Writing notes with a MIDI controller vs clicking

[DimensionX]

I am interested in hearing peoples experience AND preference with the 2. Personally I have never used a MIDI controller and have enjoyed it thus far, I actually initially got into computer music because I got sick of playing instruments, but now that I had a nice break I am thinking of how I used to write music by physically playing the notes.

I am now for the first time writing music that is in my head (no theory understanding whatsoever) and Im realizing how hard it is to get the idea's down by writing it into a grid because of the distracting overly quantized sound. It makes more sense to just play it on a MIDI controller although the one thing I've always found is I can't find the notes in my head as easily as clicking since the piano roll can adjusted so the notes are more easily accessible. (and I never want to own a more-than-25-keys midi controller).

So yeah.. What do you think?

[DaniH]

I have always used a midi controller to play more complex notes and point-and-click for the simple notes. A lot of the times it sounds different, at least for me, because of velocity affecting the notes being played. Whereas point-and-click is a fixed level until you change it. Or unless your midi is a fixed level as well.

As far as the 25 keyboard, I thought the same until I started playing on a axiom 49. I find 49 keys is my sweet spot. No shame in using what works best for you.