9.1Essential
Keyscape is the flagship multi-sampled keyboard instrument from Spectrasonics. Score 9.1/10, price $399, formats and comparisons.
Plugin comparison
Keyscape vs Native Instruments Vertikal
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
Native Instruments Vertikal: Kontakt instrument of Nils Frahm's 4.5-metre upright piano, with Pure and Felt voicings and Particles 2.0. $149 at Plugin Boutique.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Keyscape comes out ahead (9.1). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Keyscape | Native Instruments Vertikal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $149 |
| Dubspot Score | 9.1 | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | Kontakt Player, Kontakt 8, Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Product type | flagship multi-sampled keyboard instrument | — |
| Developer | Spectrasonics | — |
| Typical price | $399 | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | — |
| Primary job | electric and acoustic keyboard depth | — |
| Catalog status | Current as of 2026 | — |
| Type | — | Kontakt instrument: Upright Piano and Prepared Upright Piano |
| Instruments | — | 2 NKIs: Vertikal Pure, Vertikal Felt |
| Presets | — | 150+ snapshots, 100+ Particles presets |
| Generative engine | — | Particles 2.0: Rhythm Mode, Play Mode, four effect slots, Motion modulation |
| Recorded | — | Saal 3, Funkhaus, Berlin, with vintage gear |
| Player | — | Free Kontakt Player or Kontakt 8.13.1 and higher |
| System | — | Windows 10 or 11; macOS 14 or later; Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended) |
| Download | — | 29 GB |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.