I watched the new promos and tours through the new MKII versions of the S series keyboards.

I'm a big fan of the original keyboard.

I get why and where Native Instruments is headed with the new versions. I prefer the original version, I'm glad I have it instead.

1. My creative thoughts need less distraction. I do not want to see two colorful monitors in front of my hands as I'm playing.

2. Using the Komplete Kontrol browser on the keyboard itself is a nuisance when you have a lot of patches. It's way faster to get to the patch you want by using the mouse and jumping to the patch within Komplete Kontrol by a couple clicks. Meaning that the jumbo monitors are clutter in that regard.

3. The MKII version is wider from the front of the keys to the back. A lot wider. Need more table space (if the space is limited where you want to set your keyboard that's a factor).

4. I've grown to like the sliders versus the wheels. Personal preference.

5. More buttons. Maybe helpful, but less can be more. I happen to prefer less.

I tried to see the advantages of the new units, but for me I'm glad I have the first version.

Lawa, weird minds think alike.
Thought I was the only one preferring the original OLED screens.
That new screen looks like the (just updated) Akai boards.
Also, these Mk2 versions are deeper and larger in size.
And the new light guide seems less enlightening ...
Finally, I don't need those Machine controls.
Some things are quite nice, though.
Sound preview.
USB bus power.
So I will buy one.
When it comes with a K12 Ultimate upgrade.

I can see depth can be an issue for some. It would not be an issue on my Quicklok stand so I had not really thought about it. I think the display would give me some better local control, but that is probably down to the lack of ergonomics in my studio set up, I have to turn through 90 degrees to see my PC screen. I have considered placing a second monitor behind the keyboards.
 
Not sure the light guide is any different, hard to tell in the photo, it depends on the ambient lighting.
 
I have grown used to the touch strips, but I would prefer the wheels + a touch strip.  I actually prefer the Roland type pitch/modulation lever apart from its always return to zero behavior for modulation.
 
But, I see nothing to make me want to change my existing S61 at the moment, as I said, an extra octave of keys would do it!
 
 

lawajava
I watched the new promos and tours through the new MKII versions of the S series keyboards.

I'm a big fan of the original keyboard.

I get why and where Native Instruments is headed with the new versions. I prefer the original version, I'm glad I have it instead.

1. My creative thoughts need less distraction. I do not want to see two colorful monitors in front of my hands as I'm playing.

2. Using the Komplete Kontrol browser on the keyboard itself is a nuisance when you have a lot of patches. It's way faster to get to the patch you want by using the mouse and jumping to the patch within Komplete Kontrol by a couple clicks. Meaning that the jumbo monitors are clutter in that regard.

3. The MKII version is wider from the front of the keys to the back. A lot wider. Need more table space (if the space is limited where you want to set your keyboard that's a factor).

4. I've grown to like the sliders versus the wheels. Personal preference.

5. More buttons. Maybe helpful, but less can be more. I happen to prefer less.

I tried to see the advantages of the new units, but for me I'm glad I have the first version.

Same here. I've got my setup working exactly the way I want it. All of the new stuff is nice, and I could probably make use of it, but I'm perfectly happy with what I have. Mixing with knobs just won't work for me, and I love the sliders over wheels any day.
 
Regards,
Dan

73 keys would be lovely indeed, Glyn.
Also, that 25-key version (ideally 32 keys IMO) could add the audio interface Machine Mk3 has. That way, with bus power, the thing would be a helluva laptop peripheral.

Glyn Barnes
Not sure the light guide is any different, hard to tell in the photo, it depends on the ambient lighting.
 

Not at all hard to tell from photos. The new LEDS are tiny. I prefer the old ones a lot.
 
OLD: 

 
 
NEW:

Interesting to read some first reactions from others here share a similar opinion.

I wonder if the MKII will be considered a whiff or a hit over time.

COOL! Depth is only 11.7" vs 10.8" for original one - so not 2 big. My old Ensoniq is 13.5". The light guide lights are 2 tiny tho - I'd rather see the keys themselves glow translucently (dimly) rather than a tiny light behind each key. AND, there's no 88 key version yet. Prices will be the same. Available Oct 5, 2017.
 

Oh dear.  GEAR LUST!!!