Looking into something to add to my setup
I really want to add something like an akia lpk25, korg nanokey 2 or korg nanopad 2…which one do you guys think would be best with the vci 100 se? Id probably map some instant effects, loop controls, cue points, etc.
I looked into the akai lpd8, but it only has 8 pads and I have no use for the knobs
So opinions on the lpk25 vs. nonkey2 vs. nanopad2?
if u have no use for nobs then the nanokey is worse than the lpd8. mostly faders+nobs and tiny pads.
people have said that the pads on the nanopad2 are worse than the mk1, tho the overall build quality is better - and has more pads ofc. the pads are also smaller afaik.
at least the lpk25 has more keys u can map - tho not going to be as nice as pads for cue’s etc.
the lpd8 does only have 8 pads, but u can map them from PAD and CC mode and switch between them quickly by just pressing one button. much better than switching between the internal banks on it - or any of the others.
also it has pretty led feedback 
and the pads feel great.
i have a midimasher config that turns the lpd8 into a 4banks mode midifighter, so in PAD mode the top row is bank select. the 2nd row and both rows in CC mode are the remaining 3 rows on the midifighter.
there again it could also emulate a 4banks midifighter on a nanopad2 as it has 16 pads - but you wouldnt have any led feedback to show u what bank u are in.
you could even use one of the pots to change virtual pages in midimasher with the lpd8.
KMI Softstep is a killer pedal for pads. I’d check it out.
ended up getting an mpk mini and currently mapping it out
lots of controls for the money, tho for not much more a separate lpk25 and lpd8 is probably better - same controls but more flexible anyway. there again - i guess which combination is better is just a personal preferenece thing.