Sanjay C’s FLkey 2 Review: OLEDs, Endless Encoders, and a MIDI Mutiny

Novation finally got off the fence and gave the FLkey 2 some proper upgrades. Sanjay C opens by showing off the fresh features, and right away the OLED screen jumps out. It’s one of those upgrades that makes you wonder why we ever put up with guesswork in the first place. Now you can actually see what you’re tweaking, whether you’re mangling plugin parameters or flipping between scales and arps—no more squinting at the DAW.

Endless encoders are the other killer move here. Gone are the days of a knob jumping your filter cutoff from zero to infinity just because you switched plugin pages. The new rotary encoders track software values perfectly, so you’re not left fighting the hardware mid-jam. It’s a massive improvement, and once you’ve tasted endless encoders, going back to old-school pots feels like trading your synth for a toaster.

Sanjay C doesn’t waste time: the bigger your FLkey, the more muscle you get. The 25 Mini is pitched for the portable crowd, but the 49 and 61 versions are where things start to feel like a serious production rig. Full-size, semi-weighted keys on the 49? Yes please. There’s a world of difference between the mushy mini keys and the proper action of the larger models—if you’re laying down real parts, you want the big boys.

He breaks down the stats: more buttons, more faders, more everything as you go up the range. The 49 hits the sweet spot—tons of controls and workflow shortcuts for not much more dosh than the 37. These aren’t just marketing numbers either; less menu diving and more hands-on means you’re actually making music, not fighting your controller. The only thing missing? The old note repeat button. It’s a nostalgia casualty, but not a dealbreaker.

Here’s where the FLkey 2 leaves most of the competition in the dust. Integration with FL Studio is so deep it almost feels unfair—channel rack sequencing, mapped controls, plugin parameter feedback on the OLED, the works. Pads, encoders, faders, and buttons all talk to FL Studio right out of the box. If you’re used to generic MIDI controllers, this is a breath of fresh, caffeinated air.

The creative tools get a major upgrade: advanced chord modes, a full-featured arpeggiator, and scale locking that keep your melodies tight and your basslines in key. Importantly, these features aren’t just for the flagship models—even the Mini gets the same creative engine. If you want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes, the video’s jam and sequencing demos are essential viewing—text just can’t capture the workflow flow.