Having extra notes off to the left is great for key switches.
 
I have a 25-key keyboard (two octaves) and it's impossible to play two-handed on it, let alone also have keys defined as switches.
 
I can see purchasing a cheap small keyboard (do they even make such small ones weighted ?) for simple bass lines and such, but if you're going to spend any kind of money, I'd really consider at least 61 keys (5 octaves).

I have both a Roland A 49 and a Akai Synthstation 25. 
 
The Roland is the perfect size for my desktop set up and was the best "feeling" keyboard in the store. It is full featured and came with Sonar LE which then got me X3 studio for $99 :) 
I end up away from home with time to kill so I bought the Akai for travel. The keys are like a toy OK for Bass, drums or Organ. It is velocity sensitive but the cheap little keys are more synth than piano. The A 49 does piano OK, not weighted but I'm not much of a piano player anyway.  I tnd to use more Rhodes and Wurly sounds. I now have a digital drum kit too so no longer play drum parts on the keys. 
 
Note that the Roland is USB powered which has never caused me trouble but it does have the option of powering it via the USB which would involve using a standard cell phone type wall wart and then using the real MIDI ports. 
The Akai uses batteries which last forever or has a wall wart option too. You can sit under a Palm tree with your laptop and the Akai and have at it. You don't need an ipad for using it as a controller.The iPad is for using it as a live synth which is cool. to... 
 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid?src=3TP3DRR&&noPopup=true&src=3TP3DRR
 
Looks like the same deal only I guess mine goes to the Canadian site. 
 

A keyboard with weighted keys that isn't 88/76 key is hard to find. I'm hoping a company picks up on them soon but I doubt it will happen.

If you want "piano hammer action" kind of weighting then there seems to be nothing at 48 keys or less (I know a couple of pianists who've been after 4 octave piano-action boards for years and in the case of one of them at least money is little object).
 
For synth-style weighting Roland (and Edirol) are good and very fast and easy to play but the aftertouch is as hard as Godzilla's futon. Novation have a poorer feel in my opinion (I find them a bit spongey) but have excellent aftertouch. M-Audio's product support (including issuing updated drivers) has been so poor over the last few years I don't run consider them for anything any more. Too much kit turned into paperweights because M-Audio failed to release drivers until years after a new Windows version came out if they ever bothered writing a new driver at all.
 
 

Thanks again-
I was\am looking at the Novation Launchkey 25 and 49. Big , big plus for me is it's bus powered and ac adapter powered-just what I wanted. I like the brand name also. I still lean towards the 25 due to footprint and my desktop (actual, not windows) is limited.
 
I created many bass lines and drum sequences with my lowly evilution and it's only 25 keys.
 
Anyway, thanks again- you folks are great!
 
Frank (Stratman)
 
 

 

If you make extensive use of Komplete, the Komplete Kontrol series is really nice.
Fatar key-bed... and solid build (very similar button/knobs to Maschine).
It's super convenient to be able to browse thru Komplete directly from the Keyboard.
 
The new Akai Advance units (not released yet) also look really good.
Similar features to Komplete Kontrol... but more support for 3rd-party instruments.
 
I don't want to speak too soon... but it looks like we're in a "renaissance period" for MIDI keyboard controllers.
Higher quality hardware... with a lot more attention focused on integration with software
 

The M-audio Axioms are pretty cheap if you don't mind buying second hand. The main reason i bought one of CL for 50$ is the semi weighted keys. Almost new condition. I got the guy to lower it a little because he lost the ac adapter and I made a big deal out of it even though i knew i would never use it. =P
 
Pads are a little stiff (i think?), but respond well. Semiweighted feels WORLDS better than the no action midi boards on cheaper midi players.

Unlike Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards have absolutely no reference. Producers are free to make whatever they want, not only in terms of number of keys but also in keys size (length as well, even when the width is "full size") and the feeling.
 
