NektarImpact GXP61 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration

Item was delivered on time and well packaged. At first I was a bit skeptical to purchase this keyboard, as I've always used Novation and M-Audio controllers before and haven't tried out any Nektar product. Boy, have this keyboard changed my mind! Out of the box it comes with a Type B to A USB cable and a manual with activation codes with the software that comes with it. Although I haven't used the software as I'm using Studio One as my primary DAW, it's great that Nektar included it in. The keyboard itself is really well built with a nice weight to it and the knobs, buttons and pitch/mod wheels are very sturdy. It also has RGB lighting for the buttons which is a very cool addition, although I would like that there's some indicator or some lighting for the volume control knob as its sometimes hard to know the amount of level you have. The keybed is fantastic! For me it has just the right balance of resistance when you play on it, much better in my opinion compared to my Novation Launchkey 49 mk3 which I find a bit stiff to play on. And the added aftertouch is a big plus! I'm currently using this on the Korg iM1 on iPad and the aftertouch works like a dream. All in all a very sturdy, compact, and expressive MIDI keyboard from Nektar. Will definitely check out their other products as well. Highly recommend!

Very sturdy and quite heavy which is very reassuring. The semi-weighted keys feel really good and this is a massive step up from my previous controller. Really easy to set up and the functions on the keyboard are all fairly intuitive. The aftertouch is a really big plus point!!!

I bought the GXP61 for three reasons: a) I wanted semi-weighted rather than synth action keys, b) I wanted to avoid unused control (pots, sliders etc) clutter, and c) I wanted to put the keyboard on my desk.For balance, I've been through a few other keyboards:- Nektar Impact GX61: light and easy to put on desk, but the keys are just toy-like- Novation Impulse 49: lovely keys (albeit not 61), but it's a beast with outdated integration- Arturia Keylab Essentials 61: synth (both not bad) keys with too many controls (and they're on the right-hand side)I've lived with the latter for a year, and enjoyed it. But I wanted something that focusses solely on playing, and the GXP61 does this great - the keys are good and responsive (although don't compare them to high-end controllers / digital pianos) with added bonus of aftertouch. A solid feel with good 'bounce' back. A bit of mechanical noise on some keys, but that doesn't bother me much. The pitch / mod wheels are solid, and there is both sustain and expression input.All this means that the GXP61 is a players MIDI input device. If you want a controller then try others. For me, I really don't want multiple sliders etc, especially when invariably they're quite proprietary (e.g. Native Instruments tie to Kontakt etc). One advantage of the lack of controls is that you've got a fair amount of space to the right of the keyboard, onto which you could place a mini-controller (e.g. Korg Nano series). I've currently got a Streamdeck sat on top, nice. Ok, there are some buttons etc for basic DAW / instrument control - but TBH it's hardly worth the bother, and I didn't get on well with the Nektarine software either (maybe live players would find that useful).The GXP61 is heavy (reassuringly so) but easy to put on a desk - it's not too wide (the full-size version would be a squeeze though) and narrower than the Arturia keylab - I have space in front for my keyboard, mouse, and wrist-rest.So overall this ticks my boxes! But it may not be for you - depends what you want from a MIDI device.

Great functional keyboard, Lovely semi-weighted feel to the keys, nice narrow form factor so it can slip into your home studio without taking up much space. Price is very good for semi-weighted and aftertouch, that said, the quality of the build is high and I cannot see any obvious corners cut to save costs. Great connectivity via USB or MIdi. Also a small thing but very useful is that it has an on/off button which is great as I can leave the keyboard connected, set up and ready to go. 'Proper' pianists should head off to the "fully weighted" shop but for dabblers/home recorders like me, it is top drawer. Would recommend.

A nice and clean semi-weighted keyboard with a great feel. It is difficult to find any other 88-key keyboard at this price range that supports aftertouch and expression pedals.

I bought this (Gxp61) to use as portable keyboard to use on my travels. I have a Roland HP704 at home but wanted something light to use when I was away. I didn't want keyboard with but in sounds as I can use my ipad with Logic Pro for a DAW, so the GXP board seemed a good choice because of its apparent semi-weighted keys. I have to say, to me it just feels like a normal cheap keyboard with slightly less springy keys. Nether the less I decided to keep it because I got it at a reduced price (Amazon re-sale) and it is playable.Things I really like, it accepts any sustain pedal/switch automatically recognises the polarity. No problems connecting to my ipad, instantly recognised by Logic pro. Seems sturdy enoughJust don't be expecting it to feel like a piano

Nice action. Aftertouch. Just works well. Great stuff

The aftertouch feature triggers way too easily and wobbles the note. Someone suggested you might be able to disable this in software, but I cannot find a way with the software I'm using. It seems absurd not to be able to toggle this on the keyboard itself, I'll have to look for something else. Otherwise it's pretty heavy compared to others I've tried, and the keys are really, really loud.