USB Midi Keyboards

[BigHurt]

Anyone here dabble in music creation software like Reason?

I've been researching usb midi keyboards for my computer, and I think I am going to go with the M-Audio Evolution

MSRP: $259, Guy Graphics lists it for 179 +14sh = 193, which is cheapest I've found.

Has anyone used the evolution keyboards or have any recommendations of other brands?
Going to be using this with Reason 2.5, maybe Reason 3 in the future.

 

[Lorn]

I'm currently using Reason 2.5 with an Midiman Oxygen 8 keyboard. It feels pretty flimsy but it works great and I only paid about $100 for it. I work in massive amounts of layers so keyboards with more than 2 octaves don't really apply to me, especially because the majority of the use from the midi keyboard is put into drum programming. While I've only played with this keyboard and the Edirol PCR-30, I highly recommend the latter. The Edirol is very sturdy and has more features for roughly $50 more than the Oxygen 8. I wish I would have saved up for it because the Oxygen 8 is a bit flimsy.

Cliff notes:
I recommend the Edirol PCR-30 for a small, cheap and sturdy midi keyboard built by a company you can trust, Roland.

 

[Lorn]

This is what I use. This is what I should've gotten based on my needs.

Sorry I don't have any experience with the larger keyboards. But if you're really in the market I DEFINITELY recommend checking out the Edirol line, as they do make full sized versions.

 

[BigHurt]

Ya, I was looking at edirol as well, but today decided on the MK-449 from M-Audio.
Got it for 184 including shipping.. Ill try and post a review on the keyboard once it arrives. thx