check this out... consider your choice carefully... Very different animals...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvYmXSjxjow

I'm torn between the Akai advanced and NI Komplete keyboards. :/ Lots of comparison info out there, but I can't decide which is best for me.

Akai just had an update which added all the rest of the Native instrument Komplete and East West and I have Pad Shop now. I haven't seen any info on all of what new plug are mapped now. The GUI is able to fill the screen now too, which I love. I just put in the update today so I haven't really gotten very far into it yet. The  Advance come with a lot of free VSTi's from Air  Music tech and Sonivox. They are full program not a trimmed down plugin. Hybrid, Transfuser, Loom, Velvet, Vacuum Pro and Expand. I have had it for awhile and I am liking it more and more as I get used to it. Hope this gives you some info.

Thanks BassDaddy - I'm really leaning towards the Akai...

KK S49 Here.
 
Loving it.  
 
At first it seemed pretty CPU heavy, but since all the Sonar Updates and NI updates, it hardly hiccups anymore.
 
JR

FreeFlyBertl
I can't find any detail on what fatar keybed they build in ... it's heavy (14.4 kg) but probably not heavy enough for the best piano fatar keybed ... so i reckon it must be some weighted plastic key version, but I'd appreciate if anyone knows the specs.

I am just guessing, but either NI has removed some material from Fatar TP-40 or it is TP-100.
 
And the thread https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/kontrol-s88-which-fatar-keybed.263175/
also points indirectly toward TP-100 (TP-40 is "the top" from Fatar, all other MIDI keyboards with it are proud to mention that in specification). With intermediate conclusion: S88 is "not at piano". Note that I do not claim it is bad for other purpose

I'm also toggling between Akai & Komplete controllers, but I'm not buying till next spring, so there may be more VSTs supported on both/either side.
 
I suspect the keybeds are similar enough, and it all depends on the synths supported.
 
Right now, it's a tie.

Yeah, it's a frustrating comparison process. If the NI 61 went on sale not for $499, I'd break that tie! :)

Bought the KK49 and I'm really happy with it.  The keys feel really nice, I love the scale and chord facilities, along with the arp.  Brilliant!
If you're comparing with the Akai Advance, I think it's a key question whether you have, or are getting Komplete 9/10, because the integration with the KK49 is really great.  For me it was a no-brainer because I have a Maschine Mikro as well so it all fits together really nicely.
Between now and January is a great time to buy because they're on sale with $100 off.

Jeff M.
I'm also toggling between Akai & Komplete controllers, but I'm not buying till next spring, so there may be more VSTs supported on both/either side.
 
I suspect the keybeds are similar enough, and it all depends on the synths supported.
 
Right now, it's a tie.

I don't think it's a tie at all... they are VERY different animals... did you bother to watch this?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvYmXSjxjow