Nord User Forum

I have a NS3 Compact which I use on top of an 88 note hammer action Yamaha P70 and have ordered a NS4 Compact. I tried all 3 keyboards at NAMM and the NS4 Compact feels exactly the same as my semi-weighted NS3 Compact, but it definitely is more responsive due to the triple action sensor. The HA78 and HA88 have the same keybed and feel the same as the previous versions of NS3, but again with the triple action sensors, which are more responsive. If you are a piano player, you will likely not be happy with the compact keyboard and will either want to use it dual keyboard mode with a hammer action controller or choose the HA73 or HA88 versions.

It seems that the consensus is that primarily piano players tend to prefer weighted keyboards, while organ/synth players lean toward semi-weighted ones. In my case, I use Rhodes sounds about 80% of the time, 15% piano, and occasionally organ. Would the Compact be the better choice if I’m mostly using Rhodes sounds?

moogy66 wrote: 17 Apr 2026, 21:10 It seems that the consensus is that primarily piano players tend to prefer weighted keyboards, while organ/synth players lean toward semi-weighted ones. In my case, I use Rhodes sounds about 80% of the time, 15% piano, and occasionally organ. Would the Compact be the better choice if I’m mostly using Rhodes sounds?

The original Fender Rhodes is a weighted keybed, so if you started there you'll want another one. It helps me get the percussive bark out of the samples with better control. Although with a bit of practice, I'm sure you'll adapt to the Compact.