Gary, I indeed DID 'play' the DGX-505, at Costco and also at a Guitar Center near where I live. The Keys were slightly better than the PSR 2000 and probably the same as the PSR 3000 which I also recently played at GC. Yes, that's right. The PSR 3000 also has IMO a slightly better key feel than my PSR 2000 but both, i.e., the DGX-505 and the PSR 3000 still leave a LOT to be desired IMO. I suppose I really am becoming a connoisseur when it comes to excellent Key action on a Keyboard. I'm becoming more aware of what constitutes [makes for] an excellent Keybed and the ones that just don't cut the mustard in my opinion. For instance; I've now owned my Tyros over a year now and try to play it as much as possible. I consider the Tyros Keybed a very good synth-action Keybed that is similar to the Motif/ES - I having also owned both of those Boards at different points in time. There is room for improvement of course and I hope Yamaha improves the Keybed even more so on the new Tyros II. Time will tell. When I get a hankerin' to play my PSR 2000 I come away many times with my hands 'aching' from what I believe is a lack of support (for the hands) on the PSR 2000's Keybed. Mushy, spongy, flimsy, funky, and of course cheesy. OTOH the Tyros NEVER makes my hands ache after playing it - in some cases for hours on end!

Recognizing and appreciating excellent Keybed action in a Keyboard is like the conundrum between High Speed Internet and Dial Up. Once you've tasted it, i.e. - (recognized, appreciated, and relished the advantages) of High Speed Internet you NEVER want to go back to Dial Up. It is that simple. And it's the same with an excellent Keybed action vs. a poor Keybed action in a Keyboard. At least to me it is anyway.

Btw Gary, I did state in my original post that I thought the DGX-505 was [for the 'money'] a good starter Keyboard (for the novice as Yamaha suggested it be geared toward); that also has a good Piano sound[s] with other good sounds in it. So I hope you realize I'm not completely dissing it. I was just stating it was not a good choice for the Professional Musician who also wants professional features and functionality. Like Main Outputs for one. I could go on about its shortcomings but I've already done so to some extent in my previous post.

But don't get me wrong. For the Home Hobbyist it is a good Board for the money with many good sounds and, yes; a Smart Media slot also. But for the Gigging Musician or those who demand more from a Keyboard in the way of PRO features and functionality, the DGX-505 is a stretch at best IMO.

Best regards,
Mike