Battle of the Keybeds! Which Synthesizer has the Best Keybed?

Going through the collection of synthesizers in my studio, I decided to evaluate all of the different keybeds that each of them have, talk about their feel, speed and other benefits - and then compare them all in a Keybed challenge, to decide which one has the BEST KEYBED in my studio! Which one will it be?
My keyboard Z stand: amzn.to/3Ix5xuF
Z stand extra tier: amzn.to/3XtVpa6
My keyboard A frames: amzn.to/3YwAPav
0:00 Intro
2:05 Roland Juno-106
3:02 Korg opsix
4:07 Roland SH-101
5:01 Yamaha MODX
6:00 Roland GAIA
7:23 Roland System-8
9:02 ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
11:04 Novation Summit
13:11 Korg Wavestate
13:21 Casio WK-240
14:31 Roland Fantom-06
15:53 Korg Polysix
16:38 Yamaha Montage 7
19:05 Roland Fantom 6
20:11 Roland JD-800
21:11 Modal Cobalt8
22:11 Elimination Rounds
#Keybed #Challenge #Synthesizer

[@macdaddybender]

Hi Scott. As a proud Hydrasynth owner I'm very pleased with this result 😀, as you say it really is a wonderfully expressive keyboard

[@unclejerrysworld]

I never paid much attention to keybed details until one night after a few beers I was sitting in my "studio" with all power off and decided to just play all the keybeds and Wow what a difference between synths!! (System 8, JDXA, OB6, Matrix-6, DX7, Prophet 5, MOXF6, Arturia Controllers) and........... then when I played my new OBX8..... my fingers were...... in heaven........... It was HANDS DOWN "THE" Master of the Keyboard Kingdom !!! :) Thanks again for a great review!! I always learn so much from you!!

[@xxxxneoxxxx]

I started exploring synths recently. This video was such an eye opener. Thank you so much!!!

[@OswaldoVonSchnoobenstein]

As a Montage and Hydrasynth owner along with a Deepmind 12, I would agree 100% on this one. Hydrasynth is just so damn expressive. I use all three of them on all my albums, but the Hydra is my go-to for injecting emotion when I need it.

[@muppetpaster]

Deepmind bed feels "great" too, given it's price....

[@JamesBermingham]

Great Keybed shootout with amazing synths competing. 🤩

[@wavefuse]

New to your channel Scott. This was a great video. Now I know it is not only me who considers the feel of the key bed so important. I love my Montage 8 key bed so much, that I am constantly comparing every time I am in a music store going quickly around every keyboard and giving a quick (no sound on ) rattle of each and can tell pretty quickly that I don’t like most of them. I wish more effort would be put into the key beds of all these machines. Surely it can’t be that hard to do. I am so glad I spent twice as much for the Montage 8 and cancelled my Modx 8 order. The Montage 8 key bed alone was worth the extra $2500 to me. Thanks! Love your channel and will be following you closely from now on ! 🙂

[@valleyken]

Eminently awesome comparison video.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

hahahaha eminently watchable

[@BrentODell]

Great video. It was eminently enjoyable.

[@torbenanschau6641]

Very interesting topic and comprehensible result.

[@musicrockzx]

My favorite keypad for playing piano is Korg m3. Now thinking to get ASM hydrasynth deluxe

[@KeyboardWeirdo]

I have owned M3 and it'd dtill my favourite keybed especially for fast solo stuff. I have Hydrasynth and I'ts nowhere near M3 action. It's expressive and ok action but I'm still suprised it won the contest. Maybe brcause of the poly aftertouch..

[@EduardoRohdeEras]

MODX player here, I absolutely love my keyboard, but no contest the Montage is my dream. Best synth keybed ever for me! Great review!

[@ageshero]

Okay i know not alot of people probably are going this deep, but this is one of the most important topics for me, lol. I was really happy to hear that the Hydra was similar to the summit, it gives me a much clearer picture for what i should try to save up for.

[@papankunci]

Glad i watched this... thank you! 😃

[@UK1Y2K]

Fantastic video, very well received and "eminently" helpful. I were umming and ahing over the Hydrasynth because of the keybed and this has alleviated any such concerns.

[@StepDub]

Thanks. I don’t own or play a keyboard, but now, if I were so motivated, I’d know which to choose.

[@evjow]

always wanted a semi objective comparison of keybeds. thanks

[@nielsdt]

Hi Scott, very nice showdown of many of the greatest keypads of the moment; Good to see that the Novation Summit keybed is really appreciated by you. I love it too. But I am looking to add a 'master keyboard' to my setup, and I have been looking at the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe, so 6 octaves. Haven't played it yet, but is it really that good? Do you really find Polyphonic aftertouch that important? And I saw a video in which it was called "clunky and noisy'. is that the case?The Summit is rather quiet; Thx for any info!

[@stefanoprofeta7074]

Ciao Scott, i'm Hydrasynth owner and happy for this. The best key response i found is on the Yamaha DX7 MK I. Thanks for this video

[@dalelaushman8749]

Nice video! I like my Hydrasynth keybed too. My favorite is on the Kurzweil K2VX; its fast, buttery, perfectly synth action weighted and has a little "click" or "thunk". Its very similar to the Hydrasynth only slightly easier to depress. Its eminently playable!

[@matroswe]

Great video! I did some surgery on my Fantom 6 and replace the original keybed cushion (the down stroke one) with one from Fantom X6 and now the Fantom is my favorite! It was too clunky and noisy before. Montage is now #2 for me.

[@ianrutherford]

Fun and interesting review, interesting outcome with the Hydrasynth (I have the desktop, so can't assess it) but I reckon including poly aftertouch feels a little wrong.If you did this after a blind test which would win?

[@armucoartworks1732]

Very nice test, but something matter for home studio more than stage use: the keybed noise. Have older gear like K1 Sirius quasimidi and Elka Mk55: Even with newer gear there is lot of noise difference between gears. Another question is velocity sensivity control. With synth we are playing piano , electric piano , organ but how big is the difference between true instrument and modern keyboards. What is better having different keyboards or stage piano allrounder like Nord, Yamaha, perfomance keyboard Keton or different Highend Midi Keyboards for piano organ and synths for each style?

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Hi Scott : Thanks for explaining the location of the hinges which explains why cheaper keyboards are more difficult to play at the top of the key. Now I know why the new Korg Liano plays so easily top to bottom (HT PianoMan Chuck).

[@mass-1128]

The 2 synths with the best keybeds ever are the Yamaha DX7 and the Virus T12.

[@e-conrecords4665]

The Access Virus Ti/2 fatar Keybeds are beautiful!

