Chumer
Obliged for your input, could you expand on what you mean by "key switching"?  Do you mean octave transposition perhaps and thus that's why the 88 keys with Kontact?
 

Key switching is used by some Kontakt libraries and instruments to change the articulations or variations of that instrument.  Some instruments might use a designate key to change to a different instrument or setting.  Often the lower octaves (or the highest octaves) are used for these keyswitches.  On a 61 note keyboard, the keyswitchs might be too low of an octave to be selected.  
 
Take a look at the link to Native Instruments' video tutorial on Action Strings and you will see some keys shaded pink; these are the keys used for keyswitching on that instrument; the blue keys are the ones used to play the instrument; see this: http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/orchestral-cinematic/action-strings/?content=2463  or see this video that shows keyswtiches [in pink] on the Scarbee PreBass :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-F8PbLE1CE .  [around 4:50 in this video]
 
Just type "keyswitching kontakt" in the youtube search box and it will show numerous videos on the use of keyswitching.
 
Hope this helps. 
 

What cecelius2 said about key switching. Changing to an 88 key controller has made my like much easier. Well my life in Sonar / Kontakt anyway!
 
- Dave

Very much thanks for the info on key-switching kind posters!  I have used variations of that idea to have one key trigger a particular loop or sequence.  I was not aware that Sonar (I own) and Kontact  (I may purchase but do not own) would be hindered by a 61 note keyboard controller.
 
I now understand why Kontact could be hindered by not have extra unused octaves for triggering, but why would Sonar be hindered with a 61 note keyboard controller versus an 88 assuming that I have the following configuration:
 
Sonar X3 (I own)
Acer T232HL 23" touch-screen to lie horizontally (I own)
Two 27" LCD's  for general viewing (I own)
Wireless computer keyboard & mouse (I own)
Roland A-800 Pro (I may purchase but do not own)
Behringer BCR2000 (I may purchase but do not own)

Chumer
Very much thanks for the info on key-switching kind posters!  I have used variations of that idea to have one key trigger a particular loop or sequence.  I was not aware that Sonar (I own) and Kontact  (I may purchase but do not own) would be hindered by a 61 note keyboard controller.
 
I now understand why Kontact could be hindered by not have extra unused octaves for triggering, but why would Sonar be hindered with a 61 note keyboard controller versus an 88 assuming that I have the following configuration:
 
Sonar X3 (I own)
Acer T232HL 23" touch-screen to lie horizontally (I own)
Two 27" LCD's  for general viewing (I own)
Wireless computer keyboard & mouse (I own)
Roland A-800 Pro (I may purchase but do not own)
Behringer BCR2000 (I may purchase but do not own)

I don't think that Sonar is limited by a 61 note controller.  Rather it means you only have 61 keys available to play; Kontakt has advanced scripting that allows for keyswitches to be assigned to any key.  Most sample libraries assign keyswitches to the octaves that are not usually used by that instrument's normal range.  So for example, a violin would not normally use the lowest octaves; developers would then utilize those lowest octaves for keyswitches so they could switch between staccato and tremelo, half-step trills....  For example, Kirk Hunter's Diamond Orchestra uses these keyswitches:
Violins, Violas and Cellos:
C0 - Slow (slo)
C#0 - Marcato Sustain (mrc)
D0 - Softer Attack Marcato Sustain (leg)
D#0 - Velocity adds Attack (vmc)
E0 - ****cato, short notes (spc)
F0 - Pizzicato (pzz)
F#0 - Tremolo (trm)
G0 - Half Step Trills (trh)
G#0 - Whole Step Trills (trw)
A0 - Section Slides (sld) (1st Violins, 24 Violins, Violas and Cellos only)
A#0 - Sfortzando (sfz)
 
This is a convenience and feature available in Kontakt for that Diamond Library that I have cited.  Having 88 keys just is a luxury that allows access to these keyswtiches.
 
Sonar is a great, a fantastic DAW, which allows you to use many (probably all) midi keyboards.  It is your choice to use 49, 61 76 or 88 keys.  I tend to use my 61 key controller to play most instruments, but have the 88 key controller available when the Kontakt library would benefit from it or when I want to play piano vsti instruments.
 
Again, I hope this helps. I think you will find these forums to be populated by musicians, recording engineers and enthusiast who genuinely want to help others.  I myself have learned much from others here.  Hopefully others will offer some words of experience and advice.
 
Good luck and keep us posted on your choices and journey.

Hello cecelius2,
I am obliged, the additional particulars and kind words are a benefit!

SF_Green
Have you looked into the Novation Launchkey series?  They are pretty nice, the keys are synth weighted, and the price is decent.  Plus you get a copy of Live Lite, Bass Station and V-Station with it.  The 61 key is $250.  Not a bad deal for the price.
 
http://global.novationmus...-controllers/launchkey

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