A dream hardware controller for soft synths?

[Echoes in the Attic]

^ you say that because Komplete Kontrol sucks really bad as a sub-host, indeed, but still, it's better to have one. There's no vst host nearly as comfortable as Kore, all the DAW's are really far back.
inserting a midi-out sequencer or arp in the slot just before your instrument and having it just work like magic isn't something you tire of, nor is having all your patches imported, sorted and tagged. Everything is easier and quicker in there.

Sure arguments can be made for having the wrapper be totally transparent, like automap, or having it's own layout and functions (browser, arp etc.). But what's even more useful is a transparently wrapped plugin like an automap plugin, inside a host plugin like Maschine/Komplete. You can use both together and be on totally different pages in both controllers (since hardware controller makers apparently don't have the good sense to actually let you navigate different portions of the controls independently. This is what makes many digital synths better to navigate. Different section have can have different functions, leaving the rest of the synth alone. Having a single page for the whole thing is tedious. Multiple controllers is the only way to get around this somewhat.
Like this:

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Integrating a keyboard is a whole new world of pain. Everyone would want a different keyboard, and many wouldn't want any.

The keyboard is a necessary evil for desktop space. You have to appreciate that many home studios are tight on space and controller keyboards end up on the desk more often than not. You're not going to fit a large control surface AND a separate keyboard on the same desk unless they're integrated, or the former is small/light enough to sit on top of the latter. Also, people want the feel of a standalone instrument. Not one thing over here and another over there.

And yes, I totally get that I'm generalizing and each use-case will be different, but when you look at photos of home studio setups, I think the value of having a combined unit becomes apparent when it comes to desktop space. That real-estate is at a premium.

Regarding everyone wanting a different keyboard: yeah, I mean: just don't use a crappy keybed. That's step one. A good synth action bed will fit the product as long as the keys don't feel like garbage and have a good velocity response. What about size? Simple: 5 octaves. Need piano action? Well then you're the person that can go get a separate piano controller for that, (you probably already have one) or maybe this ain't the product for you. Need something smaller: lots of small controllers for portable work.

The goal should be to create something that looks and feels like a synth, so synth action, 5 octaves, or my imaginary product ain't for you. Like I said: this dream product of mine looks something like a Roland JD-XA with a tablet-style surface but with hardware controls.