I recommend to visit some store and check what is better for you. Test that you can control velocity and you do not damage you fingers in continuous use. That is personal. For example, while piano player, I prefer short length not weighted Roland action over semi-weighted Akai or M-Audio.
 
I do not think that as a guitar player you will search a guitar by the number of strings and connector placement, ignoring the type
 

azslow3
Unlike Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards have absolutely no reference. Producers are free to make whatever they want, not only in terms of number of keys but also in keys size (length as well, even when the width is "full size") and the feeling.
 
I recommend to visit some store and check what is better for you. Test that you can control velocity and you do not damage you fingers in continuous use. That is personal. For example, while piano player, I prefer short length not weighted Roland action over semi-weighted Akai or M-Audio.
 
I do not think that as a guitar player you will search a guitar by the number of strings and connector placement, ignoring the type
 

agreed. He brings about a good point. I only got the m-audio because it was in my price range. I already regret it only due to the fact that I got the 25 key. As a piano student 2 octaves just isn't enough.

I just wish I had the budget for more options. I'd rather spend that huge chunk of money on some software package. Omnisphere 2 is coming out soon and kontakt 5 ultimate is on my list of must haves.

Also I can't seem to find anything good and used under 200$

Genius Animus

azslow3
Unlike Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards have absolutely no reference. Producers are free to make whatever they want, not only in terms of number of keys but also in keys size (length as well, even when the width is "full size") and the feeling.
 
I recommend to visit some store and check what is better for you. Test that you can control velocity and you do not damage you fingers in continuous use. That is personal. For example, while piano player, I prefer short length not weighted Roland action over semi-weighted Akai or M-Audio.
 
I do not think that as a guitar player you will search a guitar by the number of strings and connector placement, ignoring the type
 

agreed. He brings about a good point. I only got the m-audio because it was in my price range. I already regret it only due to the fact that I got the 25 key. As a piano student 2 octaves just isn't enough.

I just wish I had the budget for more options. I'd rather spend that huge chunk of money on some software package. Omnisphere 2 is coming out soon and kontakt 5 ultimate is on my list of must haves.

Also I can't seem to find anything good and used under 200$

Did you ever find one?
I have a couple keyboards for audio, and an old Yamaha DX100 synth, but wanted better midi control, and deskspace ... made the same mistake with my Akai mpk25.. great for some things, but not 2-pawed piano.
 
Yesterday I broke down and found a M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII Level 2 (whatever level 2 is), for $159 open-box at MF.
http://www.musiciansfrien...88-mkii?condition=used
 
I don't know much about them, but for that price I figured it would work for a guitarist like myself any way..... and thought of your post.

pentimentosound
Congrats. Level two means not mint, some kind of difference from absolute mint. I got a FSR Tele Std Ash at Christmas, that was Level Two and the plastic had been taken off the pickguard, which disqualified it from mint(Level One). It can mean a scuff or minor scrape. I  was thrilled with my deal.
 
Michael

Wow.... I love good deals like that, and not a huge fan of plastic-wrap anyway lol.
 

pentimentosound
The guitar was on sale the day after Christmas for $449, and they had an open box for less. So, I called them to ask what it meant(Level 2). The girl explained Level 2 to me and I thought "jump!". I got it for $359.99 and held my breath. I was very pleased when I opened the double box and found this superb example of butterscotch on ash with the traditional 3 brass saddles and reversed control plate, all of which I wanted! Now that model is $599 street.
      I don't know if I'd assume I'll be that lucky next time, but..........this deal was certainly "charmed"
 
Back on topic, I wonder if anyone has gotten an Arturia KeyLab 88 and what kind of feedback it has. I like the idea of their synth collection being included. Since I am primarily a guitarist, first, I wonder how I'd rate it.
Michael

That is a great deal, and I bet it don't play $200 cheaper. lol
I can live with chips and dings, and can airbrush it if it's too bad.
 
I had a few of the Arturia SoftSynths once upon a time, and I did like their sound.
Wish I knew what happened to them now that I think about it. lol