Whether for the sake of hipster irony or because it's actually a fun and flexible tool for keyboard performance, the "keytar" is making a comeback. (Actually, it's probably a little column A and a little column B. Works for us.) Alesis' Vortex is more than just kitschy-cool, though, offering some professional features for a street price of around $300: aftertouch (yes), velocity sensitive drum pads that can also send MIDI controller data, 24 editable and recallable control assignment setups, and the much talked-about accelerometer that can send a progressive MIDI CC based on the tilt position--so your sweet onstage moves can also sweep the filter.

 

We have a full review scheduled for our June 2013 issue, but in the meantime, check out our out-of-the-box, hands-on impressions in this video by reviewer Mitchell Sigman.