[@dalecsaunders]

for a 61 note keybed, my favourite is a Korg Triton, fast and quiet 88 keybed: Korg SGproX has a Clavinova board that was supplied from Yamaha medium weight, velocity sensitive with aftertouch, very quick repeat note ability easier on the forearms and wrists than an acoustic piano Yamaha M08 is pretty good (better than the Kurzweil K2600 - too light) also like the Roland FA-08 Sledge Black 2 by Studiologic feels too springy (like a Hohner Pianet) surprise: I had an old Casio Privia PX, opened it up to vacuum innards amazed at the construction sturdiness of the key assembly I used a Juno 106 MIDI 'd as lower manual with Roland VK7 (Hammond Clone) worked really well

[@xandertreffers]

Cool! You could make a long lasting series of this, while diving deeper. For instance: (warning! long blah blah coming up!, lol) -play each others sounds through MIDI --->play the Montage M sounds on the keybed of the Fantom and the other way around. Also do this for different type of sounds: a series for "best Non-Montage M-keybed to play the Montage M Piano on", etc. My favourite all round synth, Yamaha S90ES (with PLG150-DX & 2x PLG150-AN) in combination with the Fantom7 is amazing: playing the S90ES strings on the Fantom opens up a whole new world for me (goes for some other sounds as well). I didn't have this when using a Montage, MODX, SY99, CS6x & EX5. But, oh, I forgot: that CS6x keybed shines in playing true synthy sounds like synth brasses, synth leads and is amazing when using after touch on those.

[@dennisristow2102]

Interesting topic. As you say it really is a question of what are you playing/performing. I wouldn't play piano parts on my Hydrasynth Deluxe either but for expressive synths, it's really tough to beat. All my sythns and controllers have slightly different actions, and inspire different playing/performing. My old Prophet 5 PR keybed is really good for super fast riffing because it springs back lightning quick but still not too stiff. The Reface series from Yamaha don't have AT, but very usable velocity for mini keys. My old Fatar 88 piano action controller is very close to my upright acoustic piano in feel, but the keys don't come back up fast enough to play flutter picking (as I call it) on the same key so if I'm playing/recording a piano part that requires that, I have to play it on one of my synths. Just like certain sound patches inspire, so too does the key feel. I'll write something on one keyboard and try the part on piano or even a different synth because I imagine it in my head. Sometimes the sound isn't what I hoped for, and sometimes just playing the same sounding patch on a different keyboard can throw me off. Muscle memory is a funny thing ;)

[@wernerhaider2338]

Glad I own a Hydrasynth. Combined with an MPC, its just plain fun. As a tuba player, I just have to learn some piano chops... thanks for the video!

[@basspartout]

Nonlinearlabs C-15 has probably the best keybed I've ever played, but for it's price, the (Fatar)- Keybed of the Modal Argon (same as Cobalt) is very very good.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Agreed, the price/quality point on those synths is hard to beat.

[@ArriGaffer]

Maybe the weirdest comment; As a non player I found the whole video informative, entertaining, and very usefully presented. I've always been curious how players think about keybed feel. Now I know more. Thanks for going to the trouble of talking about the topic! My interest might be due to thinking I'd like to learn to play. Like next year when I might retire and have time. Cheers. (Now where is that WK240 I think my wife has banging around a closet somewhere?) :)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

haha don't learn on the WK240! There are so many better options...

[@ArriGaffer]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Yeah, I thought that might cause a chuckle. :) I was thinking maybe a used Hydrasynth original if I could find one.

[@dommorrisey6285]

The New Montage is awesome..

[@image66media]

I absolutely agree with your conclusion. I have a Hydrasynth, along with fleet of other controllers and synths, and the Hydrasynth's poly aftertouch is extremely good and has the best modulation of all of them. It does not feel as right when it comes to true "piano" type of playing--even for a semi-weighted, as the poly aftertouch can rear up and give you a little grief. But there is no question that the keybed is the rockstar aspect of this keyboard.

[@JosephAkins]

Great video! I have a Novation Summit and would like to comment on it. The black keys, In particular feel a little wide to me. I'm not sure if they are but it seems that way. And I believe it makes the white keys feel shorter than normal, but I'm not sure they are. It's the overall left to right spacing that feels slightly wide and weird. Other than that, I like it and don't mind playing simple things on it. I also have an older Novation SL controller and like the action better. It's just very playable, with the right amount of resistance and spring back. Probably my favorite action on any lightweight controller. -- But probably my favorite keybed on all my synths is the Sequential Rev2. It is very playable and fast. I believe all the Sequential keybeds are made by Fatar. My Prophet-6 feels good too but the Rev 7 is slightly better for some reason. Oh, I just acquired a Yamaha P515. The action is amazing for piano! My favorite, hands down, for a stage piano (although I didn't like it at first - weird).

[@matszh]

My favourite synth action is the DSI/Sequential Rev2, and for piano my Kawai ES8. With that said, I’m really tempted by the Hydrasynth and the new Nord Stage 4, which of course is out of my limits.

[@DocFirewire]

I only know the old 90's Kawai but I liked them alot, good and sturdy Stuff, also nice Piano Sounds. But I opted for a Kurzweil K-2500 just because it was more popular and versatile. And I regret selling it... but thats another Story.

[@RayyMusik]

Agreed on the Rev2. I have 4 Prophets, and while the P5 is excellent for playing in a pianistic way, the Rev2 keybed is smoother and provides the ideal synth action.

[@n8goulet]

DSI keybeds are usually good quality. They better be for the very high prices they demand. I wish DSI or Moog Music would offer MIDI controller keyboards. There is a complete lack of quality keybeds and quality builds in MIDI controllers, a market completely dominated by cheap products in a world where the market more than ever could use high quality MIDI controllers with so many turning to soft synths and using them for much more than a rock bottom priced alternative to hardware.

[@silverlight2004db]

@@n8goulet i agree the modern midi controller market is dominated by mediocre products both interms of keybed quality and capability but there are 2 units which to me are among the best ever made and they are the physis k4 and the roland rd2000.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

DSI/Sequential’s keybeds in the last 10 years are so good. It’s one of the things that you’re paying a little extra for. It’s a professional level instrument.

[@juanm45]

do you think you can do this same thing but seeing the sound quality and what these synths are capable of? I feel like the opsix had a good sound quality. it sounded amazing to me. I'm currently thinking about getting a hydrasynth or a modx+, or something similar but im not sure which one to get. please correct me if I'm wrong but i think the hydrasynth feels or sounds cold and lifeless. but i personally haven't had it so i cant fully judge it. i had the opsix and to me it sounded great. i listened to the modx+ on KZbin and i think it sounded amazing. i haven't gotten my hands on one of them though. if it's not too much to ask for 😅

[@ingolf7411]

A very interesting comparison. From your list there is only the Summit on my desk. I really like the keybed and it was my favourite for a pretty long time. Until ... an Access Virus KB came across. Although an older instrument (from 1999) but the keybed is great (as for me I don't use aftertouch), not far away from an acoustic piano.

