Looking For A Midi Keyboard

[ShadowAurion]

Hi, guys. I've been looking for a keyboard to help me in composing music. I talked to a friend of mine, and he said that I should get an 88-key controller since I'm a piano player. I've been looking into the Akai 88-key MIDI keyboard, and I'm wondering if it's worth the price ($490 without shipping for a used one on Amazon). If it's not worth the price, then what keyboard would you guys recommend?

[loansindi]

I can't speak to the quality of the Akai controllers personally, but they seem well regarded.

As far as other options, or even if you genuinely need an 88-key controller, well all of that has been discussed at length many times.

[Trampzy]

I'd highly recommend some M-Audio equipment! I'm a total junkie for their products.

I haven't used one of these yet but this a MIDI controller and a digital piano, with some other stuff.
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/ProKeysSono88.html

I've used this one before, I'm gonna buy 2 of em once I have the cash. This is just a MIDI controller.
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/Keystation88es.html

There's a bunch of different ones to choose from, I just picked out two that I liked. There's some MIDI controllers in there that are just covered in buttons. Truly whatever you need, really.

[Sunraw]

Since you are using the keys for production, not live playing, I wouldn't suggest spending extra money. Something like this; http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Oxygen49.html

(Easy budget MIDI controller, faders/knobs for effects, modulation, active octave changing, weighted keys)

Would suit you just fine in a DAW of your choice (Fruity Loops I hope).

You don't need extra keys when you're going to have to map the notes out afterwards anyways, and you can do active octave changing if you need to go up or down.

Hope you find what you're looking for!