Zo, my understanding the 3rd party stuff is not there yet, at least I can't get it to work. I have not been to the NI forums for a few days so not sure if anything has changed yet. Now, if you mean 3rd party Kontakt libs that will work now.
 
You are right that you do still need the computer screen to really see what you are doing but I can't imagine the small screen on the Akai being much better for my old eyes...
 
My main attraction to the S61 is the Touch Strips. Undoubtedly the best dynamic vibrato I've ever been able to get using the pitch bend strip to create a Real dynamic vibrato just by rolling my finger back and forth on it. Most other pitch bend controls, i.e. wheels, joysticks, etc. have a dead band that makes this technique impossible for me. YMMV.
 
If you have a chance you should try them both out before making a decision. I would imagine that NI is under the gun to get the 3rd party integration out before the release of the Akai but who knows...
 
edit: After reading Larrys' post I remembered that you do have to map the 3rd party Kontakt Libs yourself and add your own icons. Not a big deal as you only need to do it once and save it.

It's a mighty fine keyboard by itself, of Fatar descent.

I have a Kurz K2661 setting right next to my S61 and the key-beds feel very similar in weight and action depth although the Kurz does feel a little smoother. The S61 is a very usable key bed for the cost.

Uncle E from JRR wrote on KVR that next week will bring some Komplete news. Probably an upgrade sale.

Thks guyz for your valuable feedback as usual !!
 
In fact label me crazy but students for my birthday bought me a 49 kontrol lol
 
and i brought it back to the shop cause on my desk only 25 will fit .... i own maschine studio so all the kontrol features + 2 big screen are already there , that's why i'm questionning myself , on the other hand NI is far more reactive than Akai ./... akai are slow at making some mature ....so i will take this in consideration !!!
 
Until then , my novation sl compact still makes it better than most around !!!
 
And yep , Eric is almost the only guy i buy from !!!
 
 

Sounds like you're in some Good space, and, Happy Birthday Zo!