[@buggzo]

I'm actually looking for synth action keybed comparisons for dedicated MIDI controllers from the 90s if you have any of those. There was one with after touch that I enjoyed a lot but I cant remember the model or brand.

[@SaifSameer]

I agree with the result you got, both the Hydrasynth & Montage keys are excellent, but I own SY99 & EX5, and Yamaha did a very great job back then with their hardware & components. I can't prefer any other keys other than those...

[@troublesomecorsair]

Difficult to judge a monophonic synth with a short key range versus a big poly with 5+ octaves because key resistance hits different between one-handed or two-handed playing. Great video! imo Moog Voyager is interesting. The more you put into it, the more it gives back. Korg Kronos 61 and Novation Summit are pretty similar. Smooth all the way through. Great keybeds. Hydrasynth Deluxe feels great on key down and key up but doesn't have a satisfying all-the-way-down position. Argon8 is positively liberating. It feel like I can do anything on it. IK Multimedia UNO Synth Pro is nearly identical to the Argon8. Can't remember if it was a hair more resistance or slightly less resistance. Korg ARP Odyssey FS is ghastly. The keybed is more of an obstacle than a way to play the synth. Roland A-Pro is good but suffers from shallow pivot point and bad aftertouch. DSI Mopho Keyboard is super good but clacky on the key return. Studiologic Numa Compact 2x is absolutely a synth action, no question. The slightly shorter keys do make a big difference but it feels great for synth. Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 is cheap and flimsy. I don't like that the sides of the keys are not smooth. IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro is almost there but could benefit from stronger resistance. Elektron Digitone Keys is surprisingly good. The shallow pivot point isn't bad at all. It's like a miracle. I probably would prefer the Cobalt from the synths in this video but overall Roland K-25m is the best I've ever played. Top winner, hands down.

[@DocFirewire]

The biggest plus for the K-25M is, that it makes the SE-02 look like a Mini-Minimoog... People always freak out when they see and hear it. Tiny Synth, big Sound! 😁

[@johndjameson]

Odyssey FS reissue is one of the worst keybeds I’ve ever used. I sold my Odyssey Mini to buy it and then sold my FS to buy another Mini. Keybed is surprisingly playable for its size

[@StabilAmboss]

Wow! I landed on the hydrasynth myself, well I haven't decided yet but it's between the lumi keys and the hydrasynth explorer. Leaning towards the hydra even though lumi offers release velocity. But who knows, maybe the lumi will take it! Awesome video!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Hydrasynth Explorer also has release velocity (as does the Hydrasynth Deluxe). The Hydrasynth engine is just a spectacular synth on top of it.

[@StabilAmboss]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Oh wow I didn't know that. Very cool! Wish the explorer had 4 octaves at least but I can't complain, it sounds like its a lot of bang for your buck, as they say.

[@DocFirewire]

Would you guys consider the Hydrasynth a worthy "all-in-one"? I'm thinking about buying one for traveling... At the moment I carry a Akai Force and an external Keyboard with me.

[@thomasbourne4203]

Love your awesome channel, Scott. How often do you play fully-weighted keybeds or acoustic pianos? If the answer is “far less often than synth and semi-weighted actions,” what is the fully-weighted playing experience like for you?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It's what I learned on many years ago (8 years of classical piano), and I do have an actual piano, but...I rarely play it. Even when I "play" piano in my studio, I'm doing it on unweighted keys, simply because that's what I'm used to for the past 30 odd years.

[@djtruflava]

Hey Scott. I love this comparison. I do not yet own a Hydrasynth although I did consider buying one because of a previous video you did when you were comparing the sound creating abilities of the different synths. I think I will pick one up. However , have you ever played a Nord? About a year ago I bought a Nord Electro 6D 73SW. I am a big fan of good organ sounds in Dance Music. Since then, I do not want to even play my other boards. My fingers felt right at home on that Nord.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Nords definitely feel great, they are a real player's synth. I just never jived with the user interface and method of sound creation on Nords.

[@paulmapp8306]

Id add here.... Depends what you want. The waterfall action on the electros are fantastic. If thats what you want great. HOWEVER the beds on all their pianos and stages, and also the lead series are not good at all really (certainly for the price) so many synths are better than the leads and so many pianos and workstations are better than the Nord stage/pianos (though the grand stage is decent - its the only one)

[@moogy77]

Great video. Now do others with different categories, such as best layout of controls. So on and so forth. Thanks.

[@revp01]

Love this. My type of comparative review. Thanks. IMHO, the best weighted keybed: Kawai MP11SE IMHO, the best synth action keys: Roland Fantom X6/X7 or Nord Lead A1 IMHO, the best waterfall keybed: Hammond XK3c From my experiences with different boards. Haven’t played the hydra synth and didn’t like the montage action on synth or weighted.

[@kierenmoore3236]

This is the most preeminently eminent keyboard review, ever to have emanated from anywhere.

[@Nebuchadnezzar18]

I never used a hydrasynth... Is the keybed similar to a fatar tp9s?

[@Eclipse0119]

Scott, there is 1 interesting keybed I recommend you to try, which is the FSV keybed on YAMAHA ELS-02C Electone Organ, it got the horizonal touch which I have never seen on other synth before (except the newest osmose expressive e...)

[@itsJoel59]

Great video, Im currently looking into buying a synth as master keyboard, i would buy the hydrasynth if I had the economy, but the Cobalt/Argon is more in my ball park. I currently play a Nord Lead 2 which has terrible keys IMO. Cheers from Sweden Scott 😊

[@jayl462]

Having owned and or played most of these keyboards.. I would agree on the winner.

[@liviou2004]

Another good idea ! Thanks Scott. About the Hydrasynth, I have another opinion. It is a very good synth and very good keyboard, you're right. But, as it is the only one which provide Polyphonic aftertouch, my opinion is that this specific caracteristic shouldn't have been taken into account. Perhaps, you could observe the mechanical and physical specs for all synths in order to get a really significative result. (I'm not sure it is a good example but it is as if we've said "this synth is the winner because it gets an FM engine" and in fact this very synth would be the only one with FM engine.) Finally, that said, I wonder what is the best keyboard on itself, on a physical point of view only ?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I did think about that, but honestly, the playing experience is SO transformed by the expressive nature of that keybed, I felt that it overwhelmingly had to be included. Even if you were to just switch it to channel aftertouch mode (which you can do on the Hydrasynth), the feel and expressiveness of its aftertouch just gives it another dimension that the other keybeds can't touch.

