Is the Alesis Command Mesh SE worth the extra $200?

If dual-zone mesh snare and toms and large 8" kick pad matter to your playing, yes. The delta buys you real upgrades, not just branding. If you don't need those specific features, the Alesis Nitro Max is the smarter buy.

Which is better for beginners?

Both are beginner-friendly, but the Alesis Nitro Max gets the edge for first-timers — it's easier on the wallet and comes with enough sounds and pads to learn on.

Can I connect either kit to a DAW?

Yes — both. The Alesis Nitro Max and Alesis Command Mesh SE both offer USB-MIDI, so you can plug directly into any modern DAW without additional hardware.

Which has better pad feel?

Both kits use similar pad technology at this tier. If you want to dig deeper, look for dual-zone capability — it lets you cross-stick on the snare, which makes practice sessions feel more like playing an acoustic kit.