SW action - compare to Korg CX-3 ant others

[sakas]

Hello all,

I am strongly considering getting an Electro 5D 73, but I don't have an opportunity to try one myself. I would like to know more about the SW keyboard action.

Could someone compare the SW keyboard action to a Korg CX-3 (the new, digital version, introduced in 2001) keyboard action?

As far as I know, Nord uses Fatar TP/8O for SW versions of keyboards, but tighter springs, is that correct? I don't know what type is used for CX-3, maybe Korg's own.
I know that it's complicated to tell something like "the SW action is 1.63 times stiffer than CX-3" or so, but still - how much approximately?
Also, maybe it could be somewhat comparable to Akai Advance series or Edirol PCR series MIDI keboards? Or Korg Triton Extreme? Or even Nord's HP or HA actions? Or any other?
Or maybe, where the stiffness/weight of the SW action approximately stands between the CX-3 and HP/HA?
I have tried Nord's HP (NE5 HP) and HA (and NS2 HA76) keyboards, and to my preference both seemed a bit too stiff.
There is also an exact and objective parameter describing keyboard's weight, which is called something like depression force/weigth, measured in grams or newtons - maybe someone has this information about Nord SW, HP and HA or any other mentioned keyboards?

Also, how much dynamics can you do on the SW keyboard? Judging from video demos, it seems that the velocity curve is more to the 'loud' side, and it's fairly easy to reach the maximum - is it true? Maybe velocity curve/dynamic range could also be compared to other (mentioned) keboards?
In the NE5 user manual, I couldn't find information about velocity curve adjustment - is it possible? If not, was it possible on previous generations of Electros, and if yes, can it be expected that this functionality would be added in future NE5 OS releases?

I don't mind playing piano/epiano sounds with semiweighted or even light (well, not as light as CX-3, but Edirol PCR is acceptable, and I do like its default velocity curve/dynamic range) keyboard as long as the velocity curve allows enough dynamic range and control. Also, I don't mind the somewhat stiffer keyboard for the organ sounds, and I believe that the high switch point (ORGAN B3 TRIG) option is also very usable for that purpose.

Really looking forward to hear your answers and advices!

Cheers,
Sakas

[sakas]

In the NE5 user manual, I couldn't find information about velocity curve adjustment - is it possible? If not, was it possible on previous generations of Electros, and if yes, can it be expected that this functionality would be added in future NE5 OS releases?

Okay, my bad - found out about the 'KBD TOUCH' - still, how light is the lighter touch and how hard is the harder one, and the one in between, compared to something from my previous post?

[sakas]

Or even how do the SW keyboard compares to Roland V-Combo VR-760? Or Korg Kronos 61 (in terms of action weight, stiffness and velocity dynamic range)?

Really really looking forward to hearing anything -- choosing the right keyboard version is the hardest choice for me, since the sounds are just perfect to my ear and taste. I would prefer NE5D 73 version (with SW keys) to HP because of weight (!) and price, but playability and dynamic range are more important.

Of course, I could use a hammer action keyboard as a controller for NE5D, but it's the least fun option (carrying another 20 kg of keys).

[RedLeo]

To be honest, you're not likely to get much in the way of meaningful responses, it's too much of an individual preference. You can't really tell whether you will like a given action from numbers, only trying it for yourself will really tell you anything.

[sakas]

Thank you for the answer!
Yes, I understand, that it's very complicated to judge the action without actually trying it. But as far as I see, I have no other option than to try to crudely compare the SW to any other keyboard I can lay my hands on.

I might be happy enough if someone could tell, that the SW keyboard is not as light as Korg CX-3 or Roland VR-760?
Do SW have metal weights inside the keys?

Or maybe it might be better to just order the NE5D 73, stop worrying and love it like it is.

[Frantz]

how do the SW keyboard compares Korg Kronos 61 ?

You see these cars with laminated suspensions, leaf springs ?
You see the coils spring ones ?
You see the hydraulic / pneumatic ?

They do not compare, Kronos is laminated SW is springs HA is hydopnematic

[Frantz]

Btw I like the Kronos keybed very much.

[Frantz]

Kronos has like Ohlins suspensions
( Ohlins is a manufacturer known for the quality their suspension )

[sakas]

I'd say that the Kronos 61 and my sw73 keybed have the same weight, but very different feeling / response.
The Vr760 I'd say is lighter, and closer to these "laminated" keybeds.

[sakas]

Yes, I suspect, that the feel of SW is very different from Kronos 61.
But regarding only the force that is needed to depress the key, and the spring tension, that restores the key back, would it be possible to say, that SW is stiffer than Kronos 61, or about the same?

Is the SW keybed actually Fatar TP/8O?

I know that these are just plain thought games, but I might try to use this information somehow, maybe even subconsciously, to draw some conclusions about some aspects of this question..
Ugh! It sure is hard to choose the keyboard without touching it! Thank you for your patience reading these rants.