Anyone's buttons going bad? possible solution.

so here's something else i've been looking into while waiting on shipping for the pad materials.

the switches under the mpc1000 buttons are "tact switches," digital ON/OFF switches which we can order from vst/solder in if ours go bad. my MODE key has been going out for the last week or two (and previously, my up arrow key was going bad but it fixed itself somehow).

i'd say the arrow keys and the mode key get the biggest workout for my workflow, at least - i'm sure other people have a different one. however, the point stands that after 2 years of pretty heavy use, these things can be expected to start acting erratically.

as of now, the buttons that are in there are these buttons where you have to push down and get a CLICK for the push to be registered. this is fine, but actually slows me down a little bit. i'd rather be able to lightly tap these tact switches and get a result rather than somewhat forcibly pushing down with my finger.

i just ordered my first tact switch replacement from vst, so i could A, replace my mode switch and B, use the old mode switch to figure out what these things are/how they are made.

the switch cost 7 bones from vst. these things are available from other electronics elements stores like mouser for mad cheap. however, it may be the same thing - a push style button.

maybe someday i'll have touch buttons which respond when you gently tap them instead of when you make em CLICK.

think: you're in step edit and you want to go down 4 data entries. rather than 4 clicks, each one slowly chipping away at your switch's life, you could just brush the button. it'd take some getting used to and i'd have to make sure there wouldn't be false/accidental triggers, but i think this is worth looking into. it'd be nice to have some softer, non clicky buttons on the 1k.

no problems yet with the switches. i broke the plastic numeric button, but i got replacements from VST.

as of late, the encoder on my data wheel is acting up. i knew it was a matter of time before it started giving me problems, since dickhead rob ray at akai sent me a b-stock replacement unit which the encoder is wobbly. i'll replace that encoder eventually when i get the chance.

ive thought about that too dude - considering finding a 3rd party rotary encoder that'll last more than a year of heavy use....

... can you also build a tank-like seamless exterior for the 1k? Those shoddy plastic sides are a bit cheapo...

When you are done it will prob be possible to have a completely modded 1k (from pads,buttons and dial - thru to OS) that will easily be able to take over the known multiverse!

... can you also build a tank-like seamless exterior for the 1k?

hahah maybe someday. i have no problem with the plastic sides on my mpc.

ya my mode button and shift button died a well as my f6. but i fixed them both by using my nail to retrigger it. it sucks to open it up just to do this everytime it gets stuck though. AND YES I DID SAY OPENING UP THE MPC.

$7 for a tact switch? jeez, they've really bumped the price. i should be able to sort out much cheaper ones, once i've seen what they look like.

yeah modnar i'll take a picture of one immediately after swapping out the new one.

cool.

wait... let me get this straight... $7 just for the tact switch? or is that including shipping?
if it's just for the switch, i'd say fuk it and buy them in bulk from mouser.com for a hell of alot cheaper.