Getting started with scratching?

So I have been eyeing some DJ equipment recently, but mostly just because I want to add some scratch to my beats. If this is my only intention, is it safe to assume that I don't need anything too crazy? I was thinking about getting a decent turntable and maybe NI's cheapest Traktor mixer so I'd have a nice crossfader to use.

Do I need two decks and a Traktor hardware unit if I don't have any intention of doing full on DJ sets? Sorry for being a total noob here, I'm pretty well versed in the rest of the NI ecosystem, but this Traktor and DJ stuff is all pretty foreign to me.

 

Hi mate, you can scratch on most equipment these days, but baring in mind usually anything digital like a controller or cdjs, the platter won't spin on its own which isn't the best to learn how to scratch on I found personally as you don't get alot of feedback from the platter. It's always best to get a mixer or controller that has a half decent crossfader which also has a 'crossfader curve' to adjust the cut in time also. If your looking to get a turntable make sure that it is direct drive and not belt driven and like you said the Traktor Z2 mixer which I currently own myself is spot on for scratching, the crossfader is mint! I only have one turntable atm also, but you can play a song or instrumental through the other deck on the Traktor software which you will get free with the mixer and then just use the turntable to scratch over the beat which is all you need to to learn unless you want to mix and get into turntablism then you will need two. Like anything these days you do get what you pay for just try to avoid cheap turntables, your always best getting one decent turntable than two cheap ones.

Hope this helps