Keylab Essential 49 or Launchkey 37 (or another controller?) for use in Cubase with hardware synths?

[illold3chordme]

Could anyone recommend one of these two MIDI controllers for use with Cubase and external hardware synths (mostly a Matrix 1000 in my case)? My general impression is that the Keylab may integrate better with Cubase, but the arp, scale and chord modes, and the full-sized keys on the Launchkey appeal to me. A lot of people seem to recommend the Keylab solely because of Arturia's softsynths, which I don't use that often (although I do like the way they sound), which makes me think I should go with the less expensive Launchkey. I'm just concerned that it may be a pain to get working correctly.

Really, the main thing I want a MIDI controller for is to trigger VSTs and my hardware when I'm composing. I've never used external pads/knobs when working in my DAW (although it will be nice to finally have the option to do that), so I don't really know what to think about those in regards to what these two controllers offer.

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Biggles]

The Arturia Essential that I had sucked, it got sold on after three months.

The Novation or a Nektar Impulse are better buys.