I have not used midi in this way for many moons but I wanted to get an 88 Weighted Keyboard Controller that can do both run my Ravenscroft 275 piano vst and use the sounds from my Motif workstations does anyone have suggestions?  I have been looking at digital pianos but all that have is midi usb which I don't see how I can control my workstation or if there is a way can someone explain to me how?

I have not checked all 29 MIDI keyboards with 88 hammer keys on Thomann site, but all I have clicked have MIDI output (some of them more then one). I mean Kawai VPC1, Roland A-88, Akai MPK-88, Studiologic SL88, etc. (in my own preffered order, in case I need one...).
 
But I suggest to check for concrete device you choose that MIDI output really works in parallel with USB (if you need that). For example my Kawai CN-43 DP can not, once USB cable is connected MIDI output is silent (may be there is some setting, but I have failed to find it).

azslow3
I have not checked all 29 MIDI keyboards with 88 hammer keys on Thomann site, but all I have clicked have MIDI output (some of them more then one). I mean Kawai VPC1, Roland A-88, Akai MPK-88, Studiologic SL88, etc. (in my own preffered order, in case I need one...).
 
But I suggest to check for concrete device you choose that MIDI output really works in parallel with USB (if you need that). For example my Kawai CN-43 DP can not, once USB cable is connected MIDI output is silent (may be there is some setting, but I have failed to find it).

I agree with you I would not use usb midi and midi out at the same time. Thanks for the suggestions

Some of the really cheap low-end controllers are USB-only, but I haven't seen any quality digital pianos that didn't have classic 5-pin DIN MIDI as well as MIDI over USB. Roland, Yamaha, Korg and AKAI all make digital pianos (and a few ROMplers) with keybeds that feel like the real thing, but not all models are equal. Best to find yours in a physical music store so you can try them out.
 
Before I was robbed, I used a cheap M-Audio controller for synth stuff (not USB), a Yamaha MO8 for piano and a Hammond for organ - regardless of whether I was using built-in sounds or driving a soft synth. A MIDI multiplexer tied everything together, allowing me to connect anything to anything with the push of a button. I could play any of my synths from any controller, record any one of them separately or stack them. 
 
But keyboard feel is the most important factor. I had chosen the MO8 over the Motif precisely because it used the same keybed as Yamaha's digital pianos, which are quite good. So are Roland's. But the AKAI, I think, has the best feel of all. (Well, actually I'm telling myself that my new Korg Kronos feels like a Steinway, but that would be a lie.)
 

bitflipper
But keyboard feel is the most important factor. I had chosen the MO8 over the Motif precisely because it used the same keybed as Yamaha's digital pianos, which are quite good. So are Roland's. But the AKAI, I think, has the best feel of all. (Well, actually I'm telling myself that my new Korg Kronos feels like a Steinway, but that would be a lie.)

No love for Kawai? They are the only who have mechanically real piano keys. All other can not "feel like" something real since the keys are physically different. Kawai is not a Steinway, I mean acoustic instruments inclusive, but at least they are "real".

azslow3

bitflipper
But keyboard feel is the most important factor. I had chosen the MO8 over the Motif precisely because it used the same keybed as Yamaha's digital pianos, which are quite good. So are Roland's. But the AKAI, I think, has the best feel of all. (Well, actually I'm telling myself that my new Korg Kronos feels like a Steinway, but that would be a lie.)

No love for Kawai? They are the only who have mechanically real piano keys. All other can not "feel like" something real since the keys are physically different. Kawai is not a Steinway, I mean acoustic instruments inclusive, but at least they are "real".

I'm not a pianist, but I love my Kawai MP8-II, real wooden keys and I love the touch. But it's real heavy - only for studio use. The newer Kawai even got more advanced wooden keys design.

bitflipper
Some of the really cheap low-end controllers are USB-only, but I haven't seen any quality digital pianos that didn't have classic 5-pin DIN MIDI as well as MIDI over USB. Roland, Yamaha, Korg and AKAI all make digital pianos (and a few ROMplers) with keybeds that feel like the real thing, but not all models are equal. Best to find yours in a physical music store so you can try them out.
 
Before I was robbed, I used a cheap M-Audio controller for synth stuff (not USB), a Yamaha MO8 for piano and a Hammond for organ - regardless of whether I was using built-in sounds or driving a soft synth. A MIDI multiplexer tied everything together, allowing me to connect anything to anything with the push of a button. I could play any of my synths from any controller, record any one of them separately or stack them. 
 
But keyboard feel is the most important factor. I had chosen the MO8 over the Motif precisely because it used the same keybed as Yamaha's digital pianos, which are quite good. So are Roland's. But the AKAI, I think, has the best feel of all. (Well, actually I'm telling myself that my new Korg Kronos feels like a Steinway, but that would be a lie.)
 

I have been a Yamaha man forever but Kronos is really got me interested

tomixornot

azslow3

bitflipper
But keyboard feel is the most important factor. I had chosen the MO8 over the Motif precisely because it used the same keybed as Yamaha's digital pianos, which are quite good. So are Roland's. But the AKAI, I think, has the best feel of all. (Well, actually I'm telling myself that my new Korg Kronos feels like a Steinway, but that would be a lie.)

No love for Kawai? They are the only who have mechanically real piano keys. All other can not "feel like" something real since the keys are physically different. Kawai is not a Steinway, I mean acoustic instruments inclusive, but at least they are "real".

I'm not a pianist, but I love my Kawai MP8-II, real wooden keys and I love the touch. But it's real heavy - only for studio use. The newer Kawai even got more advanced wooden keys design.

Love my Kawai ES100. Comes with a proper metal sustain pedal, great keybed, the main acoustic pianos are really good too. The non-piano voices are naff mind you. Has MIDI in/out on 5 din. And it's amazingly cheap!
http://azpianonews.blogsp...-1000-dollars-new.html

I think I have written that before, but the following is a short general difference in DP world concerning keys (not sounds!).
 
All major companies have at least 2 types of keys: "light" and "normal"
Even when not specified, it is pretty easy to check what is used: everything with stage weight under 17kg has "light" version, 17-20kg is not clear, 20kg+ have "normal" keys. Note that specification is really about the weight of the key construction and not about how hard you should press the keys, all of them are "imitating" pianos and pianos have a "standard" defining the weight which trigger the key (unlike synth actions, which have no such standard). The "lightness" comes for price, light keys are playable but the feeling is different (think of cheap vs expensive encoders or faders, even with the same force needed to operate). Also some cheap light keys (for example from Yamaha) are technologically synth keys with extra "hammer" attached (without pivot point imitation and other cuts).
 
Kawai has RM and Grand feel actions. These are physically imitating piano keys, including the length. Also the mechanic is located at the end of the key (like in real piano), unlike all other types where it is located under the key. That also means the dust and dirt which is unavoidable comes between keys does not affect the thing. Other companies do not have equivalents for these actions (well, Yamaha had Nu...)
 
There are actions about which there are many speculations, so called "wooden" actions. Constructively they are the same as "normal", but wood is integrated into the key. While you never really touch it (all keys have plastic "Ivory" on top), that can add some stability and weight. Still, the length of the key is not real as well as the mechanic.
 
The list of producers which have own actions: Yamaha, Roland, Korg and Kawai  (not sure about Casio and Akai). Hammer actions from other companies normally have some version of Fatar OEM inside.

I am getting the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 in a few weeks.  I currently have the S61 and love it, but I want the full 88 key experience since I'm a piano player first.  I can't wait to play with the Alicia's Keys piano VST with it.  It's amazing enough with the S61, but with the full 88 weighted keys, it is going to be even more amazing.