Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128

I have not tried the LinnStrument with 200 keys, but the 128 is good enough and with a much more affordable price. The LinnStrument can truly provide full expressivity with pressure and X/Y sensors, and is easier to learn (for absolute beginners) than a keyboard layout or a guitar. The LinnStrument has become my main instrument. If you do the math, the 200-key LinnStrument only gives you 9 more notes than the 128-key LinnStrument, so I don't feel like I'm missing out something. Roger Linn treats you well, he's open to direct communication over email, and you get the feeling also with his hand written signature on the instrument, the custom-made bag, and the free content you get with BitWig 8-track, and the open source firmware. The only small disappointment I have with the LinnStrument is that the keys have virtually no "travel", so it often feels like pressing on a hard surface. And it's also a bit disappointing that very low-velocity keys are not detected, so it's less sensitive than (for instance) a touchscreen. That doesn't remove the glory of the instrument, though, it's just room for improvement. I am very satisfied with this purchase.

It's an isomorphic keyboard with a customisable row offset (I prefer 6 semitones over the default string-instrument 5, faster to get used to after a piano keyboard)
Very good vertical and horizontal precision and velocity sensitivity, pressure sensitivity is good
Actuation is instant, the "pads" do not move
Very sturdy
With a tiny bit of midi routing and copying, can be used with full polyphonic expression with any synth
The lights can be changed with CC or you can change the firmware yourself (it's open source)
Very useful pitch quantisation modes inbuilt or you can play "fretless"
Has a fancy step sequencer inbuilt
Well cushioned carry bag with detachable shoulder strap included
Comes with Bitwig 8-track after registration.

Cons: It's expensive; only 3 notes in a vertical column can be played

After a few weeks I’m quite proficient on this seemingly unusual keyboard. It’s expressive qualities are amazing and it is completely intuitive. It’s particularly useful with Modelled instruments from the likes of Audio Modelling and Sample Modeling.

The axes of expression are easily configurable, and ergonomically familiar even if you’ve never used a Linnstrument before. Highly recommend.