[@TheBebe666]

Didn`t expected that outcome. Never had Hydrasynth...but now...i must have it🙄🙄

[@tomwawer5714]

Thank you for this comparison! Now I see why my piano is so different from those keyboards! I have a Novation mini mk3 as well and this is more like synth bed, even it’s not very pro, it would lose in the first round :)

[@DocFirewire]

I'm traveling alot so all I have away from home is my MPK Mini Plus, the Akai Force and my Beyerdynamic DT-700 Pro... You get used to it but it will never replace a full sized Keybed when it comes to playability and expression.

[@tomwawer5714]

@@DocFirewire Sure! The mini is cute but very small. I have a Casio Celviano piano as my studio centerpiece. It’s not perfect for synths, but I like it a lot. I’m not a good player, enough to compose and then edit in MIDI editor

[@GTMM_music]

Based on the synths I have in the studio here's my worst to great list: Arturia PolyBrute and the DeepMind 12 are identically cheap. Then comes the Waldorf Quantum MK1 and the Access Virus Ti2 Polar, with really good Fatar keybeds, but somehow stiff return. Then comes my 61 keys Yamaha Montage which feels even better, featuring the same great keybed used on the Yamaha Motif - simply love the way the keys feels like. And on top of all is the Sequential Prophet Rev2 keybed, never thought I will find anything above the Montage but yes. Special mention goes to the Roli Seaboard Rise 2, which has a completely new approach to what a keybed can feel like and is actually a brand new very appealing instrument. Soon I will get a DSI Pro3 Special Edition and I will come with an update, but it looks like it has an amazing keybed too.

[@Dudderlyful]

I actually quite like the deepmind keybed, but if I got that on a polybrute I'd be baffled. The Argon 8 keybed is pure butter, my personal fave!

[@GTMM_music]

@@Dudderlyful I agree, I'm perfectly fine with the DM12 keybed since the whole synth costed 700 euro. But the PolyBrute plays in another league and that cheap plastic and small keybed is really a shame for this amazing synth. Let me also add to my initial review some thoughts about the Sequential Pro 3, which I just received yesterday: same amazing keybed like the Prophet Rev2 but with just a tiny little bit of a tighter response - probably because the synth is newer? Or maybe this is how is supposed to be since the Pro 3 is famous for it's stiff knobs. Top notch keybed anyway!

[@furiobisotti8150]

I fully agree with the results. I sold my Montage7 two weeks ago, but it had a wonderful keybed. I bought an YC73 because I need some piano keys effects live. Are you going to make a similar test on weighted keys? New Fatar one on Studiologic Numa Piano X GT is simply marvellous... Until that one Kawai were the best

[@emdotambient]

Funny that the Hydrasynth Deluxe wins out even though it's, what, half the price of the Montage? Hydrasynths are destined to be all-time hall-of-fame synths. Brilliant all around.

[@malcolmgregoire1019]

I noticed that you didn't include the Korg Kronos or the Nautilus in your challenge. Any plans to review those in the future?

[@desafinad0]

I have a Roland RP201 (hammer action) and a Roland A-4 (synth action). What I really want is something in between. I want light keys to be able to play fast but keys that are also long so I have leverage when I press down close to the fallboard. I've learned that the Yamaha DX7, Korg M1, and Roland D50 have keys that are both long and light but these are old models. I want something brand new. Does anybody know of a keyboard that would meet my needs? Would a Yamaha FSB keyboard work? What about the Native Instruments S61? Thanks. It would be most appreciated.

[@DocFirewire]

I consider Aftertouch already good when you don't have the feeling your fingers break before it activates. And if its polyphonic == win! But sadly, this combination is too rare.

[@mrdali67]

If the quality feel of having a top of the line keybed that don't rattle, wobble, sounds like made of really cheap plastic, you just can't beat Yamaha. The fact that they have provided keybeds for an army of differebt brands and models for over 4 decades speaks for itself. As for Weigted Piano keys goes there is many different opinions dependent on how people think the perfect Piano keys should be. The really weird thing is Yamaha has had a Synth action keybed for over a decade with horizontal aftertouch that is ONLY used in their top Electones only sold in Asia and Mexico today. Why the hell havn't they introduced this in a synth yet ? It's so darn impressive to be able to actually control your modulation totally free like a string instrument player does. .. WHY Yamaha ?? 🙄😕 Not sure if they are waiting on Midi 2.0. But technically this could quite simple just be assigned to a free cc to control whatever the recieving instrument is able to work with untill it's implemented into the midi 2.0/mpe standard. Don't know why the Midi 2.0 is taking so long to arrive. For what I know the functions is already finnished. Just need to decide on the elecrical standard and what type of connector to use.

[@delscoville]

I like that my Motif has the deeper hinges, but my MODX+ has a much quieter keyboard, almost can't hear it. But, I mostly play both synthesizers using my Keylab 88.

[@joshuaswannmusic6462]

Hi Im just wondering about doing some keybed felt modifications to a MODX, do you think this could be possible?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Sure, you could. Just keep in mind that the keyboard sensors depend on the velocity of the key at certain points of its travel, and if you put felt in there that is thicker than it is designed for, it will affect the velocity significantly - too thick, and you will get no sound at all when you play lightly.

[@peterldelong]

DX7II and M1 blow them all away (they both share a Yamaha keybed).

[@DocFirewire]

These are good, yep! They stood the test of time also.

[@robertfischer1895]

Interesting! I've heard great things about the Hydrasynth. I'm surprised that you liked the Montage and System 8 keybeds as much as you did, because I've heard so many complaints about the System 8's shorter keys and the Montage's overall width being about an inch less than standard. My favorite keybed is the Fatar on the Prophet X. I don't know if that's the same Fatar keybed as in the Cobalt (Fatar makes a number of keybeds), but after playing it I have a hard time going back to anything else (like the crappy one on my Wavestate).

[@sub-jec-tiv]

For me, it’s the Prophet X. Which is similar to other Sequential polysynths from the last 10 years. Perfect ‘synth action’ keyboard, for me. I have the original Hydrasynth too, and while i love the poly aftertouch, the actual feel i do prefer the Prophet. Not a fan of the Wavestate/Opsix keybed. I love my Wavestate but i always midi it up.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Agreed, the Wavestate/Opsix/Modwave keybeds are...not great. Rumor has it that there will be some big news in this department soon, however...stay tuned!

[@klstay]

It would be interesting to see how your top picks fared against an Iridium KB or mk2 Quantum. Supposedly the Super Gemini will have that keybed as well.

