studio producers, it’s now the most coherent option on the market. For others, it’s an excellent MIDI controller doubled with a showcase for a different workflow. Now just pick your size: 25 for total mobility, 37 for beatmakers, 49 for versatility, 61 for keyboard playing. Four sizes, one philosophy: finish your tracks faster.
