I've recently played on a Yamaha DGX505, S03 and P60; the Casio WK3000 and some of their digital pianos; and some midrange Roland and Korg weighted pianos.

For reference my current keyboards are a Yamaha PSR2000 and an Ensoniq SD1; the PSR keyboard we all know about and the SD1 is a firm spring unit.

And my thoughs are...

The DGX505 keyfeel is marginally better than the 2k but only because the keys are a little heavier. Nice piano sound, incidentally.

Does the S03 also use the PSR Keybed? It didn't feel very spring like at all. I couldn't get at a Motif for comparison, unfortunately.

The Casio WK3000 feels fine for a budget system and is distinctly better that the PSR's.

On the weighted keyboards I may be biased but I thought the Yamaha weighted keyboard felt better than the others, and had the nicest bounce-back. The new Casio lightweight portable piano felt very loose and the bounce-back badly damped, the more expensive Casio "home" units (Celviano?) were much better. The Korg and Roland felt nice but the keys a bit friction-damped (like a slightly gunged-up new real piano).

You are not alone in your opinion of Yamaha's weighted 88 Key Keyboards. I too think they make outstanding weighted Keybeds. The Motif ES8 is one fine example of a great weighted action keyboard. When Yamaha wants to they can and do make some of the best weighted action Keyboards around. But when it comes to making great 'synth' action Keyboards, they really dropped the ball with the PSR line IMO. Except the PSR 9000PRO. The Tyros is much better also in that regards but I am hoping Yamaha improves upon the Keybed in the Tyros II. Time will tell.

If you are an OMB (One Man Band) most likely you would not want an 88 Key weighted hammer action keybed in my opinion because of the difficulty in playing other Keyboard instruments than the Acoustic Grands or Electric Pianos. Especially if the tempo is faassstttttttt and upbeat.... For example a Bass patch. Or a Trumpet patch. It would be extremely difficult IMO and a finger and hand fatiguing in a hurry type of scenario if you ask me.

But there are several great 'synth' action Arranger Keyboards out there. Unfortunately if you want a Yamaha one you will have to fork over big bucks sad to say. Case in point is the Tyros, which Guitar Center just recently raised the price of. In the tune of $200 to $2,999... But you CAN find the Tyros cheaper if you shop around.

Best regards,
Mike