The need for a custom MIDI controller

Like many computer-music producers I often get frustrated at having to control complex virtual interfaces using only a mouse/trackpad and QWERTY  keyboard. MIDI controllers offering a handful of knobs, sliders and buttons are never that easy to set up in a satisfactory way. To be of any real use the various controls need to be labeled properly but if they get used for more than one soft-synth or effects unit this can be a problem. Additionally these controllers never have enough controls to cover all the bases on even the simplest synth. Ideally the controller would be dedicated to just one task at which point it makes the most sense for it to physically match the software. 

So the time has come to start a DIY build.