Hi all.

I use my keyboard mainly for sounds of piano/strings and stuff like that,
so I need one that'll have:
1) Good velocity-range
2) At least 5 but preferebaly more octaves
3) Decent touch, so I don't feel like i'm playing on toy

In this order of priorities.
I want to spend 100-200$ tops, but I would like to stay around 150$.
I saw some m-audio, alesis and avid options,
but I wanna know which of them is reliable and actually has good velocity range

Thanks in advance for the help.  8)

I heard that although m-audio keys in general are awful, the 88es(which is in the price range) is quite good and have decent velocity response and feel, as well as being pretty reliable...

Thoughts anyone?

I bought an M-Audio 88es five years ago and would recommend it to anyone. Of course the semi-weighted keys are nothing like my big old $2800.00 Roland eighty-eight hammer action digital grand, but considering the 88es' portability and ease of operation, it is a great controller at a great price.  I have found it to be extremely reliable and well built and able to translate my performance nuances(velocity) with a natural feel I didn't really expect from such a low priced keyboard. I am very satisfied with my 88es. I use it as my primary controller to record all my midi keyboards, bass, guitars, drums, synths. etc. No complaints.....a really cool set of keys. Hope this helps you zooboo....................Ron  

Yamaha p-70 and Casio CDP-100 both work well for me. Got them both under $250 somehow a few years ago without stands. I think at Guitarcenter sales. 

They both light and easy to move around.

p-70 has a little better touch and both not very good keyboard sounds. 
John

was just about to post this same question. found this which appears similar:

http://www.musiciansfrien...midi-controller#review

mostly good reviews on it, and it's $170 new.