I saved a lot of money by using one of N's great features:
You can assign any commands to a midi keyboard's keys.
I have an 88-key keyboard and assign the upper keys that I never use anyway to various commands like record, pause, play, etc. Sure one of those expensive DAW controllers would be nice, but don't forget that you can do a lot of neat stuff for nothin....
It's free and easy, just read the help file...