61 Keys, FAST synth action...under $500?

[Nevandal]

So, I've been playing with my M-Audio Keystation49 keyboard...and I feel it's time to upgrade.

I'm looking for a 61 key keyboard, with VERY FAST synth action. I'm looking for something that is the total opposite of real piano feel. The Keystation I have now, is "semi-weighted" and I feel it is too heavy for my needs. I'm not a piano player. So I was looking for something that has very insanely fast, easy to press keys!

Also looking for something with a good amount of knobs and sliders and buttons, etc. I'll primarily be using this to control hardware rackmount synths, and softsynths, in the studio only!


The two keyboards I was looking at are the M-Audio Axiom 61 and the E-MMu XBoard 61.


Axiom:
-Is Semi-Weighted so that kind of rules it out
-Has "endless rotary knobs", I prefer the pots that have a beginning and an end Wink

XBoard:
-Supposedly very good synth action


The bad thing here is that I keep reading how the XBoard is made from very cheap quality parts, so that kind of rules that out as well.

Both of these keyboards are in the $250ish range....so I'm willing to spend up to $500ish for a MIDI controller with the features that I need, that won't fall apart on me!

Features I'm looking for:

-61 keys. FAST synth-action.
-Aftertouch
-As many pots/sliders as possible
-Quality, wont fall apart, feels great to play
-Transport keys (Play, Stop, Record, etc) would be nice!
-Around $500 or less.

So..basically looking for something like an Axiom 61, except with fast synth action instead of semi-weighted action!

Anyone have any recommendations?

[Dominus]

The more expensive it is, the heavier the keys. I've had no problem with my Xboard 61, and it even came with the Proteus software and sample CDs.

[Nevandal]

The more expensive it is, the heavier the keys.

...are you sure about that?


I mean, that just sounds wrong, because some people prefer heavy keys, and some people prefer fast synth action keys.

[Patch2006]

casio makes a good keyboard. although they have sort of quit the business of synths. they make the newer ctk model i have a ctk 691. it has midi cappabilities. and its 61 keys and tons of tone sounds. 500 to be exact.
200 dollers i paid for mine.