@mbang
I think in the long run you want a serious keyboard with at least 49 semi-weighted keys and aftertouch and a few knobs and pads. Don't give priority to the DAW control, there are always problems with controller keyboards. Fine if it works, but if you're buying the device for synths, it should be able to handle those instruments really well, not just do something else and do everything halfway. I suggest saving money a little longer, maybe not buying other things (plugins for example) and taking your time to find a decent keyboard controller. A good one can also be a few years old. It doesn't stop working after a short time or fall apart, both of which are problems with today's cheap keyboards with hundreds of features.
Regarding the Faderfox EC4: This is a well built and well programmed controller. The 16 encoders per page give you great control over your various synth or effects setups. Now it comes down to what you want from your synth. I call the EC4 a "rather static" controller. If you want to sit in front of the knob layout and push ambient or sequencer sounds around, the Faderfox EC4 is very good. But if you want to play expressively with real-time control of some parameters, the EC4 is the wrong device. Then I recommend an Expressive E Touché (the traditional, not the SE version). It then also has the CV outputs that you mentioned as advantageous.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
I'm on Mac with Logic and currently only have two small hardware synths, a Waldorf Blofeld and a Dreadbox Typhon. My keyboards are a Roland Stage Piano and a Seaboard RISE. A Faderfox EC4 and a Touché are among my controllers.