For as long as I've been playing... uh... er... um... yeah, a while.
Keyboard manufacturers have fallen into two categories. Keyboard manufacturers (Like Korg, Roland, Yamaha and Alesis) that make the whole range of keyboards (toys, to pro). Then there has always been those specialized keyboard companies that create their one and only flagship product. In the old days, it was EMU, Synclavier, Kurzweil, etc...
From what I've experienced, the companies that create the specialized line do what they do VERY WELL. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone. I've always looked at Access, Clavia, Waldorf, and others to fall into this category. It's definitely cost effective for Access to only produce one circuit board, instead of maintaining numerous products.
Obviously, my own opinion.