The M-Audio Axiom is quite a common one I've noticed amongs many producers. It's also the one I own and use too although I have the mark I version. It's a solid keyboard with semi-weighted keys, but then this is more of an importance if feel is your thing and if you benefit from a slight realism of keys when playing. Size is a factor and if you just need one to trigger sound in general and play a few notes/chords, and or you have space limitations, then you can get away easily with using a smaller one. These would be the cheaper option too. I have the 49 key one which I prefer though. There are some rotary and fader controls on these keyboard and a few pads. I personally don't use them much though even though they are likely quite useful. I've never gotten into using controllers enough anyway as I tend to use the mouse, but I wouldn't discourage that at all and often wish I'd force myself to get into it more. I own a Kaoss pad and wouldn't mind setting this up one day to use with Cubase as a controller.
