M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - Synth Action 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included

I needed an upgrade from my 31 key midi and bought the M-Audio based on a couple of referrals and good reviews. I like the low profile; I can slide it under the monitor shelf on my desk when I'm not using it. It works well with Ableton and a Donner sustain pedal, so I'm happy. The keys have a nice feel to them and it's easy to play. Worth the money.

The key action on this is really nice to play. It's semi-weighted, so the keys feel substantive, but there's still a lot of spring to them, so they're really good for doing rapid synth stuff, while still being nice for slower classical style.It's also really nice that it comes with a 5-pin midi output so I can use it with my synths!As for the USB, I'm on Linux with Bitwig Studio and it worked out of the box without any driver installation.

Not much to say. It's good. Not one complaint.

Keys feel good and I like having 61 keys instead 49. Minus one star for the no packing. Shipping in product box which was ripped in half but amazingly the keyboard was not damaged.

My initial impression of this keyboard is very good. Just arrived yesterday. Well made. Doesn’t feel cheap. It’s lightweight but seems sturdy. Seems to be good value for the money. Nice semi-weighted keyboard action. Velocity sensitive as advertised. Doesn’t show up in GarageBand as a connected MIDI device but it works automatically anyway with that software, so no problem. Haven’t delved into advanced functions much yet. I’m used to 76 key keyboards but the octave transpose function here is literally at the touch of a button for those rare occasions when you need it. Very pleased so far.

I have this connected to my Mac and use it with Logic X. Ridiculously easy to set up, just plug & play. Great feel, no perceived lag time, easy to control. Enough features to be flexible, but not so many to be unnecessary/overwhelming. After 6 months of daily use, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Tip: get the sustain pedal.

I am a 64 yr old professional musician. It's almost embarrassing how many keyboards I've owned over the years. Most recently a Nord Stage 3.. There is always a place for a portable controller in the studio, the open mic, or the suitcase. I travel in a camper a fair amount. The amount of options for controllers is amazing. Example: the Korg MicroKey Air 61 is ridiculously fun. Hook it up with the Korg app (which has the best velocity control ever) and you could gig with it off your iPhone. They nailed the velocity right out of the box and it runs for 20 hours on 2 AA batteries, and it's bluetooth! But it's micro.. Wish they made a full size version. I'm looking for a plug and play 61 note USB powered full size key bed, preferably with similar velocity control as the Korg. This Keystation 61 - MK3 keyboard has all the right specs and price... Only it doesn't work!! 9 out of 10 attempts hooking up any of 7 different USB cables to 3 current Apple devices brought no joy.. I always read the reviews, so I was a little concerned but I've always had good luck after a fair amount of research. Come on M-Audio, I've purchased 2-3 of your older controllers that worked well. Time to start working on the long term plan.. Look at your own reviews. Did you even test these things? Cool idea, but you have to follow through with a little R&D..

This is an early review, so no comment on durability over time.Perspective: I'm old-guy, a hobbyist home recorder and I play any style other than "electronic music". I was looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that featured:* SMALLER FOOTPRINT- so I don't have to clear up much room on my desk,* LIGHT WEIGHT - so I can move on/off my desk with one hand,* KEY FEEL - I had no preconceived notions; I'd know it when I felt itI was prepared to trade off the pads and controls and faders, because I don't play electronic music or gig live and I'd rarely/never use those features.The M-Audio Keystation 61 is perfect for my needs/wants. It features an notably small footprint for full-sized keys, and it's relatively light-weight. I was pleastantly surprised by the key-feel. It's faster than a piano-action, which is useful for certain VSTs, while preserving a meaningful amount of the touch-sensitivity of a piano-action.The 61-key controller is much better suited to my needs than the 49-key. With 49 keys, not only was I running out of real estate on my playing, but some of my VST controls became too cumbersome (Native Instruments sets certain controls at the outer ranges of an 88-key board).Over the past 8 years, I've bought some used M-Audio gear and there's always been durability issues and low resale prices. Having played this for just a week, it's too early to judge those points.