KVR Audio

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Sat Apr 11, 2026 9:17 pm

Nektar doesn't make fully weighted keyboards. I think nothing mentioned so far has been weighted. Nektar makes several semi-weighted models and Novation's semi-weighted version of the FL Key MK3 is currently on sale. For a fully weighted keyboard in your price range, ther'es M-Audio.

BJ · Post by BJ » Sat Apr 11, 2026 9:59 pm

How is the software for the Novation Launchkey? Is it comparable to Arturia's MIDI control center? Can you adjust the midi parameter etc of every knob to your liking? The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 looks interesting. I'm currently still using an Arturia Laboratory 61 keyboard I bought in 2012, the filter knob is broken but the keys are still golden. Sadly the launchkey doesn't have poly aftertouch on the keys or it wouldve been tempting to get one.

hotmitts · Post by **hotmitts** » Sat Apr 11, 2026 10:17 pm

Uncle E wrote: Sat Apr 11, 2026 9:17 pm Nektar doesn't make fully weighted keyboards. I think nothing mentioned so far has been weighted. Nektar makes several semi-weighted models and Novation's semi-weighted version of the FL Key MK3 is currently on sale. For a fully weighted keyboard in your price range, ther'es M-Audio.

Thanks Uncle E

So then I looked at this <audio Keystation 61...semi-weighted keys it says (that may be the best I'll do on a budget rather than fully weighted?)
Also has mains power (the USB power thing on my old MIDI keyboard just crashed my PC so I'm wary of that )
https://www.m-audio.com/keyboard-contro ... 1-mk3.html
Are M Audio ok quality wise? I'm reading mixed reviews

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Sat Apr 11, 2026 10:22 pm

That should be fine.

mixyguy2 · Post by **mixyguy2** » Sun Apr 12, 2026 12:47 am

Nektar has some semi-weighted models. I would suggest them or Arturia as best bang for the buck. Avoid Alesis.

hotmitts · Post by **hotmitts** » Mon Apr 13, 2026 7:24 pm

mixyguy2 wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 12:47 am Nektar has some semi-weighted models. I would suggest them or Arturia as best bang for the buck. Avoid Alesis.

The Nektar Impact GXP49 has semi-weighted keys
https://www.andertons.co.uk/nektar-impa ... tegration/

the M Audio pro series get a lot of good reviews about the feel of the keybed (though they're pricier)

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Mon Apr 13, 2026 7:36 pm

Nektar is great.

mixyguy2 · Post by **mixyguy2** » Mon Apr 13, 2026 9:18 pm

hotmitts wrote: Mon Apr 13, 2026 7:24 pm
mixyguy2 wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 12:47 am Nektar has some semi-weighted models. I would suggest them or Arturia as best bang for the buck. Avoid Alesis.
The Nektar Impact GXP49 has semi-weighted keys
https://www.andertons.co.uk/nektar-impa ... tegration/

the M Audio pro series get a lot of good reviews about the feel of the keybed (though they're pricier)

Cool...I crossed them off my list when I found the transport controls lacking, which is a pretty big deal to me.

I heard the Nektar GX series had some quality issues, though I can't say personally.

Fornicras · Post by **Fornicras** » Tue Apr 14, 2026 12:22 pm

Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is just great, but it's around $170.

Starbright · Post by **Starbright** » Fri Apr 17, 2026 8:22 pm

Ok, all current options are some I'd refer myself. I mean the current launchkey is actually amazing. Also a good choice is the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49. I've had it for 3 years and it works flawlessly. But if you're looking for something cheaper an NI A49 would be good or the Swissonic. If you look secenod hand there might be a chance you might get them for 80-150 bucks...

Francesco Giammusso · Fri Apr 17, 2026 11:32 pm

I'm also unsure about the weighted keys on Nektar. Does anyone know if the LX series has semi-weighted keys or just synth action? Thanks

mixyguy2 · Post by **mixyguy2** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 2:19 am

Francesco Giammusso wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2026 11:32 pm Does anyone know if the LX series has semi-weighted keys or just synth action? Thanks

Both. Depends which one you get.

LordDivine · Post by **LordDivine** » Thu May 21, 2026 7:56 am

I use a used M-Audio Axiom Pro and honestly I can recommend it.

It feels quite solid and reliable, and I also like the design a lot, although that part is subjective of course

Mikej26 · Post by **Mikej26** » Sun Jun 07, 2026 5:19 am

Had great luck with Novation launch key. Amazing pads

Good budget MIDI keyboard