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AKAI MPK88 vs Arturia KeyLab88 Black Edition vs Korg D1 ?

vms

Active Member
Hi all
I am looking for a new MIDI controller, build quality/durability, key action, keybed, these are my primary concern.
I have 3 options in the local store:
AKAI MPK88, Arturia KeyLab88 Black Edition, Korg D1(dont worry about faders/knobs, I have a nanocontrol2)

Any thoughts on them? Which would you choose?
I can't find much info about KeyLab88 Black Edition, is it the same as the white one except color?

thanks in advance.
 
I am not a huge fan of the MPK88. I have it (well it broke recently.)

Pros
  • built like a tank
  • a lot of controls
Cons
  • support is pretty much EOL
  • key action feels really weird. Clunky, but kinda light. Hard to describe but it feels super artificial.
  • Heavy af (not a huge deal, see point #1 on Pros)
  • Connectivity would be pretty unreliable at some points in my experience towards the last few months before it broke on me.
  • loud key noise (clunky/thuddy) (not a huge deal)

From what i've read the Arturia Keylab 88 is a bit better than the MPK88, but i have no tried it.

For the price point though, you could check out other options like the Studiologic SL88 Studio and NI S88 MK2.

Re: black edition, i think you're right. Pretty much the same

Especially if you're not concerned about controls, I think you could consider a lot of better options when considering build quality and key action/keybed. At least maybe take a look at the Studiologic.

What's your budget? You can take a look at my thread 'Help me choose an 88 key controller' for some more discussion.
 
My budget is about 1200usd.

Anyway, I tried all of them,
MPK88's keys are quite stiff, KeyLab 88 has a noisy keybed, D1's action is the best out of 3.
But...D1 can't save any setting, can't transpose in octaves, only +- 5 semitones or so.
Eventually I went home without buying anything.
 
I just sold my MPK88 and agree with everything that has been said. The keybed is awful. I found a used Kawai MP11 on eBay for $1700 and it is the very best action I have ever played on a keyboard. If you are a pianist, I can’t recommend it enough if you can find one.
 
I just sold my MPK88 and agree with everything that has been said. The keybed is awful. I found a used Kawai MP11 on eBay for $1700 and it is the very best action I have ever played on a keyboard. I can’t recommend it enough if you can find one.
How much did you get for it, if I may. Couple hundred? On Craigslist?
 
I should say that it’s a good controller for non-pianists. If you’re a pianist that is used to the real thing you won’t be happy though.
 
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