buying a new keyboard, been looking at some but no mention of the technology.
i don,t want the rubbery remote control type plastic thingies, i have a kawai k1 and a korg z1. i know the difference. one advantage of the rubber contacts: easy replacement.
would i be better off getting a used synth with good keys, i,m in a heavy smoking environment.
does weighted or half weighted tell. or is everything plastic nowadays?
thanks for any suggestions. i,m not a keyboard player, just want to see what i can get out of some of those libraries and softsynths, drop in some chords while playing guitar

 

NUX - NTK-61 - MIDI Keyboard Controller [319 EUR]
www.nuxaudio.com/ntk61.html | www.thomann.de/de/nux_ntk_61.htm

ONE Killer Feature Destroys the Competition (NUX NTK MIDI Keyboard)

Quick Start for NUX NTK-61 MIDI Keyboard Controller

 

looks good. but clearly rubber from the video

 

As you know, competition among MIDI keyboard manufacturers is fierce, and you have to produce at the competitive prices. I still have two Roland A-800 Pros (298 EUR) , but they're no longer in production. The keyboard is playable, although, as you already noticed, it's also rubberized, but that's fine, since you can still get aftertouch! In short, for around €300, you can get a good keyboard.

Korg keyboard with MIDI 2.0 and poly aftertouch - 699 EUR (is no longer manufactured)
https://www.korg.com/de/products/computergear/keystage/index.php

Fatar TP/8s and Yamaha FS action are most regarded in terms of playability and feel. Personally, I've never played Fatar TP/8s but seriously considering buying Roland G800 to be my master midi controller (they are cheap these day)

A lot of models are listed here:
https://gearspace.com/board/electro...eybed-thread-models-manufacturers-listed.html

MIDI keyboards | Komplete - Native Instruments

There is simply no match for KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 when it comes to nuanced performance and capturing the expression of real instruments. This full-range, fully weighted 88-key MIDI keyboard achieves a natural piano feel thanks to a hammer-action Fatar keybed, Smart Spring technology, memory-foam damping, and aftertouch. Light Guide indicators above each key are helpful for visualizing chords and scales, while high-resolution displays and full Komplete Kontrol integration keep you focused right here on the music.

This full-range, fully weighted 88-key MIDI keyboard achieves a natural piano feel thanks to a hammer-action Fatar keybed, Smart Spring technology, memory-foam ...

 

If you order from Thomann, you can try it out for 30 days and exchange it or get your money back. The NUX - NTK-61 is waiting for you to try it out. Wood and metal are no longer available. The plastic or rubber ones are durable, but if you're coming from Fatar or Piano, I don't know if they'll suit your playing feel. You'll have to try it out for yourself.

Studiologic SL mk2 - 499 € (weighted hammer action TP/110 with aftertouch)

If you’re serious about playing, you probably know the name Studiologic. The sister company of Fatar, Studiologic makes top-quality MIDI controller keyboards. The company’s latest line, announced at NAMM today, is the newest iteration of its SL series, with three new controllers. The Studiologic SL mk2 lineup includes SL73, SL88, and SL88GT.

www.gearnews.com/studiologic-sl-mk2-midi-keyboards/
www.studiologic-music.com/products/slmk2/
www.thomann.de/de/studiologic_sl88_mk2.htm

 

Last edited: May 24, 2025