YMMV Fran as is the case with all things. Personal perception is the key (no pun!)

I thought the Akai was about the same as the 800 tbh. All these 61 note controllers are built ONLY to a price point and use the cheapest components possible, you know that already. I wouldn't use any of them to actually play live. If it is only for studio work, then any of them will suffice.

But as with anything, one can adapt to something. If I had no choice, the Roland would be the one I would go for.

The one I have my eye on though is the A88

D