Feature Request: detachable controller surface for midi s88 controller keyboard

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.

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).

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

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.

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.