Most synth action keybeds have spring loaded plastic keys that offer resistance to travel. This is how they try to mimic the weight factor. The Korg Pa1Xpro has an excellent semi-weighted synth action keybed with pretty stiff springs. It offers a greater degree of control specially on voices that respond to key velocity and aftertouch.
I am interested in learning more about your idea of using a foam strip. What if we could replace the factory springs with a stiffer version from a third party?
The Yamaha Tyros2 has a newly designed synth action keybed that is lighter than the Korg Pa1Xpro. Personally, this is now my favorite synth action keybed. I have not found anything better. It is perfect for playing all voices except the piano.
When it comes to the piano, it seems you have to have the full 88 graded and balanced hammer action wooden keys to make you believe you are playing on a real piano. The synth action with plastic keys does not cut it. You cannot deliver the subtle playing nuances. The hammer action is essential to get that bounce back when you strike a key. The graded weight is a must to make the upper keys feel lighter than the lower keys.
The best hammer action graded and balanced wooden keys are on the Yamaha Clavinova CVP-309GP. This comes closest to emulating the key action of a real acoustic piano.
In my opinion, the second best in the business is Roland’s RD700sx. Absolutely wonderful key action.
A close third is the Yamaha S90ES with a slightly heavier touch.
I would be delighted if Yamaha makes a dual manual controller keyboard. They should place a 76 note semi-weighted synth action keybed on the top using the Tyros2 mechanism. The bottom manual should be an 88 note piano action keybed using the Yamaha Clavinova CVP-309GP design.
Now we can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Tapas
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