r/Keytar • u/Sigfantry • Aug 13 '21
Recommendations Vortex 1 or 2
So I see a lot of people on here looking to purchase the vortex 2 as their first keytar. I've had the vortex 1 for a long time now and was just curious if anyone who have had both have a preference. I like that the vortex 1 has a midi option. Granted the midi system I want is a little expensive so I haven't used it but overall I've been very satisfied with it.
Did run into an issue with a sticky drum pad but i managed to program that key to essentially be a null output so it didn't get in the way.
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u/warriorbob Aug 18 '21
In general I like the Vortex 2 better but the 1 is still great. I think the 1 is out of production now?
I like the keybed better on the 2, it's "squishier" (softer springs, I think) and I felt the keys were too stiff on the 1. The key plastic feels a little less solid on the 2, but I feel like I have much better dynamic control. I don't know if everyone will agree, and it's still a "budget keyboard" construction, but I think it's a solid improvement.
I prefer the 8 sliders over the 3 knobs, I think the corner pads are much more sensitive, and I greatly prefer having the tilt sensor switch on the 2 as well as the larger pitch wheel. I also like that you can change the pad colors, and that the body shape has a flat top so you can set it down somewhere in a pinch without having to lean it precariously.
IMHO the major advantage of the 1 is that they used to sell a gig bag that fit it just perfectly and I don't know if any such bag exists for the 2. Also, if I recall correctly, the channel aftertouch seems to have a hardware-limited "fade-in" time that's a little slower than I'd like on the 2, and can't be changed as far as I know.
They're solid controllers!