I was almost decided to get the PX-350, and then I saw the thread about The Giant (piano synth by Native Instruments). I knew these things existed and sounded very good, but I thought they were really expensive. I must have gotten this impression from the Vienna Imperial library. To my surprise, it turns out there are good synths starting at 99$.

Since I'm not gonna be moving my piano around and it's gonna be next to my computer anyway, 820 euros for the PX-350 is starting to sound like a bit of a waste when I consider the fact that with the computer route you can tweak the sounds and try different kinds of pianos.

Anyway, I'm thinking of buying one of the extremely cheap DPs like the Thomann DP-25 at 250 EUR. The audio of these models is horrible, but in my new scenario I no longer care about this. Does anybody know if the action is any good? If not, how about the 450 EUR models like the Korg 170 or the Yamaha P-35?

Also, what are the cheapest speakers that I can get that will sound as good as the ones on a PX-350?

Hate to break it to you, but the actions on these things are even worse than their sounds.


Since you're planning on using a VST, you'd be better off with a midi keyboard. Fatar's SL990PRo or VMK-188 should be in that price range.
Or you can bump your budget up to 700 euros, and get a Korg SP-250, whitch IMHO has the best action in a "under a 1000 eur" category.

Wow. These look perfect. I didn't even know that there were MIDI controllers with hammer action. The first one is 330 on Thomman.de. Thanks so much!

Can anybody say how does the action of any of those compare with a DP like a Casio PX-350?

EDIT: Was mistaken about the price, both are cheap.

Why ask for opinions? Just try them for yourself ... or else be prepared for disappointment.

If you don't try, don't buy.

Helpful comment. By that logic 80% of the threads on this forum wouldn't exist.

There's no music shops with large stocks where I live. All they order for display are some Yamaha DPs and some casio keyboards for kids.

A drawback of those controllers, compared say to something like the PX350, is their weight. That may not matter for your purpose though?

The Yamaha P-35 might be worth a look. It's quite cheap in some countries, and I preferred its key feel to the earlier Casios, but haven't tried the new ones.

Yes agree, I tried a P35 in the context for a controller. Cheap, light, OK-ish but I'm waiting for NAMM. (Always seem to be waiting).