Summary of Reddit Comments on the Best MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton

Novation Launchkey

• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Ableton Live.
  • Nice keybed.
  • Recent hardware refresh with chord/scale capabilities.
• Cons:
  • Requires the use of Novation's software, Components, which is described as user-hostile and poorly functional.
  • Components software has a bad interface with slow data transfer.

Arturia KeyStep Pro

• Pros:
  • Good integration with Analog Lab software.
  • Tight integration with software.
• Cons:
  • The Arturia integration may be better suited for certain preferences and workflows.

Akai MPD Series

• Pros:
  • Good pad sensitivity.
• Cons:
  • Inconsistency in quality with some units having issues like double triggering or lack of responsiveness.

Maschine (Mikro or Full Size)

• Pros:
  • Good pad sensitivity and reliability.
  • Works well with Ableton Live.
  • Can be used as a sound bank/library for playing in Ableton.
• Cons:
  • Limited control over Live without additional settings.
  • Limited use in controlling Live compared to dedicated Ableton controllers like Push.

Presonus Atom

• Pros:
  • Similar pad quality to Maschine.
• Cons:
  • Not much information provided, but generally considered a good alternative.

Yamaha MODX8

• Pros:
  • Good for its era, Fatar hammer action keybed.
• Cons:
  • Plastic keys can feel cheap and clacky.

Roland Hand Sonic

• Pros:
  • Offers a different playing experience with pressure-sensitive pads.
• Cons:
  • Limited information provided.

Quest for Groove Equipment Preferences

• Pad Sensitivity Ranking:
  1. Maschine MK3
  2. MPC Series (2015 onwards)
  3. Ableton Push 2
  4. Akai MPD218
  5. Launchpad Pro

Nektar Aura/Aruba

• Pros:
  • Good sensitivity after adjustments.
• Cons:
  • Limited information on sliders and MIDI options.

Push 2

• Pros:
  • Considered the best controller for Ableton with numerous features for playing and production.
• Cons:
  • Higher price point compared to other controllers.

Korg PadKontrol

• Pros:
  • Good pads for finger drumming.
• Cons:
  • Limited information provided.

Given the various options and considerations outlined in the Reddit comments, the Push 2 from Ableton stands out as a top recommendation for a MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton. It offers a comprehensive set of features, versatility, and seamless integration with the software, making it an ideal choice for musicians and producers working with Ableton Live. The Maschine series, Yamaha MODX8, and Novation Launchkey are also mentioned as good options depending on individual preferences and requirements.