Hmm, its strange. Most of my Elektrons are not really sticky I would say. Syntakt and OT MK2 leave a strange feeling on my fingers thou as if something from the plastic makes my fingers slick like soap.
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The issue in a lot of cases is that the plasticizers used to create soft-touch coatings out-gas over time, and if this happens in an enclosed space it is likely to be deposited on the surface of the keys.
Or they just generally degrade with age.
Sunlight, temperature, and humidity may affect how rapidly it degrades, but itās just the reality of these material choices. Itās not an issue of cleanliness.
Double-shot plastic keys should last far longer than coated clear ones - but would be more expensive to produce.
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Need an option for ādoesnāt matter since they feel like poo anyway.ā
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I have owned various devices since 2018 (currently 7) and use them every day.
I cleaned the FUNC and PAGE buttons on a few devices.
But that was dirt from my fingers.
Otherwise I had no problems.
Coincidence?
I donāt smoke, the air is relatively dry, no direct sunlight and most of the time the devices are covered.
Perhaps the good condition of my devices is also due to the fact that my climatic conditions are similar to those in Sweden.
ā¦It is clear that other environmental conditions lead to faster change. And maybe there was a poorly made batch.
If my buttons change, I would replace the coating.
ā¦Or order new buttons.
I have the same problem with my A4 MKII, I tried cleaning them with water and a little hand soap, some of them were ruined (maybe my mistake). I find it frankly absurd that a machine that costs more than ā¬1000 gives such a problem even after three years. And it is even more absurd if, as many of you say, the problem is due to the plexiglass cover sold on the Elektron website, which is absurd and inconceivable. I have several synths but none of them were damaged that badly, and when I cleaned it the problem was solved.
I have had a Roland MC-303 since 1996, never had any problems like this, it always works perfectly with any product.
At least Elektron could sell the complete pushbutton panels on the site but not even that. Absurd Iām very angry!
Nice synths, beautiful sounds but from the point of view of the quality of the materials they are comparable to the Chinese ones, above all absurd prices.
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You can simply order by email
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I have had 2 sets of buttons for my digitakt. Both have gone sticky. This has nothing to do with not washing hands as mentioned etc. I take extremely good care of my equipment, keeping them clean etc. It seems that manufactures use this product assuming the whole world has a similar climate to northern Europe. Here in Brazil you cannot escape the humidity unless you have in a 24/7 climate controlled environment (pro studio etc). Unfortunately this is not the case for the majority. The product seems to degrade quickly in hot and humid environments no matter how well you look after it.
This product should def be removed and a clear hardy coating should be used. It degrades the whole quality of the instrument. In contrast the buttons on my Analog 4 mk1 are as good as newā¦ hard plastic ftw.
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Iād like to know who to write to, but what if the same thing happens to these new ones too? But the cost? I certainly donāt live in Sweden and the climate is now very hot in the summer and very humid.
I paid ā¬2 per button/button.
But Iāve also heard from people that it was free.
It doesnāt hurt to ask.
Try āusercare@elektron.seā
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This is a great feedback
I hope Elektron is reading these comments and listening her fans
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ok thank you very much, Iāll try, Iāll sign the email
Lollao the best is to order a full set in case this re-happens in the future
I will definitely never use the cover on my Rytm anymore
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I use a light cotton cloth. Maybe that makes the difference
Damn thatās 110ā¬ for a full replacement of an OT. To which rotary pots needs to be added.
Wait, thatās really a thing? Some kind of chemical reaction?
Yes it could be the lack of air generates a reaction when the temperature is quite high and mainly in countries where the temperature is quite high in summers
Sort of greenhouse effect
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yes but it is unthinkable. What happens if I go around playing live and does the synth melt? Iām going to Spain to playā¦ no Iām not going because I have an elektron machine? Absurd things that are neither in heaven nor on earth for what Elektron charges for them 
Yes, there are synths to use in the hyperbaric chamber, crazy things
Elektron should at least offer a more durable key cap + rotary cap replacement kit for customers. That soft touch material is known to be a disaster for many years.
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If I had a problem with the buttons I would just print my own. Or have them printed.
Elektron uses an industry standard. So there are enough templates.
ā¦Or remove the surface and recoat it.
There are already enough offers for the knobs.