Midi controller keyboard

[JD01]

My keyboard is USB. Not USB powered but MIDI via USB, doesn't even have a the usual MIDI connector.

[Tadpui]

I think that most of the usual suspects are pretty neck-and-neck these days. I'm pretty easy to impress when it comes to keys, since I have no ingrained feel for how they should perform.

I've been using a Nektar Impact LX25+ for several years now, and I like it. The keys feel like a $100 device, I guess. Undeniably plastic, but responsive. And it hasn't fallen apart. The drum pad keys aren't all that great...they're stiff and not that responsive, but at least they can be set to different velocity curves. I just use the regular keys to tap in drums.

I'm not sure if all the brands are doing this now, but Nektar offer drivers for most major DAWs (Reaper included!) that allows it to function as a rudimentary control surface, with transport and fader controls. I actually use those controls more than I use the keys, since the record button on my Faderport went kaput.

I wouldn't sweat the USB bus power or MIDI over USB thing. Mine has been remarkably stable in both regards, even being plugged in and powered on for the vast majority of its lifetime so far.

[paulman]

I think that most of the usual suspects are pretty neck-and-neck these days. I'm pretty easy to impress when it comes to keys, since I have no ingrained feel for how they should perform.

I've been using a Nektar Impact LX25+ for several years now, and I like it. The keys feel like a $100 device, I guess. Undeniably plastic, but responsive. And it hasn't fallen apart. The drum pad keys aren't all that great...they're stiff and not that responsive, but at least they can be set to different velocity curves. I just use the regular keys to tap in drums.

I'm not sure if all the brands are doing this now, but Nektar offer drivers for most major DAWs (Reaper included!) that allows it to function as a rudimentary control surface, with transport and fader controls. I actually use those controls more than I use the keys, since the record button on my Faderport went kaput.

I wouldn't sweat the USB bus power or MIDI over USB thing. Mine has been remarkably stable in both regards, even being plugged in and powered on for the vast majority of its lifetime so far.

Thanks Tad - I'm looking at the Nektar Impact range now - conveniently there's one in stock in the GXP range at the local music store, apparently, so may head down during the week and pick it up. It does mention Reaper support on the blurb page. Could be handy.

I second this. My keyboard is a Nektar, and I will at some point get a better keyboard that feels more realistic and has better velocity detection. It actually fooled me into thinking my dynamics just suck when I play until I figured out what was going on. But if you're not a piano player doing piano things, then Nektar is just fine. You mentioned using it to play a synth, so it sounds like you should be good to go.