my experience is simply ALL expressive control surfaces end up having a very different feel, and so work ‘better’ in different scenarios.
each have focused on different ideas about what’s important…
the Continuum came from the idea of fretless instruments (see Leopolds background) , the Linnstrument (and many similar) from a multi string / isomorphic layouts.
I think the Eigenharp was interesting, because with its approach it tried to be everything, as whilst it used 3d keys, it also had breath and ribbons, and dedicated percussion keys… almost the ‘one man band’ concept
so all tried to approach from different angles… musicians from different backgrounds.
and frankly, a controller inspired from fretless stings, is going to be have limited success for playing piano sound,.
but, for years, many dismissed expressive controllers since they couldn’t utilise their keyboard chops … Roll tried to hit that, and it worked for many BUT still others, said the squidy feel just wasn’t conducive to keyboard skills…
(they we had the KMC K-Board Pro, which ‘lacked’ physical feedback)
so Osmose is the latest attempt at that… and from my (limited) time with it, I think it hits this really bang on…
is it the most expressive controller… nope, Continuum/Eigenharp still hold thats title for me… but its still very expressive!
finally, Id say each ‘controller’ (Ive played most of them at some time or another) , takes a while to learn, to find its sweets spots … and that will be no different with the Osmose.
will the Osmose replace my Soundplane or Eigenharps… nope, it’ll just be something else that I enjoy to play, in a different way
as for the Eagan Matrix, sure its a bit obtuse, but its very well proven… its been finely honed over the years…
agreed many are going to find it difficult (impossible?) , and largely stick to presets … and that is ok, musicians have done that for years with the Continuum, and still enjoyed it for what it is.
given how long its been around, if you think its going to get a complete overhaul for the new audience (from Osmose) - I suspect you will be very disappointed.
(but never say , never)