• Keyboard MIDI Controllers - Keyboards are originally responsible for starting the entire MIDI revolution. In their MIDI Controller form, they can be anything from simple and focussed to complex and versatile. They can range from the simplest ones with just the keys, two wheels and a few controls to really large and expensive ones with pots, faders, clocks and much more. The simple ones are usually used for playing virtual instruments during songwriting, composing, etc. The really complex ones are usually for studio environments, which need a lot controls. And for live use, it really depends on the artist.

• DJ Controllers - These have really become popular in recent times. Most of these controllers are in their 2nd or 3rd product cycle at max. Some are brand new offerings. The general rule is simple - just throw in twin jogs, up and pitch faders, a crossfader, mixer controls and some buttons. Most of the compact controllers go for what is often referred to as the [Vestax] VCI layout. There are also controllers that are 'single deck', ones that emulate just the dj-mixer. There are also bigger format controllers like the XONE series from Allen & Heath. These also have audio interfaces built into them. The VCI series doesn't though. The latest crop is now trying to emulate a tuntable, complete with spinning platters and real torque. These mainly used by, ahem, Djs. But people always fine myriad uses for almost any MIDI Controller out there.

• Pad Controllers - These are constituted mainly of pads and may and a few other controls. Most of these instantly remind you of Akai's legendary MPC products. But there are also those that bend the genre and redefine it. Take Zendrum for instance! They are an amazing work of craftsmanship, each and everyone of them. These are commmonly used to trigger samples, cues or play drums. They are commonly designed to be used with fingers.

• Foot Pedals and switches - These are usually used in conjunction with other devices to gain extra functionality. This can be a sustain or an expression pedal on keyboard controllers or an entire board full of foot switches to be assigned anyway necessary.

• Faders or Knobs only boxes - Exactly what the category says, these are just boxes with loads and loads of Faders or Knobs on them. Best (and in some cases the only) examples are from Behringer. Even Daft Punk uses a few of these. They do have a few other types of controls, mostly buttons.

• Hybrid Machines - These are machine that seek to converge, bring together the features of multiple devices into one, much like some advanced mobile communications devices. For example, the XONE 4D. It it is a high quality audio interface and mixer with MIDI Control surfaces. Or this similar but different purposed tascam product. One if for Dj booths and the other is for studios. And then there is the DN-HS5500 and DN-S3700 from Denon.

• Boutique controllers - These are Controllers that are produced on a small scale and usually sel out quite fast. There is usually a order queue. They are preferred by highly professional artists or people who can afford it and have a specialised use for it. But some of these are really versatile, so they can be used in many different places. So the choice lies with the end user - how much effort you want to spend to get a custom setup with unconventional controllers. Examples would Jazzmutant's dexter and lemur, the monome project, modular controllers, etc.

• Matrix Controllers - These contain button matrices and are very useful for on the fly sequencing. These would include the Lemur again (it actually does everything you want, so it will basically be everywhere), monome, tenori-on, etc.

• DIY Controllers - These are home-brewed projects that are made by enthusiasts and inventors. there are many famous projects around. And they are bascially anything you can imagine and have the know-how to create. Some are meant to be general purpose, some are meant for DJs, some are just plain experimental. A very famous project is the MonoDeck.

• Experimental controllers - This is really a relative term. So the definition will change from person to person. But it generally means that it is a highly conceptual controller that is still in the stage of development and hasn't had much of adoption, and that is probably because only one exist. Examples are  - the scratch controller, touchscreen turntables [a design student's project], siftables [these do many things, only one is controlling]

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