I went to Guitar Center and spent 4 hours or so trying out all the "cheapie keyboards" below $500.

There was really none better that would encourage me to play than the CASIO WK3000 or the WK3500. And I am a longtime owner of professional arrangers costing $1000 and up from Technics, Roland, Yamahas and KORGS. The WK can still give me joy. Great sounds for little dough!