After a week with the dual-Xjam setup… I’m sold.
After a week of experimenting with this 2×Xjam layout, I can happily say that—for me—it really is the perfect blend of the FGDP layout and the sensitivity of better pads. I’m planning to stick with it and commit the exact mappings/layout to muscle memory.
Highlights:
-
The pads really are more sensitive—you notice it immediately compared to the FGDP.
-
If you love the FGDP layout, this feels nearly identical.
-
It’s fairly inexpensive (just over $200 total) assuming you already have your computer and drum software. (FGDP-30/-50 still win on price if you need true standalone use.)
-
Assuming you lug a laptop everywhere (as I do), this setup is surprisingly travel-friendly—both Xjams are small and light.
-
While the pads aren’t as big as the MK3, that’s actually often a boon: finger rolls are effortless, and with six horizontal pads for the snare, you can do rolls almost automatically. The main value of the larger pads on the MK3 is fills, but there are more pads in the 2xXjam setup, so that concern is allayed.
-
The knobs are a bonus—useful for controlling snare, hi-hat, or ride parameters, something you can’t do on the FGDP since it has no knobs.
What it isn’t:
-
Super quick to set up (two cables plus a bit of routing).
-
Standalone—requires a computer.
-
If you found a way to use that extra upper strip of buttons on the FGDP-50, you’ll miss them. I could never quite find a way to use them, myself.
-
Unlike larger midi controllers, if you wanna play in your lap on the couch, you’ll need a stable surface (e.g. lunch tray or cutting board).
Cheers!
-David
PS: I checked out XpressPads, and the playing on those dual Akai MPD218s was very impressive. I laughed out loud when I saw he mounted them on a cutting board—exactly what I ended up doing for stability! 
PPS: I ended up just turning both pads right-side-up in the end. The setup is less janky that way.
PPPS: If anyone is aware of a larger grid midi controller that has very sensitive pads (if it supports a 4x8 layout), I’d probably try that out (with FGDP mappings). But reading through a bunch of older comments in the pad sensitivity shoot-out, I’m guessing Xjam are pretty darned sensitive.