Feature Request: detachable controller surface for midi s88 controller keyboard

Stuart Beattie · 2025-04-04T08:49:04+00:00

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I can't be the only one unable to use the control surface on my keyboard because of where it sits, tucked under my desk with only the keys and wheels accessible. It would be great if the control section with the encoders and the lcd displays could be detached and could sit separately on my desk, probably front and center behind my computer keyboard.

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mykejb

I can't see them making it detachable, but I've been asking for a 'S0' version of the controllers for yonks. A bit like the Novation SL-Zero controllers from years ago that took the control section of the keyboard (knobs/faders/buttons/displays) and put them in a desktop controller.

MLARS

Have also asked for this feature request for years way before the MK3 but NI have not listen so far.

The Keybed on a 88 key is preferably placed beneath the desk and the controller on the top. Most 88 users, like composers, would likely have it this way if they had the option.

Having to push out the keybed so far just to reach the display and encoders is not ergonomic meaning NKS is less usable and you tend to use third party MIDI controllers with traditional mapping via the DAW instead.

Could also see two SKUs of the 88: one non detachable classic S88 version, and one split desktop controller (with a long cable for standing or cheap USB-C cable so you can choose length yourself, important if you have to move the keybed to the side) and keybed unit if detachable is not feasable.

Fingers crossed.

JesterMgee

Well, this has been asked for since KK was first released, in fact within the first few weeks people asked for a dedicated controller without the keyboard.

This is basically what Kore was many years ago, that failed due to lack of interest I am guessing and it's been stated a few times by NI on the forums the there are no plans for such a release so I would not place much hope on this (or any for that matter) suggestion.

MLARS

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220029#Comment_220029

Disagree that it is the same as the failed Kore. The timing was probably also wrong for the Kore with no open NKS standard.

A separate control unit is still attached to the S88 or communicate via USB - and is basically a smaller volume spinoff SKU of the S88 and not expected to be sold at the same amount as the Maschine or a smaller Komplete Kontrol keyboard hardware. It could even look a bit different with a somewhat slimmed down hammerweight keybed unit with light guide when it no longer may require to fit the hardware control unit.

It could also support furniture installation where you remove the keybed case as an option making it even more modular for different 88 keys desk solutions.

But yes it is a pro niche product if you make it as a spinoff SKU with lower sales numbers expected probably. But there would be plenty of S88 owners who would upgrade for it (as long as it does not deviate in price from the base S88).

nico5

One workaround might be to customize a studio desk to expose the controller section of the keyboard.

Currently I'm using my self-modified (IKEA hack) desk, with a pull out drawer shelf that pulls out far enough to expose not only the keybed, but also the control section. My desk won't win any design awards, but it cost a lot less than buying something from a high end studio furniture maker. The other advantage of self built inexpensive stuff is, that I don't hesitate to attach another power bar or telescoping mic arms, cable guides or whatever.

That setup is a bit of a compromise, but a controller on the desk (like my Maschine MK3) is also just different ergonomic trade-off (at least for me).

Side note: As a general theme, I'm increasingly coming to the conclusion, that if I really want something badly enough, I should tackle it via changes I can make/build myself, rather than hoping for manufacturers to listen to my requests.

And in today's environment, making things yourself and sharing knowledge, and homebrew solutions with fellow enthusiasts may become more of a thing than it's been in a very long time. And if I had more money and less time, I'd get a custom furniture maker near me to build it for me.

Let's hope the Internet stays around for most of us, so we can still communicate over long distances even when other barriers go up everywhere.

JesterMgee

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220175#Comment_220175

Yeah I also have a slide out custom draw using kitchen draw slides. It is designed in such a way it sits deeper back under the desk so my knees can clear it, also has a cutout so it is clear and it's a lift desk so I can adjust between playing and typing. Photos are from 5 years back when I built it but still doing what it was designed for. It pulls out all the way to access the controls tho

nico5

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220321#Comment_220321

You went further than me! I didn't do the cutout, nor the adjustable height. Both are great ideas! Well done!

JesterMgee

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220326#Comment_220326

I actually got that idea from a Wintergarten episode (youtube musician with the marble machine) where he explained his keyboard draw and how he set it back under the desk by 1ft and had a cutout to clear his knees so he could still sit and not have it not touch his knees, thought that was a good idea. Just have to have long enough slides to come out all the way, I had spare soft close draw slides from a kitchen rebuild and some wood in the shed, 1 hour job at no cost and been great all this time.

I built my lift desk after having some really bad sciatica and back issues, invested in correct chairs and sit/stand desk, ergonomic mouse which cleared all that up, 100% worth the investment if you work a lot at a PC since you start to realise it as you get older. Days of gaming sitting on a milk crate are long gone.

nico5

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220333#Comment_220333

Days of gaming sitting on a milk crate are long gone.

🤣 indeed!

BIF

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/219891#Comment_219891

The SL 0 MK2 was GREAT. And the knobs were arranged better than the other SL MK2 knobs. On my 49, I'd constantly hit the wrong thing, selecting the wrong track in my DAW.

Unfortunately, my SL0 died and I had to take it to my local hazardous waste collection facility…after pulling off the knob and fader caps, of course.

MLARS

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/220175#Comment_220175

For smaller keyboards, like a S49 a slide out can work although perhaps still not super ergonomic.

Currently I have the K&M heavy duty stand which is very common solution for the S88 beneath my desk. The depth on it is a bit too big when I drag out they keyboard fully for me to appreciate the S88 controls. It is doable but not optimal.

I tend to move around multiple controller units on my desk depending on the tasks. Then I move them off the desk to the side. A smaller movable desk unit should not be that hard to use as an option - and a custom insert keybed option (where you perhaps remove the keybed case) would make different standing studio desk options even more viable.

MLARS

I have also suggested new third party fader controls like the ones from Softube and SSL could support NKS. This would be a nice alternative option at least.

The SSL Fader controller recently started supporting the Spitfire sample player (1-0 Spitfire vs Kontakt)

I would hope we could see NKS + Kontakt 8 support on both Softube and SSL fader controller in the near future.

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