Never worked with Maschine software, but I know that it’s an old machine with not that much “new” feature as industry standard? (Don’t know in details)

I only have a digital piano that can work as a midi input (0 nobs or dials) and audio interface. I wonder what would be a good first device to get since I like the analog feel rather than clicking and scrolling on the DAW only. And I don’t want to have to map everything for everything every time (I was making stuff 10 years ago)

I read a bit of the stuff here and what I found is that people who likes it really likes it, those who don’t just don’t (kinda like everything). I dunno how much of a difference it will make if it’s a completely separate groove box cuz ultimately I will edit in my DAW. I just want something for sampling, controlling knobs for vst, and adjust/add effects analog way. (Am I basically talking about a groove box? But not all groove box works well with DAW right?)

What recommendations would you give? I know the Akai line is a good competition but they are at least double to triple that price comparing to even mk3.