Looks like I need a new keyboard to control soft synths. Some keys have stopped working on my ancient Roland D-50. The battery went dead years ago and all the internal sounds were lost, so I use it only as a controller. I'm not a keyboard player. I just play chords and some percussion. As a guitarist, I know squat about MIDI, so my question is, what should I buy? Are there features I won't be able to live without, or features that I will never use? I'm used to the 61 keys on the D-50, and as a non-player I rely on the sustain pedal, so those are kind of my only requirements.
Awaiting enlightenment and guidance. Thanks!

If you only use the keys (not controller functions), a simple controller with the number of keys you need is adequate. Keystations are about as generic as they come that I know of.

I got an A300 Pro a while back and still only use the keys, two wheels, change midi channels, and shift octaves on it. No internal sounds, and the rest of the device is unused.

Mine's an M-Audio Axiom 49 I got for REALLY cheap used in excellent condition. I think the larger versions have weighted keys, but either way this one is brilliant and very simple to use, with loads of functions - 8 pads, 8 knobs, 9 lides+ buttons, built-in octave shift and transpositions, playback buttons and pitch bend/mod wheels.

If you want a midi controllerthat feels like a piano and don't need all those pads, knobs, faders and buttons the Roland A-88 is hard to beat imho. I swapped my ageing Roland digital piano for one about six months ago and I really like it. Obviously it makes no sound unless you hook it up to a VST or a sound module (Roland do one for about £1200 bless their hearts - you can buy a lot of VSTs for that)!

AndyB01
If you want a midi controllerthat feels like a piano and don't need all those pads, knobs, faders and buttons the Roland A-88 is hard to beat imho.

A-88 has Ivory Feel G Roland mechanics, the future development of PHA alpha II, so light mechanic. Its competition are other light actions (Fatar, Yamaha, Korg, Kawai and Casio). Not absolutely, but some people think it wins there. But not against in-house PHA II/III and all other heavier things (RH, GH, etc.)
General statement "hard to beat" can not be applied to A-88, VPC-1 is the only portable MIDI keyboard with real piano mechanics. "Portable" does not mean light, 30kg (double A88 weight) is the price for all that wood... So "beat in which parameters" should be defined before the winner can be chosen
All that is about hammer actions, so I guess off-topic...

All fair points, these things are incredibly subjective although the A-88 is no lightweight at 27Kgs - although considerably more 'portable' than my old HP137 which was a real piece of furniture. All comes down to personal choice in the end.

AndyB01
All fair points, these things are incredibly subjective although the A-88 is no lightweight at 27Kgs

Weights:
Kawai VPC-1 (RM3) 29.5 kg
Studiologic SL88 (Fatar T40Wood) 20.8kg
Roland A-88 (Roland G Feel) 15.9kg
NI S88 (Fatar TP100?) 14.4 kg
Yamaha P-45 (GHS) 11.kg
 

I stand corrected - no idea where I got 27Kg from - takes some lifting on and off the stand that's all I know. 😂

I stand corrected - no idea where I got 27Kg from - takes some lifting on and off the stand that's all I know. 😂

I do not move mine so weight is not as big a consideration as footprint. As with the OP, it is just an ancillary piece of gear to me. 32 keys is sufficient for my usage and not in the way.