Agreed, the Novation SL MKII line is prolly the best midi-keyboard available right now. With that said, I don't think they are worth their price considering the knobs/faders/rubber drum pads are all pretty bad (The drum pads are WORTHLESS).

They have a fatar keybed which plays very nicely and a helpful lcd readout screen (Automap sucks IMO), but like I said, 500-600$ for a simple plastic midi keyboard is outrageous.

I would look to get one used on Craigslist or whatever for half that price. And I'd suggest at least a 49 key, I had a 25 key Novation SL MKII and got rid of it because 2 octaves just isn't enough, should have saved up alittle more for the 49 key.