I know some will call me crazy...but just sayin'.
Not at all.
There are some quite reasonable controller keyboards for just a few tens of dollars that would allow Dev to do as you suggest and would also allow all manner of playing around and, when ready, note entry into BiaB or whatever. A keyboard is a nicely logical layout.
Most 49-key controllers are fairly cheap and OK, so long as one doesn't expected weighted keys and/or hammer action.
Touch Sensitive is a must, but most will be.Someone else might comment if a guitar is a preferred option for playing, as it's quite different.