Maschine is not just a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation); it is a hybrid hardware/software groove production studio. The software is designed to be controlled by the physical Maschine controller (Mikro, MK1, MK2, MK3, or Studio).
A second-hand Maschine MK1 or Mikro MK2 can often be found for under $100. Buying the hardware legally transfers the software license. You get a tangible instrument and a clean, stable software environment.
If you want a similar groovebox workflow without paying for Maschine, consider LMMS (free/open source) or Akai MPC Beats (free software that comes with many Akai controllers).