Here's the question for keyboard-fiddling people:

Since I made startling progression in home recording (which means I found where's "instruments" folder in Reaper) I'm thinking about getting meself some MIDI keyboard. I like the look of the wee, two octave ones, basically all I want is something handy to tapping out drum tracks on it, learn to play it a bit and use it to mess with melodies, while having easy access to filters in softsynths (these keyboards have some assignable knobs, as far as I managed to notice). What do you think of it, is two octave keyboard enough to play some sketchy things (I don't plan to shred on it, I just think playing few notes on keyboard should be easier and more intuitive then clicking them in sequencer), or is it too limiting even for simple things? Maybe at least four-octave one is mandatory? (or three octave, but these are bit rare I think).

And second question is about the brands. I assume that M-Audio, Novation or E-Mu are mint, but what about brands I have no idea about like Edirol, Miditech (rather user-friendly pricing on these) or ESI? Are quality differences between them large or is it just the stuff from the same factory in China?

Question one: Two octaves should be fine. I've even found myself being able to use a single octave. Constricting, but do-able. I prefer three octaves myself, but I have a thing for going phantom of the opera and playing high and low melodies at the same time. xD

Question Two: I'm pretty sure it's all similar. The only real differences I know of are being able to plug in seperate things, like a guitar or microphone, and having a light up screen on the front, but they usually ahve a few assignable knobs and dealies.