TL;DR: Novation has refreshed its FLkey series with the FLkey 2 lineup, adding semi-weighted keys (on the 49 and 61 models), a crisp new OLED screen, and upgraded RGB pads now positioned on the right for finger drumming. Four models—Mini 25, 37, 49, and 61—offer tight FL Studio integration, endless encoders, and a bundled software package, all at affordable prices.
- Four models: FLkey 2 Mini 25, 37, 49, and 61—prices start at €109.99 and go up to €279.99.
- Semi-weighted keys on the 49 and 61 models; all models feature responsive RGB pads now on the right side.
- New OLED screen replaces the old display; endless encoders replace standard knobs on all models.
- Tight FL Studio integration with DAW scripts for Channel Rack, Mixer, and plugin control plus arpeggiator, Scale, and Chord Modes.
- Bundled software includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, instruments/effects from Native Instruments, GForce, and Melodics lessons.
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Hardware Refresh: Keys, Pads, and a Screen Worth Tweeting About
We at Noxal are suckers for a good glow-up. The original FLkey was a solid first attempt, but it felt like Novation was testing the waters. With FLkey 2, they’ve dived in headfirst. The most obvious change is the new black chassis with red knobs and nine black faders on the larger models. It looks like a studio instrument rather than a toy—a welcome shift from the previous generation’s somewhat plasticky vibe.
But the real news is under the hood. The FLkey 2 49 and 61 now feature semi-weighted keys. If you’ve been playing on cheap synth-action keys, this is like upgrading from a bicycle to a car. The pads—16 RGB-backlit, velocity-sensitive—have been moved to the right side of the keyboard. This is a deliberate choice for right-handed finger drummers. Left-handed users? Well, we raise our coffee mugs in solidarity, but you might have to adapt.
The screen upgrade is the cherry on top. The old LCD was functional but forgettable. The new OLED display is crisp, bright, and actually readable in dim studio lighting. It shows patch names, parameter values, and scale/chord information. It’s not a touchscreen, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s there to confirm what your ears already know.
FL Studio Integration: The Whole Point
Let’s be honest: if you’re not using FL Studio, these controllers are overkill. But if you are, the FLkey 2 series is like a custom-made suit for your DAW. Novation worked closely with Image-Line to embed DAW scripts that give you tactile control over the Channel Rack, Mixer, and plugin parameters. You can sequence drum patterns across the two rows of pads, tweak mixer faders, and control your favorite VSTs without touching a mouse.
The built-in creative tools—Scale and Chord Modes, and the arpeggiator—are now more accessible thanks to the OLED screen. Scale Mode locks your keys to a chosen scale (major, minor, pentatonic, etc.), so you can’t hit a wrong note. Chord Mode lets you play full chords with a single finger. The arpeggiator is the standard Novation affair: pattern-based, syncable, and customizable. These features aren’t new, but the hardware integration makes them feel fresh.
There’s also Mackie HUI support, meaning you can use the FLkey 2 with other DAWs if you absolutely must. But we suspect most buyers will stick with FL Studio, where the controller truly shines.
Specs and Pricing: The Numbers That Matter
Here’s the breakdown for the budget-conscious synth head. The FLkey 2 Mini 25 (25 mini keys, no faders, TRS MIDI out) costs €109.99. The FLkey 2 37 (37 synth-action keys, no faders, five-pin DIN out) is €159.99. The FLkey 2 49 (49 semi-weighted keys, nine faders, five-pin DIN out) is €219.99. The FLkey 2 61 (61 semi-weighted keys, nine faders, five-pin DIN out) is €279.99. All prices are from Thomann, our go-to for European gear.
Connectivity is standard: USB, sustain pedal input, and MIDI out (five-pin DIN on all models except the Mini, which uses TRS). The controllers are NKS-ready, so they work with Native Instruments software out of the box. The bundled software collection is generous: six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, instruments from Native Instruments, GForce, and Orchestral Tools, plus Melodics lessons and Novation Play. It’s a solid starter pack for anyone jumping into FL Studio production.
We at Noxal appreciate that Novation didn’t skimp on build quality. The chassis feels sturdy, the knobs are metal-encased, and the faders are smooth. It won’t survive a drop from a third-story window, but it’ll handle the occasional coffee spill (we’ve been there).
Who Is This For? FL Studio Users and Curious Wanderers
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re an FL Studio user and you’ve been eyeing a dedicated controller, the FLkey 2 series is the obvious choice. The competition is thin—most DAW controllers are built for Ableton or Logic. Novation has a near-monopoly here, and they’ve earned it by actually listening to the FL Studio community. The semi-weighted keys, the right-sided pads, the OLED screen—these are all responses to real user feedback.
For the non-FL Studio crowd? You can use it with other DAWs via Mackie HUI, but you’ll lose the tight integration that makes this controller special. If you’re a hardware synth enthusiast who dabbles in FL Studio, the FLkey 2 37 might be a good starting point. It’s small enough for a crowded desk, and the MIDI out lets you control your external gear.
One thing we’d like to see in a future update: aftertouch. The semi-weighted keys feel great, but polyphonic aftertouch would elevate the FLkey 2 from “great controller” to “essential tool.” Maybe in version 3. For now, this is a solid upgrade that justifies the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the FLkey 2 be used with DAWs other than FL Studio?
Yes, it supports Mackie HUI protocol, so it works with most major DAWs. However, the deep integration—Channel Rack, Mixer, plugin control—is exclusive to FL Studio. Using it with other DAWs will feel like driving a sports car in a school zone.
What’s the difference between the FLkey 2 Mini 25 and the larger models?
The Mini 25 has mini keys (not full-size), no faders, and uses TRS MIDI out instead of five-pin DIN. It’s designed for portability and tight desk spaces. The larger models (37, 49, 61) have full-size keys, faders on the 49 and 61, and five-pin DIN MIDI out.
Does the FLkey 2 have aftertouch?
No, none of the models have aftertouch. This is a notable omission for a controller in this price range, but the semi-weighted keys on the 49 and 61 are still a significant upgrade over the original FLkey’s synth-action keys.
I’m writing this with a half-empty espresso and a vague hope that Novation will release an FLkey 3 with aftertouch. Until then, I’ll make do with the FLkey 2 61 and pretend my coffee cup is a fader bank. Cheers.