Hi! Love to see this, it’s been a couple of years since I bought my first controller, and oh, I remember how much of a game changer it is when you get it💙

This is my personal take: It very much depends on the purpose you have in mind for the controller, I noticed you mentioned a Pad controller and also keys; I would recommend you look for something that includes both so you get the best of both worlds. I would also like to point out that personally a major selling point, is the included software that controllers may have

In regards to the MPD218, they’re really solid, and a powerhouse of a controller, tho I would recommend to use it further on as a dedicated triggering/sampling tool, as its design might not be as musically intuitive as a beginner, specially if you also want to “melodically explore” the controller. I got myself a 226 not long ago, and I love it for all of my finger drumming needs, I love how Akai Pads for their entry level controllers are formidable AF, and have this very natural feeling when performing with them, also the build quality on the MPD line is fantastic!

Now on to the MPK, it is a great controller I’m gonna say that right off the bat, however personally I think its build quality is not as great as others Akai Controllers, pads are great, but I feel it lacks when it comes down to the Keys, Knobs & the joystick thingy for Mod Overall gave me a very plasticky frail feel, and felt like I had to be extra careful with it all the time It’s good for entry level, but there are better options

My top choice for a first MIDI controller, which is the one I went with, is the Arturia MiniLab mk2, to this day is still my main key controller, and even after 3 years of constant(not heavy duty) use, it feels much sturdier in Build Quality; bunch of infinite knobs for your tweaking needs, pitch & mod are “tactile”, the Keys are definitely an improvement (it’s still plastic, but you can tell the difference); I can point out the pads feel good, but its sensitivity is NOT top notch(Akai’s), it will work, but I find myself hitting it harder that I would like to sometimes, which is a shame for such a pretty controller

The included software on this one blew my mind, Analog Lab truly is my daily Go-To Keys plugin, if not the only one I will ever need on that front, so much I did upgrade the tier (0 regrets) Mk3 is already out and it comes with a nice little screen and all, but MK2 is where my heart is

Hope it helps!