A Motif XF workstation is my master controller keyboard, it handles transport, track select/arm/solo/mute, mixer volume and pan, etc. Pretty much any knobby MIDI controller keyboard could take it's place, but I owned it already when I bought Live.
The original Launchpad, I've had no reason yet to upgrade. Because it's so much simpler than Push for example, it's easy to overlook what you can actually do with it. The lack of fine control when using it to control functions like sends is less important to me than the immediacy. I think it's still the best choice for someone on a tight budget who can only afford one unit.
Novation Nocturn (discontinued but easily found used for about $50) maps instantly to rack macros...the eight knobs are endless encoders with LED rings that show the current settings. It can also control any Live device but you're flying blind since the mapping of knobs to parameters is somewhat random, best used with simpler devices that don't have lots of parameters. It can control third party devices if you are willing to take the time to map it. I find it's easier to put third party devices in a rack and set up the macro knobs instead. For third party devices only the "speed dial" in the center controls whatever your mouse cursor is hovering over, so you can take control of any single parameter without mapping anything, incredibly useful. Perhaps the best thing is how big it is. It's not cramped like so many other controllers trying to be as small as possible.
