Figuring what kind of Midi Controller

[SaltSlasher]

I had a MPK25, which was very nice engineering(minus the pads). But I sold it cause 25 keys was not good enough for me to practice piano which is why I used that money to get me the CTK6000. Even though mpk was nice for individual sounds, it still lacked multiple octaves.

I want to get another controller, cause my CTK isn't exactly meant for controlling. The keys are identical to that of a piano, and the lift up, well there is no lift up, sound just cuts off.

What I am looking for is a synth-like controller to control ableton and reason. The onboard controls are not that important because down the road here soon I plan to get the padKontrol and then possibly an APC20/40. THe things I want are 49+ keys, synthlike keys and decent controls.

THe music I generally do is electronic(a)/dance/experimental/DJ/House. The controllers that I am interested in are:
Roland A-800/500PRO($400/$350), MPK61/49($389/$330) and maybe CME or maudio.

Obviously this is something that is a/b'd a lot, but I figured I would ask opinions about this, while I continue to research and find some answers. I am looking for anything under 400$, and the A-800 and MPK61 were the best two I found for that range.

Its hard to say cause roland and akai are two very nice companys, and I know the mpk is very nice, I just thought the A800pro might be more up my ally but I still don't a whole lot about it, like if the pads are good or not.

 

[SaltSlasher]

Pretty much from what I have read, everybody loves akai from the MPD to the MPP, they just don't like the trigger pads. Besides for that, they are well rounded equipment.

The Rolands, aren't really on top of people's list, it seems that axioms and mpks are. There isn't a lot of forums about these but the things I have read make them sound good.

My first pick would be MPK61, cause I read all to often of people who don't cough up the little extra and settle with the 49.

Since i have been thinking of the MPK61, I have read and seen the things about putting stuff in the pads to add the sensitivty. This is what I would do, to make them useful beyond use for individual triggers, and actually use them for as a drummachine.

Anyways, as far as I can tell Akai is made for Ableton, or in there engineering they were suppose to enhance ableton use. So I am more than likely going to get the mpk61 and unscrew the top, and put in some cushing's to help the pressure.

I just don't want to take a chance on the Roland and not like it, when i already know I like the mpk series.