[@IanWaugh]

Hey Scott - That was interesting 😊 My System 8 keys make a sort of sucking/click sound when you release them. Never come across anything like it on any other synth. Sent a video to Roland and they said it was normal 😲 Does yours do that? Have you tried any Behringer keyboards? Only had minimal try on Poly D/MonoPoly. Not the best feel but would welcome your thoughts if you've tried any. This in anticipation of the slew of keyboards B is going to release this year 😄

[@matroswe]

I actually sold mine due to the keybed. Sad but true...

[@IanWaugh]

​ @Mathias Rosén Ohhhh..... I am not alone then 😢 Not looking good for the new releases. This is one area 'reviewers' don't comment on...😠

[@matroswe]

@@IanWaugh loved the sound the System-8 was capable of producing, but the toy-like keybed killed part of the joy. I do hope Roland releases a high-end ACB-capable synth.

[@IanWaugh]

@@matroswe Yes, it's a terrible keybed. The keys click on release. Was in touch with Roland about it and they said it was normal. Dire! But none of the reviews mention it. Doubt they'll do much more with ACB - it's all zencore now.

[@denisbassom172]

I need a Hydrasynth!

[@djedroid]

9:36 it takes so little pressure * stand cracks * 😁 Does anybody knows if any synth from the list had Fatar TP-9 (found on Kurzweil PC361 / PC3K6 and Waldorf Blofeld e.g.)?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

haha yeah, next time I'll tighten that - I was surprised that I had forgotten and didn't notice it until then.

[@jjdekay6969]

imho , in my studio the JDXI is the worst and the hydrasynth the best. My fingers don't really get to play many flagship synths so to hear your opinion is something to consider. great video!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I 100% agree. I sold my JD-Xi because the keyboard was so awful. Worse than a toy, and extremely fragile. I should have mentioned that one in the video!

[@Fluxwithit]

Still watching, but just a heads up, hydrasynth deluxe is a semi-weighted keybed (there are weights in the keys)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup, you're right there are steel weights - you can feel them if you push your finger up there. I should use a magnet to test them all for weights. :) Although that wouldn't work on the old Yamaha FS keybeds wouldn't work with their lead weights.

[@mauricioolivera5423]

¿Have you ever tried the Deepmind 12 or the Poly D?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I've played both, yes, and they have good (but not great) keybeds, in my opinon.

[@danny.ray101]

It would have been "eminently" interesting to have a Nord keybed as a contestant. The semi-weighted ones were pretty decent in my memory unlike the hammer-weighted ones.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

haha, yes. Unfortunately I was working with the synths I have here!

[@RayyMusik]

Additional criteria: the key width. The white keys on the MODX7, e.g., are narrower (22 mm) than standard piano or Fatar keys (23 mm). This doesn‘t look like a big difference, but your muscle memory is constantly being fooled, particularly when playing blind. Also there is no felt under the keys which causes unnecessary strain to a heavy hitter‘s hands. Another excellent synth with a bad keybed is the PolyBrute: its black keys are ridiculously narrow which makes you slip off all the time. Or the Akai MPC Keys 61: the shortest keys ever; it feels like pressing buttons. I have 9 different *Fatar* keyboards; they are simply the best.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The MODX keys are indeed narrower, in fact I found quite a variance in key widths amongst all the different synths. But there is definitely felt under the MODX keybed, I have had it apart and saw it. It would be unacceptably loud and harsh otherwise. I agree about the Polybrute, another synth like that which has an inexcusably crap keybed with extremely narrow black keys is the Moog One.

[@RayyMusik]

@@ScottsSynthStuff I haven‘t had it apart, but if I hit my MODX keys hard it sounds like plastic hits plastic - or the felt is just .5 mm thick. Maybe Yamaha changed that later? Shocked to read about the crappiness of the Moog One keybed; I always thought it is a Fatar.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

It's a nice collection of mostly modern keyboards. Rather than invest that kind of money, I would recommend to many to go the software route combined with a few hardware keyboards that you would really need unless you either are afraid of computers or hate them as some do. I actually prefer editing sounds and working with computers, but there is something more fun about using a bunch of hardware keyboards like being in a toy store. I found the challenge strange because a lot of the keyboards compared were not in the same class, price range or for the same type of use. Although it seemed pretty clear if your buying professional or semi-pro grade keyboards, none of the keybeds are really junk. Only the cheap home grade Casio. I've compared the keyboard on the Yamaha MODX6 to the Roland Fantom 06. I prefer the MODX6 keybed. I've seen comments from people that own both who have said the same thing. It really comes down to personal preference. I could live with either. I never noticed my MODX keybed making any noise. I just tried it with the sound off (not something I do) and I could hear a little noise. No rubbing or anything though. When playing with the sound turned on (speakers or headphones), I can't hear it at all. I found it interesting that you found the aftertouch on the Montage 6 more difficult to use than other keyboards. Aftertouch is the only significant feature I found missing on the MODX that I'd like to have a Montage offers. But due to the kind of sounds in today's sound collections from Yamaha, Korg or Roland in their latest synths, sounds rarely make good use of it anyway unlike some older keyboards. So I can live without it on any of these, but not on my old Korg's or Roland's. The extra knobs & sliders of the Montage can be added externally to the MODX via USB controller. My favorite keybed of all time is my Korg M1. I just love the feel and response, and how aftertouch pressure works. My Roland competitor also with premium keybed I don't like nearly as much. Korg's also offered one of the worst keybeds I've ever encountered in a keyboard about the same price as the MODX with their Triton LE. You did make a good point that some of the really old classic synths do not have that great of keybeds in them. I found this to be the case too, and all the more reason to not fill my home with antique synths and collect software replicas instead. My 1970's ARP was one such example. I'm sure it was built that way. Still didn't stop Tony Banks from doing amazing stuff with it. A good player can play on almost any keybed. Another point to made. I'd also recommend to people that gig like me, or those on a limited budget, to buy a keyboard that is light weight & affordable such as the MODX or Fantom 0, and simply MIDI mirror the keyboard to another in your collection in the studio that has a premium keybed. You don't a whole bunch of keyboards with premium keybeds, you just need one to be able to access it through. You'll really appreciate the portability when you gig or have to transport gear to band practice.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The comparison might be a bit strange because I was basically working with what I had! :) I did sell all my synths and move to software synths many years ago, and really fell out of love with making music as a result. Perhaps it's because I work on computers all day, I didn't want to do it to make music? But it was only when I started actually buying hardware synths again that I really started getting inspired to get back into music production. I really love learning the intricacies of each synth, what it can do, moving its controls in a tactile way. Clicking around with a mouse while bashing a controller just doesn't seem to do the same thing. I'm sure at least part of that is limitations: when you have limitations, you induce creativity to get around them. When you have software that has no limitations and can do anything and everything in any way possible...where's the challenge? A physical synth has limitations based on design budgets and hardware limitations. Then there are synths like the Hydrasynth, where the physical interface is SO MUCH a part of what the synth actually is. As for MODX vs Fantom-0: I had them side by side for quite a few months, and I was pretty shocked at how much better the Fantom-0 keybed was. Not that the MODX keybed was terrible by any stretch, but interesting that your experience was the reverse.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@ScottsSynthStuff For more than 20 years, as an IT Manager I also worked on computers all day. I never got bored working on computers in one way or another. Been doing it since the early 80s wither at home or at work. My strongest interest in computers has always been their audio/visual abilities. Between video games, music & working in television, I've been able to use computers in areas that really interested me. I do find more excitement being surrounded by a bunch of keyboards however. Just very impractical, and unnecessary expense. Editing sounds on a large computer screen with full keyboards & mouse (pointing stick is my preference on my laptops) I find much easier than menu diving on many keyboards to do it. And I don't need the challenge of trying to figure it all out either. Using soft synths is not about using a mouse or keyboard. It is very easy to assign most soft synths to use whatever faders, knobs or buttons on physical keyboards that you want. If anything, I love that I can keep things uniform and assign commonly used real-time controls to the same controls on my MIDI keyboards between various soft synths. Filter adjustments, portamento glide, attack, etc. I don't have to stop and think about where it is with a bunch of different keyboards. Some people don't even touch their computer at gigs using soft synths. I just can't imagine spending tons of cash on a bunch of expensive keyboards in this day of age, when you can have those exact sounds far cheaper, or needing to drag a bunch of heavy keyboards to gigs or band practice. I simply take light weight keyboards to gigs, and have extra MIDI keyboards & stands to tap into at my different bands. All I take to practice is the MODX6 in it's back pack, a laptop in one hand, and a bag of accessories in another. Setup time or tear down time at practice is only about 5 minutes and one trip from the car. And a 15 lbs keyboard on my back is the heaviest thing I have to transport. I don't miss the days of transporting a bunch of 30+ lb keyboards to gigs or practice. Taking hours to setup sometimes. In the old days, if you wanted those sounds, there was no light weight or more affordable alternatives. Going light weight or cheaper meant significantly sacrificing your sounds. Not any more. I've noticed several people comment they liked the MODX keybed better than the Fantom 0. Not just me. Always best to try before you buy though if that is a concern. Not a big difference though. I'm sure I'd be fine with a Fantom 06 keybed, I just prefer the MODX6 keybed. Not by a wide margin. Korg has made some of the best & worst keybeds. Roland not only offers most of the engines & sounds of the Fantom in software, but your not "severely" limited in multi-sample memory either as you are on the Fantom 0. The regular Fantom offers 8 times as much ram as the Fantom 0, and that should be a major concern to many people except those who have other modern sampling keyboards and are using the Fantom 0 for the model expansions of classic analog synths or something. The MODX doesn't have those severe limitations.

