Durability of buttons

Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
 Reply Share on Facebook

Durability of buttons

By brennfett Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:22 pm
Hi,
i have questions about the buttons on mpx and live.

How is the durability difference between the squishy buttons on the live and the clicky buttons on the mpc x?

On old mpcs, the clicky buttons brake from time to time over the years and you have to replace them.
I guess that would be the same case on the mpc x?
How about the mpc live, wich has only squish buttons as far as i know?

I can't decide which one to buy, x or live, because i want it to last a long time.

On a mpc 2500 runtime 6 years, i had to change all buttons at least once.


Thanks for answers!
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By NearTao Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:51 pm
While the material on the MPC Live is a rubber pad... you can hear a click... so I am pretty sure that there is a tact switch under there.

I used an MPC Live for about two years, an MPC X for about two years, and have been on the MPC Live 2 for about a year... never had a problem with the buttons, but I haven't used it as long as you're looking for...
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By EnochLight Thu Jan 21, 2021 5:12 pm
brennfett wrote:Hi,
i have questions about the buttons on mpx and live.

How is the durability difference between the squishy buttons on the live and the clicky buttons on the mpc x?

On old mpcs, the clicky buttons brake from time to time over the years and you have to replace them.
I guess that would be the same case on the mpc x?
How about the mpc live, wich has only squish buttons as far as i know?

I can't decide which one to buy, x or live, because i want it to last a long time.

On a mpc 2500 runtime 6 years, i had to change all buttons at least once.


Thanks for answers!


I had an MPC Live (first gen) for about a year, and now I'm on a Live 2. Squishy buttons are holding up fine, though you can see a bit of finger oils on them from regular use (and yeah, I wash my hands before I touch my MPC). :lol: They're holding up just fine, but I would imagine after 6 years of use they will absolutely show more wear. I have no worries - replacements will be able to be purchased I'm sure, but I'd be more interested in upgrading to a (presumably better advanced) MPC in 6 years anyway! :wink:
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By saltmcgault Thu Jan 21, 2021 5:53 pm
brennfett wrote:
On a mpc 2500 runtime 6 years, i had to change all buttons at least once.



I owned a MPC2500 for 13 years. It was a night and day difference when I replaced all the buttons. I have a MPC X now and I like the buttons they feel durable I haven't had any issues with them. The only thing I don't like are the pads. They are easy to clean but I haven't found a good way to get the oils off the pads. I've been using a sticky roller and then wiping the pads that have signs of oil on them with a cloth with 90% rubbing alcohol on it. It helps but doesn't totally get rid of it. I never had this issue with my 2500. Another pet peeve of mine is that the numeric buttons are laid out opposite of when the numeric buttons are displayed on the screen. You get use to it after awhile though.
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By Lampdog Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:03 pm
saltmcgault wrote:They are easy to clean but I haven't found a good way to get the oils off the pads..


Silicone based cleaners/sprays = OK.
Image

DO NOT USE PETROLEUM based cleaners/sprays!

saltmcgault wrote:Another pet peeve of mine is that the numeric buttons are laid out opposite of when the numeric buttons are displayed on the screen. You get use to it after awhile though.


I REALLY hate this.

Re: Durability of buttons

By J.O.BEATS Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:12 pm
Have had the same live since the initial release. I use it almost every day, taken it on tour, travel with it weekly for my day job and never have had issues with it

In my opinion, if you don’t need the I/O of the X save the cash and get the Live. You can accomplish everything else the same on both units minus some workflow differences
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By Menco Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:06 pm
I have my 2500 since 2008. Even though I had to revive a few with contactspray, none of them has really died in me yet.

I bought a 1000 last year which was hardly used. The tactswitches are still very clicky. That clicky feel and sound feels very cheap and shows they are of inferior quality, a complaint that many users had about the 1000’s/2500.

I also had the Live for a year. There is definitely a tactswitch underneath that rubberbutton, without that cheap feel and sound. They surely feel of better quality, making me believe they should be able to last 8-10years with ease.

Re: Durability of buttons

By CharlesRandolph Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:41 pm
brennfett wrote:Hi,
i have questions about the buttons on mpx and live.

How is the durability difference between the squishy buttons on the live and the clicky buttons on the mpc x?

On old mpcs, the clicky buttons brake from time to time over the years and you have to replace them.
I guess that would be the same case on the mpc x?
How about the mpc live, wich has only squish buttons as far as i know?

I can't decide which one to buy, x or live, because i want it to last a long time.

On a mpc 2500 runtime 6 years, i had to change all buttons at least once.


Thanks for answers!


1. Wash you hands before using your gear.
2. Clean your gear after each session.
3. Use a Dust cover.
4. Don't smoke in your studio.
5. Be gentle with the buttons aka don't King Kong them.

Unless there is a design flaw, they should last a long time. Some will have a shorter life span, because they're in constant use.

Re: Durability of buttons

By CharlesRandolph Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:45 pm
J.O.BEATS wrote:In my opinion, if you don’t need the I/O of the X save the cash and get the Live. You can accomplish everything else the same on both units minus some workflow differences


100% Look into the ONE as well.
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By Lampdog Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:54 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:5. Be gentle with the buttons aka don't King Kong them.

I've known MANY people to bang the play start button like it's a pad. It's WRONG.
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By EnochLight Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:55 pm
Lampdog wrote:Silicone based cleaners/sprays = OK.
Image

DO NOT USE PETROLEUM based cleaners/sprays![/color]



I love 303 - but it's not a cleaner. It's a sealant. It'll hide the oil residue under a coat of 303, though (but it doesn't remove it). Unrelated, on 303's product page, I have this EXACT SAME PATIO TABLE! Lol :lol:

Image
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By Lampdog Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:00 pm
I should have separated the terms when I posted. It's a silicone sealant that I've used on my 2kxl and have never had problems with oils and such.

I've used it on the rubber door seals on my car, and they still look damn near new after many years.

Re: Durability of buttons

By 40Beatz Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:02 pm
Change Yall Furnace Filter and Clean the Air Ducts more often :lol:

Re: Durability of buttons

By CharlesRandolph Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:47 pm
40Beatz wrote:Change Yall Furnace Filter and Clean the Air Ducts more often :lol:


Suggestion don't put equipment in the same room as a furnace. :lol: But the truth, when you work with a lot of different vocalist, paying attention quality of the air is important. Air quality rules of the Studio: No smoking, No pets, No candles, No perfumes or heavy scents, No Plants.
User avatar

Re: Durability of buttons

By Lampdog Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:50 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:No pets


Boooooooo. My house is my dog's house also.
 Reply
Return to MPC X, MPC One, MPC Live & MPC Key