Reddit mentions of Alesis Coda Pro | 88-Key Digital Piano with Hammer-Action Keys, Split Keyboard & Voice Layering, and Included Sustain Pedal

Hi,

I got $700CAN maximum to buy a Synth/Keyboard

I'm upgrading from an PSR-172(61key) and a M-Audio mini 32
I feel like 61 key might be egnuff for what I do

I love using it as a midi controller through some vst on ableton as I compose music

A pitch wheel, 61Keys and more + and the ability to sit in front and switch sound quickly would be a +
Right now I only found

Alesis Coda Pro
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SHCDMRQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1[1]

and

Novation Launchkey MK2 Version 61
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00VVK2CUY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1


Any other suggestion?

Thanks Much !

*I'm switching from guitar to piano forever right now and I don't really care much about this whole weighted keys thing, but If you got some good argument about going for weighted key please write them ! Right now I'm really feeling this Novation MK2 as I use ableton to create music!

I use an Alesis Coda Pro as my main controller. It doesn't have the knobs and buttons of a regular midi controller, but it has hammer action keys that feel great, and are very close to a real piano. It has Midi out, along with midi over USB, and Aux input. It also sounds pretty good on its own with some different electric piano and organ sounds built in. The speakers are good enough to play to a room of people without an amp.

TL;DR: Is the Alesis Coda Pro 88-Key a good keyboard for a beginner?

Does anyone have hands-on experience with this keyboard? (Alesis Coda Pro 88) I'm a beginner and am just starting to get into basic theory (major and minor chords & scales) and am looking into a good keyboard for practise and composition. I like that it has hammer action keys for an authentic feel and also has a MIDI output and 1/8" headphone jack for digital production.

I'm planning on practising my ass off for now until the end of Summer and then applying for lessons in the fall and I've heard that - especially for beginners - I should be looking for a full 88 key piano to practise on to avoid any bad habits I might develop on a 61 key board.

Any suggestion is fine and price isn't the main deciding factor either. I have an old Yamaha digital synthesizer to learn the basics on while I save up for the real thing, but I'd like to have a game plan set for the future so I can make room in my budget.

Thanks in advance!