Akai MPK (Semi Weighted Keys) VS Arturia Key lab 88 (Hammer Action Keys)

[DKodid]

I'm looking to upgrade my Midi Keyboard to something with 61+ keys and better quality playability so improvising chords and top melody is more enjoyable.

The biggest question here is how noticeable to a NON piano player will it be from Akai's semi weighted keys to Arturias hammer action fatar Keys? Arturia normally wouldn't be in this race since the new MKII model is out now and both of these are at a higher price point than the Akai, but it happens to be on sale putting it roughly in the same budget area as the Akai.

- Current Midi Controller -
M Audio Oxygen 49

- Upgrade Options -
1.) Akai MPK261, 61 Key Semi Weighted Keys ($599)
2.) Arturia KeyLab 88, 88, Hammer Action Fatar Keybed (On Sale $799 from $1100)
3.) Maybe a Native Instrument Komplete Controller? Haven't looked in to them much yet.

I like the features on the Akai a lot better, but the main reason I'm upgrading is to have better playability. I also hear the Arturia isn't built as quality as the Akai, mea ning it tends to have issues after a year or 2, and the Akai is built great.

Obviously because of COVID-19 I can't go to any stores to feel the difference, the MAIN and ONLY concern I have right now is Semi Weighted VS Hammer Action - I want the Akai but I don't want to miss out on a full hammer action keyboard IF the older model Arturia is worth the sale price still.

[DKodid]

I may have decided on the Akai.

Is there a difference between the original MPK261 and the Advanced versions key quality?

[BBFG#]

I see you posted in two forums and responded to it in the other:

I might add the MAudio Code to your considerations.
I personally feel it has the best feel of those smaller boards you mentioned.
As far as the 88 versions, most are using the Fatar keybeds and the difference is first between the TP-40 & TP-100. I have both and while the 40 is the better feel, the 100 is up there too (and about 10 lbs. lighter.)

Then the other consideration is whether they have aftertouch (which all the ones you mentioned have) and if they're double sensor or triple sensor.

For 88 note controllers, we're now using;
* Arturia Keylab Essential 88 (semi-weight, double sensor, aftertouch, with shorter length keys.
Plays nicely - perfect for the spouse's technique.)
* Studiologic SL88 Studio (TP100 hammer action, triple sensor, aftertouch. - I like it quite well as an upgrade from my Emu XBoard 61.)
* Studiologic VMK188+ (TP40, hammer action, double sensor, aftertouch - love the feel - gets played 80% of my time.)

IIRC, the Arturia Keylab Mk1 you mentioned uses Fatar and should be the same. Although the first one has the drum triggers on the wrong side for my use. I did consider it before buying my SL88S. Which I originally bought for the spouse, but was still too heavy for her touch. So since these two use the same keybed and the Studiologic was around half the price...

I'll also add here that I did some work on an Akai mpk for another family member and the part that needed replacing cost more than the whole board!

Sounds to me like you would be quite happy with the Arturia Keylab Essential 88 or the slightly heavier feel of the Studiologic SL88 Studio.

[Winstontaneous]

The first generation MPKs had the worst action of any controller/ synth I’ve ever touched. Stiff pads and keyboard action and the noisiest keys. Perhaps they have improved since then?