I would also suggest giving consideration to the Novation Launchkey Mini Mk.3 - it has the 8 knobs, good integration with Live, can function as a midi controller without the need for the computer and it’s got a surprisingly flexible arpeggiator with the mutate and deviate functions. It’s worth having a skip through Loopop’s (inevitably) comprehensive review. Only downside is it’s 2 octaves as opposed to 2.5 octaves in comparisons to the other contenders.
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Ah, yeah changing midi channels is cumbersome. I have always used an Elektron device (or my daw) to route midi to different gear so didn’t think of that limitation. Keystep is probably much better in that case.
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Hmm that’s interesting. I like the rgb pads. How well does the fixed chord mode work? Does it transpose in key?
EDIT: watched the Loopop vid. Yeah that has a ton of functionality for the price. Think I’ve found the winner…
I just had to check which took longer than expected because I got sidetracked anyway… it’s not a chord memory - i.e. play a chord and then it’ll transpose that based on what ever key you play next. Rather it’s a chord playback mode for the arp - so it’ll keep triggering the held chord in line with the arp speed, octave range and rhythm settings.
For example, I was just having fun with a slow tempo, 3 octave range and random rhythm so with a long release on the synth and plenty of reverb/delay I was tweaking filter and oscillators to get lush clouds of chords.
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Would be fun with the Wavestation 
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I actually have the Lauchkey Mini Mk 3. I didn’t think of mentioning it earlier, as I was just focusing on the ones you mentioned, but anyway.
What I was looking for was MIDI, USB, keys, knobs and an arp. I like Arturia’s stuff, but Keystep had everything but the knobs. KeyLab MK II didn’t have the Midi or the arp. So I went with the Launchkey and I love it. Works great with Logic, or direct with my Model:Cycles. It’s specifically designed to work with Abelton, so you’ll have no problems there.
The LaunchKey’s keybed isn’t as good as the Keystep and it also lacks after touch. Plus it’s 25 keys vs 32. But I personally have no complaints about it, especially for the price.
LaunchKey’s arp is nice. I have a MiniBrute 2 that has the same arp as the KeyStep, and I prefer the options on the LaunchKey.
One thing - the Launchkey uses a mini TRS jack for MIDI, and does not come with an adapter. Not a problem for me, as my Model:Cycles and Model: Samples use mini TRS too, and I have adapters from them for other gear, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re planning on using it for standalone MIDI.
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The Launchkey mini mk3 is 25 keys plus + 16 pads which allows me to play more than two octaves at the same time. Very ‘handy’.
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