Akai LPK25

I purchased this little controller for about $65 off eBay last year. Because of its low price point I had low expectations. Turns out its the best money I've spent in a long time on gear. I use it to create keyboard/drum parts as a controller using Kontakt. It's simple to use and requires no external power supply because it draws power via its USB connection. This is the perfect controller if you want to go to a remote location and just let your creative juices flow. Its small enough to pack into a back pack or put into a computer bag. This little unit features 25 velocity sensitive keys as well as an Arpeggiator, sustain button, octave up and down, and tap tempo controls.

Overall I'm pleased with this little controller. I could see someone who plays keyboards as their primary instrument find it difficult to play due to its small key size but with some practice I thing most will find they can play simple parts without too much trouble.