I want to swap the encoders of an E25 and regular digi. What’s the best method to remove an encoder and put it back on?
Same for the buttons: I‘ve already done this once on a Rytm with guitar picks, as Elektron had recommended. However, while it worked fine, I broke several picks during the process. Is there a better option?
if you want to swap the encoder knobs, just pull off the knobs with your fingers, that’s the easiest way. I usually try to get my knuckle kind of low to the deck so I’m not pulling with just my fingertips.
the button caps are a hell of a lot easier to remove with the faceplate and the control PCB detached from the case (and from each other), but if you aren’t comfortable with that then use guitar picks.
or you could buy a couple of different size of spudgers. the spudger might give more leverage and is probably made out of vinyl or something durable.
the buttons clip down (sort of) I think on the sides, so while you can remove them by prying top to bottom or bottom to top, they come off easier by doing it left to right, or right to left.
my memory is foggy on that, it could be the other way around, but the point is to look at where the retaining clips are on the button cap (either sides or top/bottom) and then pop them up from that direction every time.
it’s been a little while, but I’m remembering that they come up with less resistance when you leverage from the direction that the button cap is clipped into the actual button.
I’ve had no issues using flat pliers wrapped in electrical tape thinly at all surfaces touching anything, also using double sided sticky tape and grabbing the thinner width as if you might with fingers
The key here is to know your own patience and motoric sensitivity - i’d be confident of judging this without fear of marking anything ymmv - but it works a treat - pull straight up - so only try if you are sure, it’s not needing any force at all, nothing like that to get the encoder cap off that’s just pulling or, if needed, prying with one/two spudgers (craft from old toothbrush handles if you have none)
Thanks to both of you, I‘ve used a guitar pick for the buttons and found a more elegant way this time, though it still hurts the pick a bit. Cool that the encoders can just be pulled off!
I am guessing something like this would work,but can’t confirm, I have used one for a keyboard before
Keycap Puller Stainless Steel Key Removal Tool Keycaps Remover for Mechanical Keyboard Removing Fixing Tools https://a.co/d/2tOvSS2