[@DocFirewire]

A JD-800 is a JD-800, is a JD-800! Anything else is just faking, might the VST sound as good! 😂 I totally understand why people collect the real items and you cannot argue that. To each his own and I adore Scott for his nice collection. But hey, I could afford a JD-08 at least... It has knobs and sliders in opposite to my Macbook and its big fun tweaking a real piece of hardware.

[@n8goulet]

@@DocFirewire There are favorable comparisons on KZbin of Roland's JD-800 VST to original JD-800's. How's that JD-800 keybed working? Have you had to clean out the red glue issue lately? Hope your a service tech. Most of us are not. My Roland keyboard of similar age has red glue issues as many of them do. The software route not only offers a way to save a lot of money, but a way to avoid filling up your house, studio or stage with keyboards, and a way to avoid the maintenance too. But for me, most importantly a way to avoid hiring a road crew at gigs where that would not be too economical, yet, I want the massive variety in keyboard sounds. Years ago, I envisioned filling up my house with keyboards. I let go of that dream simply because, it's no longer necessary. It was necessary years ago. No longer.

[@johanneschristopherstahle3395]

For me it's definetly hardware. Of course software does come close or can in some instances be indistinguishable from hardware when it's about the sounds. But there's a difference being able to touch a unit, push some buttons, move faders instead of using a mouse. It depends on how deep you can edit a synth and how well it is played out, but often times I feel like being quicker editing on hardware than on software. And I don't have to switch around between keyboard and computer. Maybe a controller keyboard with a lot of knobs could solve this, but I'm not quite sure. When DJing with my laptop I often find myself missing the times when I used to use CDs. It is great that I can get to a gig just by bike and have everything I need in a backpack instead of carrying around four heavy CD cases. But DJing with actual CDs makes the job so much easier. My hands kinda always knew where to reach to instead of my mind having to think about what song to play next.

[@Asmuk]

The Yamaha MX49/61 keybed is so bad that I got relieved when I play in the Opsix's. But I usually play the Opsix through mid with an Arturia MKII's fatar or a Nord Stage. I'm looking for a way to replace my Opsix keybed.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I actually liked the MX61 keybed. It's better than the MODX keybed, and it is light years better than the awful excuse for a keybed they put on the Opsix, Wavestate and Modwave.

[@sonic2000gr]

I have a montage 6 - keybed is amazing! Also have an Opsix and just sold my Wavestate. Supposedly these two have exactly the same keybed, but to me it seems the Opsix is even worse. More noisy and even cheaper feeling than the wavestate. It could be down to a different batch I guess, but could you do a quick test on yours and see if you can feel any difference? I also have a novation launchkey 37 that has a much better keybed than these and I definitely have no problem playing with it all day. I wonder how the MODX keybed compares to the launchkey. I am currently considering a MODX+.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Wavestate, Modwave and opsix have identical keybeds. I also have a Launchkey 37, I believe it is probably a Medeli keybed.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

Montage the best for my needs but what does it mean channel aftertouch (no polyphonic) on Montage?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It means that when you activate aftertouch by pressing a key down, it activates it for ALL of the notes currently sounding. Polyphonic aftertouch, like what is found on the Hydrasynth, activates it only for the note that is being pressed down.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Thanks really clean 👍🏻🙂

[@smokey5100]

Have you tried the Montage M8X?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yes. It is a gorgeous keybed, but I have played nothing but synth action keys for decades now, so it's too heavy an action for me.

[@mchockney3664]

The Hydrasynth Deluxe probably has the noisiest key-action, I've ever heard on a synth. Everything is resonated by the metal case and playing the white keys on their upper third towards the case has me worried, that my neighbor could be at my door, telling me to keep it down. On top of that, couple of keys are real sticky, when coming up from an Aftertouch position. Poly Aftertouch definitely isn't everything!

[@johnniecristaldi]

As for non-weighted keybeds, my Jupiter 80 has the best feel and it has adjustable, aftertouch but not polyphonic aftertouch.

