As you can probably tell, I am a synthesist, not a pianist. I have always hated weighted-action keyboards, and I can play much faster with light synth action. That said, this is some of the best action I've ever felt. I got it to replace my Roland XP30 (only used as a controller anymore), which feels like you're smashing a metal bar when you hit keys hard (that's because you ARE), and whose aftertouch affords no additional key travel (and no indication of when you're pressing too hard). This keyboard is perfect in those respects, and I'm already playing licks a lot faster than on the XP30, which itself had very fast key response. And now what everyone wants to know: VMK88 versus M-Audio KeyStation88... Apples and oranges on the action. The KeyStation88 feels mushy and the key response is slow as molasses; it doesn't feel anything like a real piano to me, and the black keys sit WAY too low. But as I said, I'm biased against weighting. As far as the controls go, the KeyStation88 gives you more knobs at your fingertips, and the faders are more "liquidy"-feeling. It also has keyzone splitting, which the VMK88 LACKS (useless for me, but essential to many keyboardists) The VMK88 has more pedal inputs (which for me is a HUGE thing). The VMK88 is clearly magical. It's like it was crafted specifically for my needs and playing style. MY needs might differ substantially from yours, so this review might actually convince you to go with the KeyStation instead, and if so, I'm glad to help!… read more In the end, whatever fits you best is what you should buy.

Sound
N/A

Features
I'm using it to control several PCs and other gear, and I already have a interfaces for all that, but if you don't, it comes packaged with a MIDISport Uno USB interface, so nothing extra is needed to connect it to your computer. Being a Roland fan, I am very pleased to see a horizontal pitch shifter -- While it's a wheel and not a stick, I can play my bend-heavy solos without any difficulty. The shifter's spring weight is heavier than roland or korg shifters, but from my initial jam session this appears to be a GOOD thing, gives you finer control. I have hardly ever used the mod wheel, opting instead for foot controllers. This is good, because there IS no mod wheel. There are, however, ample realtime controls for that purpose, including one knob within thumb distance of the pitchwheel.

Quality
Plastic. The whole thing only is extremely light. Like, toss it across the room light. However, it's TOUGH textured plastic, like the kind of stuff they make school chairs out of. I could see beating it up for quite a while with no damage, and I'll be using it on stage as well. My Roland XP30 has two broken keys at the moment because there's no support past the rear pivot and they just snapped off during heavy use. Not the case with the VMK88, whose keys go all the way down and appear to have delightfully spongy aftertouch instead of simply refusing to move past a certain point. I read one criticism that said the knobs seemed like they might break off because they're tall and thin. I can see where that might happen if you TRY HARD to do so. Not likely, though.

Value
88 keys, durable (and extremely lightweight) construction, extremely solid synth action, and the design sensibility and experience of Fatar make this a very desirable controller. If you don't like or need weighted action, this is the best 88-key controller out there. If you're a pianist, it might nauseate you, and possibly shatter all of your ribs at once, and kill small children in Africa.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had any problems with this unit yet. I've had great experience with Fatar/SL in the past, however. They are totally on the ball, and extremely friendly. You can tell that musicians work there, and they seem to be more willing to "hook you up" and solve problems than some of the bigger gear companies.

The Wow Factor
It's very narrow because everything's in a straight line on top. The blue LEDs and blue backlit 2x16 LCD are delicious, especially in the dark. I loved the unit in pictures, and now that I have it, that love has not diminished. I'm going to snuggle with it in bed tonight (the missus can have the couch).

Musical Background:
Composer, Interactive media

Musical Style:
Varies by project read less