FL Studio is one of the most widely used DAWs in the world. Especially in recent years, FL Studio has gained significant traction among new users, greatly aided by becoming compatible with macOS.

Like all other DAWs, FL Studio is, of course, compatible with various MIDI controllers and other devices, which can help push your workflows forward.

Control, control, control

Novation's FLkey MIDI keyboards are designed to be a plug-and-play solution for FL Studio without any setup required, preconfigured not only to control MIDI notes and commands but also to navigate the interface in FL Studio.

There are two sizes of FLkey: 37 and 25 (mini). They are quite similar and at the same time have a few noticeable, but in my opinion, not significant differences. 

FLkey MINI with 25 keys is, of course, slightly smaller than the 37 key model, making the MINI easier to carry in a backpack or on the go. However, the 37 model might be more of a studio version of FLkey. The 37 model has a screen, which the 25 model does not have, although you can easily manage without the screen, and the pitch module is a classic wheel on the 37 model, whereas on the 25 model, it's a touch module.

Both models are USB-powered and come with a USB-A to B cable. On the back panel of the devices, you'll find a pedal input, lock port, and a MIDI DIN/mini-jack output for use with synths or other hardware devices. 

The quality of the product is unquestionable. It's not fancy in any way, but the quality is top-notch and has been designed with workflows as a top priority. The entire MIDI keyboard is very well-described and laid out on the small devices. It's unmistakable what you're working with.

 

Multi modes

In "sequencer mode," the pads on the MIDI controller can trigger notes or beats and they can be played directly into the Channel Rack. It's a super intuitive way to work and makes it super easy and fast to put together patterns and rhythms. On the 37 model, you also get both quantize and metronome buttons to make it even easier.

FLkey also has shortcuts for setting note repeat resolution. There's also a Scale Mode that ensures you're always playing in the selected scale type.

Chord Mode on the 37-key model allows you to select program chords and makes it easy to trigger them. FPC, Slicex, and Fruity Slicer are all directly integrated, which means you can map your pads to slice with.

The knobs are just as flexible as the pads. You can switch between their modes to work with the ongoing plug-in, mixer volume or pan, channel volume or pan, plus a custom setting that you can adjust yourself. Combining these options with Channel Rack and Mixer Track navigation, you have an all-round system that allows you to become a pure FL Studio whizz, jumping around your projects, all from one device while making bangers.

Conclusion

FLkey is a complete and fully fantastic MIDI controller for FL Studio users. It provides easy and full control over your projects and performance in a way that only a dedicated MIDI controller can.

The keys are excellent, and the pads provide an extra dimension of creativity when you have it in front of you.

If you're looking for a portable device, then FLkey MINI is definitely a great choice for you. If you need a MIDI keyboard for studio use, I would recommend going for the 37-key model so you get the most out of all the features FLkey offers.

 

Key features

  • 25 mini or 37 keys
  • USB data and power
  • Pitch bend and modulation
  • Record directly into sequencer, channel rack
  • 16 pads and 8 knobs
  • FL Studio project navigation buttons
  • Pads and knobs have multiple modes for different controls
  • Preset browsing in Image Line plug-ins