I'm a keyboard player, so I like playing the sounds that I use live directly into Sonar Audio...i.e. from my NORD and my Rhodes Mark I...both are hammer action keyboards. I also like having a MIDI Controller as well with a synth keyboard and the ability to easily do zones and multiple channels, so I can set up a project and quickly do bass, synth, guitar lines (really liking "STRUM" these days). I did drums this way until recently, when I dumped a bunch of United Miles for a simple eDrum kit (Roland TD4) and upgraded the snare sensor. I use this for drum inputs...as a kit for simple rhythms or one or two instruments (i.e. hat and kick) at a time. It's much more expressive to use sticks than pads on a synth (although I sometimes use an old MPD18 for old times sake).
 
I was attracted to the Korg Triton Taktile49 as an option, but it seemed too complicated for the job. So far, I'm very happy with the Novation SL...
 

shmuelyosef
I'm a keyboard player, so I like playing the sounds that I use live directly into Sonar Audio...i.e. from my NORD and my Rhodes Mark I...both are hammer action keyboards. I also like having a MIDI Controller as well with a synth keyboard and the ability to easily do zones and multiple channels, so I can set up a project and quickly do bass, synth, guitar lines (really liking "STRUM" these days). I did drums this way until recently, when I dumped a bunch of United Miles for a simple eDrum kit (Roland TD4) and upgraded the snare sensor. I use this for drum inputs...as a kit for simple rhythms or one or two instruments (i.e. hat and kick) at a time. It's much more expressive to use sticks than pads on a synth (although I sometimes use an old MPD18 for old times sake).
 
I was attracted to the Korg Triton Taktile49 as an option, but it seemed too complicated for the job. So far, I'm very happy with the Novation SL...
 

Thanks for the perspective.  If I do go the FA route (or similar), it will be because I expect to be able to use internal sounds.

I ordered an FA 06 yesterday.  Price drop + 15% BF discount + returnable until 1/31/17; not that return is planned unless it doesn't do what it is advertised to do reasonably well.
 
In addition to workstations, I also looked at Akai Advance, Kontrol S and Nektar LX+.  The Akai and Kontrol look flashy, but fiddly.  The LX+ line looks fantastic for Keyboard/Controllers.  In fact, I may end up with an LX88+ later on.  I would have ordered an FA08 if it had synth action keys. 
 
Toyz R Us as they say.  I'm pretty "keyed up" about this.  Can't wait for it to get here.

Trying them out at the local music store helps.

I almost pulled the trigger on an FA-06 (already have a Motif ES rack so don't more of the same Yamaha sounds) but I just can't get past those dorky, less than full size keys Roland insists on including with a lot of their synths these days. The action isn't great either, but the size (and those rounded off black keys) is a real deal killer for me. WTF is up with that Roland? Are we all hobbits? 

I'm lucky, I guess, not being a long time piano/key player.  I've had my FA for a couple of days and I'm really enjoying it so far.  My prior keyboard is a Samson Graphite 49 - so I wasn't spoiled too much before acquiring the FA.