[@Polypumpkins]

All Hydrasynths including the Explorer have *semi-weighted keys* 😉

[@saibojichi]

Thanks for share, Fantom 06 has really nice keybed , I was tried in a intrument store campare to a bunch other popular midi controller in the market, fantom 0 keybed is better to them. I was consider buy a Hydrasyth for controller, but today we have Osmose in the market.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree, the Fantom-06 has a pretty good keybed.

[@kensinclair8599]

My favourite keybed is on my Dexibell S9

[@geoffk777]

Best keyboard for what? Organ? MPE control?. Classical piano? I's like asking hat's the best food (answer: pizza). Here are some of my persnal favorites: Piano, 88-key weighted. I think that the best is the Roland SHA-50 on the Fantom 8 and RD-2000. The Montage keybed is a close second. Both of these are fairly heavy. MPE, Poly aftertouch. I don't own one. But the Osmose looks very impressive and the HydraSynth is also a good value. The Iridium keyboard i also an option. Otgan/synh lead. - I don't like this style, and the difference between "semi-weighted" and unweighted is less than people make out. Roland, Yamaha, Korg and Fatar all make decent versions of what is essentially a pretty generic product. If "waterfall" style keys are important to you, than the Nord Electros are a good choice. As a side note, any polyphonic istrument should have 4 octaves or more--preferably 5 or more. Shorter keyboards are Ok for lead /bass mono instruments, but are generally a pain.

[@hozzer68]

As someone who’s owned a Waldorf Blofeld keyboard and a Hydrasynth if the Blofeld was poly aftertouch it would win hands down as the best, but quality and feel alone the Hydra is up there but Blofeld is the best in my opinion. I’ve also owned a wavestate with it’s shockingly cheap toy keybed, why they didn’t just make it a module I’ll never know,

[@AchillesWrath1]

What about a modx8? They have a different keybed.

[@performtransform]

Is it just me, or have others noticed there are two kinds of synth players (meaning a synth with a keyboard). There's the Roland/Korg/Yamaha crowd and there's the Moog/Oberheim/Sequential crowd.

[@MuzixMaker]

The old Pratt and Reed keybeds had the best feel, but not great for maintenance.

[@WalterGalindo]

Keybeds are a thing when you actually know how to really play, a manufacturer will determine price to public with the keybed since it’s something easily controlable, afterthouch is more money, weights are more money, and now especially individually sprung is more money, synths like the MODX and the lower korgs have switched to a many keys in a keytree systems that is very cheap since they don’t use springs or a deep set hinge point, they rely on thin plastic and can easely break, the return force is provided by the rubber strip, there’s no getting around on how terrible they are. My fav has always been the flat spring keybed developed for the DX7 and their evolutions that were used by korgs on the high end tritons (not Le or Tr) they were so very snappy and fast, I never minded that they were noisy, korgs P&W current high end one used on M3, Oasys and Kronos is much quieter but nowhere near as snappy and crisp as the old one, But the AT is the best, high end Fatars are good too.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

I currently own 14 professional keyboards and have owned others in the past, including several with premium keyboards made by all the major companies. The MODX keybed is really not all that bad. It gets a bad reputation because the keyboard is so incredible for all it offers for the money & portability that they sell like hot cakes. A lot of jealousy from some about it. Easily my favorite keyboard I've ever owned, and I own some that originally sold for $5000. I've found the keybeds in DX-7's to not all have the same feel to them. I'd agree some of them are fabulous, while others not so much. Even of the same versions I believe. I started out playing synths when the DX-7 was king. I had the table top TX-7 version of it.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

YES, the MODX keys molded in a block, using plastic "living hinges" and plastic springs are really the cause of the poor feel - same method used on the Wavestate and opsix. Roland still today uses the same flat springs on their keys (see my JD-800 restoration video for more on that) and they feel great as a result.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You know, back in the 80's when I had a DX-7, I thought its keybed was GREAT (compared to the Polysix that I also owned). But perspectives change, recently when I tried a DX-7 I thought, "hm, kind of clacky and harsh."

[@basspartout]

@@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 DX 7 keybeds are very nice indeed!

[@WalterGalindo]

@@ScottsSynthStuff the keybed on montage is probably the best all around traditional keybed, also an evolution of that DX7 flat sprung design, but theres no getting around the poly aftertouch of the ASM

[@user-rv8wb1nl1b]

Fatar on my Access Virus TI is nice.

[@DonLeino]

fatar tp/8s i believe

[@GertBoers]

I knew the Montage and Hydrasynth would score high and even the Cobalt with the Fatar keybed is no surprise to me. Whatever is a surprise to me, is the FA-06. I would have thought it be like the MODX, or something. I've heard many dissing the MODX keybed, and though I was interested in it's capabilities, I never did buy it. Maybe I should do some more research on the FA-0x... Thanks for this comparison.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

I tried the FA-06 and spent hours with it, and have gone through all the factory sounds. I was under impressed with it. If your looking for Roland sounds in an affordable light weight keyboard, I'd highly recommend buying the Fantom 06 over the FA-06. That said, if your on an extreme budget, you can get an FA-06 dirt cheap sometimes on the used market, often in the $500 price range. Even cheaper occasionally. Prices do vary a lot so if that is your budget, be patient and you'll find a deal. I found many of the famous Roland sounds in the FA to be watered down from other Roland keyboards. Compare the patch "Fantasia" for example.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Keep in mind that the FA-06 is not the same as the Fantom-06! The FA-06 is the previous generation of the "budget" Fantom, and is a completely different synth than last year's Fantom-06, which is what I am showing here. One of the main differences between most of the keys you see here and the MODX is that most of the other keys (including the Fantom-06) are individual, separate keys, each with a separate spring. The MODX has blocks of keys molded together, with "living hinge" plastic hinges that also act as springs. I suspect this is the main reason for the dislike for its feel.

[@GertBoers]

@@ScottsSynthStuff and ​@Classic Arcade & Amusement Park Videos: Oh, thanks for clearing that up!

