Reply to Building a First Usb Midi Controller

Hey DJ TT, I'm new to these community s, and to controllerism in general. I want to build my own controller, like the midi fighter, but don't know where to start. I get the basic jist of how it works, but I dont know what to use to get the signal from the buttons/knobs to a midi signal on my computer.

I am not going with the Midi fighter because $160 is a little high for my budget,
and I would like to do something diy instead. I'm believeing 16 Arcade buttons and 8 Rotary knobs, so what are my options for a cheap PCB?

I've heard of people modding korg nanokontrols and USB keyboards to do this, would either work for me?

Thanks for the help!

Edit:
I did some more research and am believeing the nanokontrol was the way to go. There was a mod on here done with one, and at the moment I am believeing it should work. Will it work to hook arcade buttons up the the buttons on the left of the faders? If so, I can make a SWEET controller for under $100