Novation FLkey 2: What's New and Is It Worth It?
Novation's FLkey 2 is the gen-2 MIDI keyboard built for FL Studio. We cover the OLED display, semi-weighted keys, the four models, price, and if it's worth it.
Novation refreshed its FL Studio controller line with the FLkey 2. It is the second generation of the only keyboard range built specifically for FL Studio, and it adds an OLED display, semi-weighted keys on the larger models, and tighter integration with Image-Line's DAW.
What is the Novation FLkey 2?
The FLkey 2 is a range of MIDI keyboard controllers designed around FL Studio. Novation builds the integration in partnership with Image-Line, so the hardware maps directly onto FL Studio's mixer, channel rack, browser, and transport. That deep mapping is the point: less menu-diving, more playing.
The range covers four sizes, from a compact mini-key model up to a full 61-key board. All of them share the same creative tools, so the difference is mostly about keybed size and a few extra controls.
What's new in FLkey 2?
The biggest upgrade is the OLED display. It shows key parameters, chord names, scale information, and device controls, so you get visual feedback without staring at your screen. The original FLkey had no screen, so this is a real workflow change.
The other headline is the keybed. The 49 and 61-key models now use premium, semi-weighted waterfall-style keys, a step up from the synth-action keys on the first generation. Build quality is improved across the whole range.
Other notable updates include:
- USB-C connectivity, replacing the older USB-B port
- 16 responsive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- Eight endless encoders, plus physical faders on the 49 and 61
- Scale Mode with 30 scales, three Chord modes, and an arpeggiator with step editing
- Mackie HUI compatibility for use with other DAWs
- Bus-powered operation, so no external supply is needed
Which FLkey 2 model should you get?
There are four models in the range:
- FLkey Mini 25 — 25 mini keys, the most portable option
- FLkey 37 — 37 full-size keys, a good desktop balance
- FLkey 49 — 49 semi-weighted keys plus faders
- FLkey 61 — 61 semi-weighted keys plus faders, the most expressive
If you mostly program beats and melodies in a small setup, the Mini 25 or 37 covers it. If you play parts in and want the better keybed and faders, the 49 and 61 are the ones to look at. The semi-weighted keys on the larger boards are a meaningful upgrade for anyone who actually plays.
For a wider look at the category, see our best MIDI keyboards of 2026 guide. If you want a smaller, more synth-leaning alternative, the Arturia MiniLab 37 is a strong all-rounder.
Is the FLkey 2 worth it for FL Studio users?
If FL Studio is your main DAW, the FLkey 2 is the most tightly integrated controller you can buy. The mixer and channel-rack mapping, the OLED feedback, and the bundled software make it a clean fit. It also ships with six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, which helps newcomers get started.
The integration is the point. We covered FL Studio's recent feature push in our FL Studio 2025 update breakdown, and the FLkey 2 is built to put those features under your fingers. For the broader argument about hands-on hardware, our piece on controllers as instruments is a good companion read.
How much does the FLkey 2 cost?
Novation lists the range as follows:
- FLkey Mini 25 — $129.99
- FLkey 37 — $229.99
- FLkey 49 — $279.99
- FLkey 61 — $329.99
Every model includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, 20+ premium plugins, and finger-drumming and keyboard lessons from Melodics.
You can check the full range, bundle details, and current pricing on the official Novation FLkey 2 page.
The bottom line
The FLkey 2 is a focused, well-judged update. The OLED screen and semi-weighted keys fix the two biggest gaps in the original, and the FL Studio integration is still unmatched. If you live in FL Studio, this is the controller built for you — and the bundled software makes it easy to recommend to producers just getting started.
