I have an AR MKI.
I find the position of the Func and Track buttons uncomfortable and confusing. I wonder if I could swap the buttons with some wires and solder? Has anyone done anything like this on any of their gear?
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you’ve had it a few days!!!?!?!? isnt; it worth trying to adapt in your brain before such a drastic action.
writing this down i’ve got a flashback to another machine of yours minus a button modification… the md?
as you were then, rip it open. 
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LMAO
Yeah, it was a Oddysean solution, of which I am a big proponent.
I haven’t butchered my MD MKII but in this case I think Elektron would agree with me if you look at the AR MKII.
Since this is MK2, they had opportunity to revisit the layout and decided against it. So doubtful they would agree…
…but if they did, an option to remap the keys in software would be less irreversible. I wonder if the ARM2 TRK key cap is the same size as the OT2 FUNC.
Sorry forgot to mention I have a MKI. You can check yourself that they swapped the buttons’ positions on the MKII.
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OK that makes way more sense. Carry on, I hope you’re able to realize your circuit bending idea!
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You have a valid point here my friend. My first Elektron was Digitakt (with function button atop), and when I got the AMK1, it was very difficult to get used to have a track button atop.
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I would ask Elektron directly, in case they give you some previous advice.
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what I might try - the long version
If I were going to try something this reckless I would forget the idea of swapping them, I would instead perhaps try and figure out the specific type of button first, how many contacts etc, and look for a similar button (not the shape of the button but the connection), I’d add wires ONLY to the function button and then I’d probably run them remote out of the case into a little plastic housing which I would stick to the outside in that vacant space above track and below master volume.
To at least temporarily try this out, I’d use a piece of low adhesivity (specifically marketed as a low adhesivity) painter’s tape and on top of that put a square of the least cushioned 3m double stick you can find. The double stick tape right on that powdercoat is a recipe for disaster. The plastic button housing, of course, on top of this landing pad.
As far as the button I’d use whatever has the lowest profile you can find and similarly, little plastic enclosure like those things commemorative coins or lapel pins come in, and after soldering the wires to it, I’d probably use hot melt glue inside the case to keep it really secure. I’d try that for a few days and see if you can get used to it.
Yes, it will be ugly. Yes, it will leave a second function button connected in parallel but functionally, that shouldn’t be a problem. The advantages here though are that there is no permanence of the mod and if you change your mind, you haven’t ruined the board and there’s nothing to back out of. The likelihood of being able to keep the same positions but switch the button functions on the machine is low because you’ll need a way to break the mechanical connection between the positions on the board and the buttons themselves, while still keeping them retained as you would with the physical connections in place.
Just being honest when I say that it’s looking for trouble, even if your soldering skills are top grade, I could see this requiring you to (at a minimum) cut traces and run wires from the other side of the traces to the button connections, and that would be too much of a headache for me to undertake. Most of this project sounds like a headache, but if you’re really into the idea I’d see if you can cash out and buy a mkII when you find a good price. The prices between the 2 are not so different that it’s worth throwing away the machine if this gets messed up.
Looking at the layout, and having used mostly digi devices, I can relate though. I mean, I’d adapt after a few days, but those first few days without the upper func button would be rough. Maybe consider painting the function button cap bright yellow or something, with glow in the dark paint even, to remind you that it’s the function button. Lot cheaper and easier to accomplish, plus the replacement button caps are like $3 to purchase through customer support.
This is only my opinion, please do as you see fit.
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Short answer yes – but since the buttons are through hole mounted you’d have to cut some traces and rewire from those points. At least that’s my assumption. If you are not skilled in electronics and soldering this is a very bad idea.
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