Novation has just droped FLkey 2, the next generation of its FL Studio-focused MIDI keyboard controller range, and the update feels aimed squarely at producers who want fewer mouse clicks and a tighter connection between hardware and the DAW. Officially supported by Image-Line, the new lineup builds on the first FLkey range with upgraded hardware, deeper FL Studio integration, and a better screen-based feedback system directly on the controller.
The range now includes FLkey 2 Mini 25, FLkey 2 37, FLkey 2 49, and FLkey 2 61. Across the lineup, Novation has added a new OLED display, more responsive pads, endless encoders, Scale and Chord Modes, and a built-in arpeggiator. The larger 49- and 61-key models also get semi-weighted keybeds, nine faders, and split or layered keyboard zones for playing two instruments at once.
The draw here is obvious.
FL Studio has always had its own rhythm, layout, and workflow logic, and generic MIDI controllers rarely feel fully tuned to it. FLkey 2 is built around that exact problem, with enhanced DAW scripts giving users direct hardware access to the Channel Rack, Mixer, plugin parameters, Patterns, step sequencing, and performance controls.
FLkey 2 Brings FL Studio Control To The Hardware
The deeper FL Studio integration is the main reason this update feels useful. The 16 RGB pads can trigger samples in the Channel Rack, handle step sequencing, support finger drumming with FPC, Slicex, or Fruity Slicer, and help create or duplicate Patterns with a dedicated pad layout.
That makes FLkey 2 less of a generic keyboard and closer to a dedicated FL Studio surface. Producers can move between drums, melodies, basslines, automation, levels, filters, and effects without constantly returning to the mouse. The eight knobs automatically map to useful parameters, while the 49- and 61-key versions add faders for more direct level control inside the Mixer.
The OLED display also helps the whole system feel less blind. Seeing key project information on the keyboard itself gives producers a better sense of what is being adjusted, especially during writing sessions where speed matters.
A Better FL Studio Keyboard For Producers
Novation has also loaded FLkey 2 with creative tools that make it easier to start ideas quickly. Scale Mode helps keep parts in key, Chord Modes help build progressions faster, and the arpeggiator gives producers another way to add motion without setting up extra plugin routing.
The range also reaches beyond FL Studio. Users can connect external synths and MIDI hardware through MIDI Out, build custom layouts with Novation Components, control other DAWs through Mackie HUI support, and use Native Kontrol Standard for a two-way connection with Native Instruments and NKS-ready software.
The software bundle gives newer users a useful starting point as well. Each FLkey 2 includes six months of FL Studio Producer Edition, Novation Play, tools from Native Instruments, GForce, Klevgrand, and Orchestral Tools, plus lessons from Melodics.
Pricing starts at $129.99 for FLkey 2 Mini 25, then moves to $229.99 for FLkey 2 37, $279.99 for FLkey 2 49, and $329.99 for FLkey 2 61. For FL Studio users who want a controller that speaks the DAW’s language from the first session, FLkey 2 looks like one of Novation’s most practical updates in this lane.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
