Midi Keyboard Controllers

I am curious about something. When using softsynth pianos for example does the midi controller matter as far as effecting the sound and or the softsynth piano articulations etc? I guess what I am asking is does a controller effect the Realism of the piano? Does what I'm asking make sense?

It does not affect the sound quality directly, but it does affect the feel of how you play the instrument. A fully weighted keyboard with a full range of velocities captured and transmitted will improve the authenticity of what is played. On the other hand, with the ability to edit midi after the fact, you can achieve much of this by simply editing the velocities and release times in the PRV. It is more work this way, and will remove you a step from the music playing aspect and push you towards music programming.
 
Dan

It certainly DOES affect (not "effect" by the way, that means to "result in") the sound simply because the velocity response is different in every type. Most controllers have very limited dynamic range; for instance the Akai MPK49 feels great when playing it without any sounds, but when you route it to a piano VSTi you realize that it's almost impossible to play softly. Even at 20% of my maximum power, it sounds like I'm banging a full power on a piano!
R

My cheapo M-Audio Oxygen49 has about 10 different velocity curves. I haven't explored them that much but I would assume most controllers have the capability.

Jesse G
You know that face with those dark eyes is only one a mother could love.    What is it any way?
 

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Mosvalve
Thanks you're comments are very helpful. I'm not a piano player but can play enough to get by on my own songs. I have an old Fatar TMK 88 controller and I'm just not happy with the way playback sounds. I think getting a newer controller with weighted keys and newer technology will produce better results with the newer softsynth piano's, strings etc.

I'm looking at this Roland, Roland A88 88 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller or something like it maybe a little cheaper but it has to be 88 keys.

https://www.americanmusic..om/Item--i-ROL-A88-LIST


Any recommendations is helpful.

Thanks

For the price, I would recommend the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88. Same 88 weighted keys, but you also get aftertouch and 8 rotary controllers that can send any continuous controller message.
 
Dan

Find a place to test several keyboards. After some "research", you can test DPs instead of pure MIDI output devices. Simpler to test and normally you can find a DP with the same action as targeted controller.
 
There are several producers: Fatar, Roland, Yamaha, Kawai, Korg, Casio and PRC native producer known under many names. Most (all?)  devices from respectful companies not int hat list (f.e. NI) use Fatar. "No name" sometimes use entry level Fatar, sometimes PRC native keys.
 
Each producer has several action types (all have lightweight", "normal" and "with wood", Yamaha and Kawai have models with real instrument mechanic). All of them are different (toward to the "top end", own piano skills required to notice that difference). There is no universally the best action. F.e. technically the best Kawai VPC1 (real mechanic) is still typical Kawai action (in "lightness" and the shape), which some people can find worse then less realistic but more "heavy" and traditional in shape Yamaha "normal / with wood" actions.
 
But with exception of "no go" actions (f.e. M-Audio Keystation Pro, PRC native and some entry level Fatar), I do not think the difference for not pure piano music (just occasional melody/chords/arpeggio) can justify a dedicated piano controller. Good synth actions (without hammer mechanic) can produce reasonable results with a piano VST, while are simpler to use for all other instruments. The key point is how good particular person can keep the velocity on particular device under control. That is the person specific, even for devices which technically allow that (most controllers from known producers). 

Mosvalve
I'm looking at this Roland, Roland A88 88 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller or something like it maybe a little cheaper but it has to be 88 keys.

https://www.americanmusic..om/Item--i-ROL-A88-LIST

The Roland A88 MIDI controller is popular with composers.
 
+1 on Dan's Komplete Kontrol S88 recommendation