[shackman]

I've been using Linplug's RM series for years.

The latest version (RMV) includes dozens of grooves which you can load straight onto your songs at whatever tempo you've chosen for the song. You can then edit them in a midi editor to fit your needs.

But you can also select from Gigas worth of samles and pencil stuff onto a midi editor (as Metal does). All the samples can be shaped and there are randomisation controls for feel and tempo to "make it sound more live".

I actually pencil all the drum hits by hand - time consuming but effective and I like the results I get.

And you don't need a midi keyboard.

IMO, it's a question of finding the software you like and running with it. I look at Addictive and EXdrummer now and then, but I'm used to RMV and can't see that the others give me any more than I need.