M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

PREAMBLE: The famous words: "great product for the *price*"

THE DEEP STORY: I got this keyboard, so that I could punch in some notes into a sequencer and test synth sounds, mostly as a side project. So for me, this replaces an on-screen keyboard in a computer. Yes, it feels cheap, the touch is pure plastic and so on, but this what I expect for the price. Anyhow, it has full-size keys, velocity sensitivity, a few control wheels and some useful buttons. The USB connection is fully plug-and-play (running Mac OS X and Linux here) and I have not encountered any technical problems. The few buttons (octave selection etc.) and knobs are self-explanatory to me and work for me as expected.

The keyboard comes with a pile of audio software (mostly "lite" versions of X, Y and Z). I have not really needed those yet, but it nice to have them in the back-pocket.

VERDICT: This is nowhere near a real, weighted keyboard, but for modest needs it gets the work done. The light weight is also a bonus for me: A little less effort to move it around the house, as needed.

Wanted a midi keys to help blow off some time messing around with music production. I did not even check but was surprised they are semi-weighted spring based keys.

I used the DAW with the bundle this came. 3 of the things mentioned weren't available but not a bummer. There are tonnes of free VST to help supply me with sounds. I used this on Waveform 13 as well and they're all plug-and-play experiences.