[Mashimo]

> there's no way that the hardware aspect of this project is worth making over that.

Well making it yourself would allow it to customize it to your needs. I though about creating something to hang below my monitor. That way it will not take any desk real-estate.

If you buy a chip with pins you don't even need to solder, just use female to female dupont.

Of course buying a midi controller is a valid option. I would just not say there is "no way" creating it yourself is not worth it.