Do Weighted Keys on a Controller Add More Sensitivity?

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undermind

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I love the feel of weighted keys, but do they actually give more sensitivity or expression in the electronic sound that's exprted?

I want to get a lower priced controller that makes no comprimises in regard to velocity and expression. What should I look out for?
 
if you're used to a weighted controller/keyboard you'll find that weighted, obviously, feels more natural; thus, you feel as though you can express yourself musically with greater ease.. i've gotten used to semi-weighted stage keyboards and non-weighted synths and still consider myself an "expressive" player. like everything, it's an adjustment but not necessarily a bad thing.

many will disagree with me and say that it's unthinkable to play a piano sample with unweighted keys.. i think that in order to be a well-rounded player you need to be able to play on pretty much any keyboard, you don't always have the choice to play on your own gear.

my 2p.
 
In general I agree weith the above, but I would add that for me, the type of playing that I will do will sort of mandate the type of keys I want to use.

If I'm playing piano parts (standard, rhodes, etc), then I want weighted keys.

If I'm playing organ/B3 or synthy passages, then I want synth action. I really am not a fan of tearing layers of my skin off doing rips and glisses :)

I am of the mind that the action really influences how I play something. Not to say that I can't get by on whatever is available, but if I have the choice, I want both my controllers.

My $0.02.
 
I play a semi-weighted controller. I don't know if a fully weighted keyboard would help alleviate this, but there are many times when I'm playing a Rhodes patch and I'm trying to slam more into it than it can take (makes me worried I'll break the keys!)
 
I learned everything I know about playing keys on a Yamaha concert grand, so obviously my preference is to play weighted keys.

I currently have a Roland Fantom X8 (88-full weighted keys) that I adore, but I play in a group that regularly tours and let me tell you, there are few things as heavy as a full-size weighted keyboard in a road case. We traveled to London from NYC and when weighed, the fantom + case was near 180 lbs.

Needless to say, I'm considering getting a full weighted controller for home/rehearsal/local gigs and a semi-weighted 61 key controller + fantom X rack module for all travel.
 
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