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@ScottsSynthStuff All true, but in practice, the MODX keybed is not nearly as bad as some say or others seem to think. It works very well and helps keep the weight of the keyboard down and helps offer the keyboard at a hugely significant discount over the Montage offering really the exact engine/sounds. And Yamaha didn't have to sacrifice on more important components like stripping nearly all the ram out of it (right Roland?). My favorite thing about the MODX is the sounds themself. So many great sounds between what Yamaha provides and the tons & tons of 3rd party sound collections. The MODX is 100% compatible with the Montage, and can not only use all the sound collections from the Montage, but also the complete MOTIF line of keyboards spanning more than 20 years. The MOTIFs are still some of the most widely used keyboards on stages with famous bands and in the studio. You can load all those tons of sound collections up on your MODX. And also, you also get a DX-7, TX-816 & TX-802 to tap into. Thousands and thousands of sounds made in DX-7 format to import. The MODX is the ideal gigging keyboard as it's extremely portable, yet you can find almost any kind of sounds your looking for already made. I would however, give the edge to the Fantom 0 if you want to dive into synthesis and make your own sounds totally from scratch. Tons of Yamaha programming experts, but a little more difficult to do it yourself from scratch. The MODX however is very easy to operate with it's huge touch screen in terms of setting up sounds the way you may need them such as setting up splits, and common tweaks are done from front panel controls without menu diving, which I found easier than the Fantom or Kronos/Nautilus. And also, the MODX large touch screen is far less over crowded than Roland or Korg and much easier to find what you need.

[@fargoththemoonsugarmaniac]

Obviously the Montage wins against the Cobalt, but I would've loved a comparison between the Hydrasynth and the Argon / Cobalt keybed as they're much more comparable

[@freddieblue6351]

Great presentation!!! I own the Roland FA-06 and I think it is the same key bed as the system 8. A lot of people complain as the keys are slightly shorter as well as unweighted. I have mild Dyspraxia and this key bed works extremely well for me. I bought it dirt cheap as a store demo. I don’t need weight or aftertouch. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure…lol…

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

If we were going on non-weighted or semi-weighted keybeds, I would’ve thought the litmus test would be the DX7. I have no index, but I know several enthusiasts have sung the touch and response of the DX7 very favorably. After that, I wish you could’ve included an ARP Odyssey Mk III in this taste test. That keybed was also used in the Axxe Mk II, and I had a lousy time with the Axxe I owned. I’d love to know how the Sequential Take 5’s keybed would measure up against most of these.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree, I had a DX-7 back in the 80's and its keybed, while kind of loud and clunky, had an excellent feel. That said, this test was limited to the synths I have here in my studio! I should go to the Sweetwater showroom and try to do this on the 100+ synths they have on display there...

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I’ve been longing for an opportunity just to visit the Sweetwater headquarters since I started getting equipment from them in the mid 2000s, Scott. If I still lived in Indiana, I probably would’ve made it there by now. If I lived in Fort Wayne, I would probably have tried making that place my playground and gotten permanently kicked out of there for it. Would they possibly let you touch all of the keyboards and synthesizers in their inventory? They don’t have that buy or get out attitude that makes Sam Ash so undesirable, do they?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@Shred_The_Weapon they absolutely do, that's the reason the showroom is there! Check out my video from when I went to visit their showroom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIe5ZquEiNBrq7M

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Thank you, Scott. It sounds as though the staff at Sweetwater have the same mentality as the various Guitar Center outlets, that you can’t know upon entering the place what it is you want and that you’ve got to play it to choose it.

[@shadowseal22]

The Hydra's keybed, more than anything else, is probably the best endorsement for going full MPE. When I got mine, and I realized the power in having independent pitch control via polyAT it didn't take me long to get a Sensel, and then eventually a Linnstrument. People love to downplay poly expression as a "you'll never use it unless you're a prodigy" but the more 1:1 something is, the more that expressiveness seeps into patch creation, even (and really especially) in a monophonic context.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

1000%. I find myself trying to play polyphonically on synths without it, simply because it becomes so natural, so quickly on the Hydrasynth.

[@marcelofp75]

The best synth action keybed in my studio goes to my beloved Roland Fantom X6. Never played something like this.

[@JunkSoap]

Hydrasynth keybed is a pleasure to work with. The only "keyboard" that rivals its expressivity in my studio is my Roli Seaboard Rise, obviously. Iridium KB is very similar to Hydrasynth, which makes me wonder if they both had the same keybed... So yeah, because I know litterally all the synths you've mentioned here except summit, I agree with this ranking... Except for MODX. I don't feel much of a difference between MODX and Wavestate... They both have crappy keybeds... MODX keys ain't even the regular width, means if you wanted to change your keybed for a better one, well you just can't... No joke, in 40 years of playing, modx and wave/mod/op6 have the WORST keybed I've EVER played !!! Among the very good keybeds, Access Virus Ti KB has a remarkable keybed... Nice vid. I'd be interested to see such videos comparing audio quality of each synth output... ;)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yours is one of several recommendations for the Virus keybed!

[@drtolgaege]

Yamaha Fsx is the Best.As in korg kronos 61 key. They use metal strips instead of springs. They have abondoned using Pb for keybed weights after Motif es and named is as Fsx. Metal strips gives the piano feel. Midi keyboards such as Komplete s61 resembles yamaha.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree, all those keybeds that use the metal strips as springs (like Rolands have done for decades) are the best feeling.

[@muppetpaster]

Even my MS-20 ('78) keybed almost(!) feels better than the toylike feel of the OPsix keybed...Funny thing is that my Deepmind 12 and 6 beds feel awesome(bit noisy but that is OK to me since I make more noise)....specially given it's/their pricepoint...Nice and weighted and all around great feel....Oh and yeah, my Hammond beds feel silky smooth....My Kawai MP-11SE feels the best to me....

[@paulmapp8306]

See - this is where taste come in. I had a hydrasynth 49 and i HATED the keybed. Yes polyphonic aftertouch is nice, but the feel of the bed I found terrible. I replaced it with an Iridium keyboard (also Poly AT) and its so much nicer. Ive had an Argon (same keybed as the Cobalt) and have a Fantom 7, and the fantom is a league better than the HS - though its aftertouch isnt great the rest is fantastic. I didnt like the Montage much either when I tested one - I mean its good but didnt think it was Fantom good. I did nail down what I didnt like about the HS keybed, because my Polybrute has the same issues. it two fold - firstly the throw(up to down) is quite shallow that I dont like (as the key length is slightly shorter than normal) but more importantly the depth of plastic aling the leading edge and sides isnt deep - meaning when one key is pressed theres a cap under the adjacent key - and I catch my finger in that gap. It feels sharp because of that (originally thought the finish on the HS was poor - but its not, it was that gap) and can interrupt fluid playing. I would never have another HS purely down to the keybed, and Im thinking of selling the Polybrute for the same reason (though I have a prophet 6 and OB 6 fso Im good for analogues, and the PB would be replaced by a 3rd wave which is no slouch - and has the Prophet 10 filters) . All this does go to prove though, keybeds and feel are so subjective.... What one person hates doesnt bother another at all. from the synths you listed that Ive physically played, HS would be WAY down the list lol. Id have gone Fantom 6 first with montage a close 2nd. Cobalt would likely have been 3rd 9 I had a JD800 back in 92/934 and remember really liking that keybed, but comparing it to the modal would be impossible with 25 years seperating my ownership lol)