Check always the datasheets!
Some encoders have shorter lifecycle than pots and viceversa.
And ideally, as it depends on how you use them in a real world scenario.
Even between pots there is longer and shorter lifecycle!
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Of course. And the software reading the encoders also needs to understand the ageing process, which it often doesnāt. Hence failing encoders might need to be operated more slowly or they skip readings or go backwards etc. Iāve had lots of synths since the late 70s and Iām just giving a general impression of my experience - by no means a comprehensive overview. 
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Update.
My new PCB arrived.
It was so easy to fit. Anyone who has ever swapped a card in their computer will have no problems.
My Analog 4 looks and feels like new.
Delighted!
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Does anybody know if Analog four/Keys (mk1) and Analog Rytm mk1 use the same encoders and buttons (of course they look the same but you never know) and moreover, does anybody know if there are better alternatives: I donāt know maybe a new version of the same component fully compatible but certified to last twice or with metal shaft.
Out of curiosity: did someone replaced āstandardā click-less Bourns encoders with the (same greycode but) clicky ones a.k.a āwith detentsā? If so - how do they feel compared to clickless? Is click resistance annoying or not?
That is a pretty good deal, when you consider you get display , buttons , and encoders and new PCB. No solderingā¦ you got me thinking. I swaped one of my encoder , and the display, another one is getting strange lately. Considering that a4 is my favourite synth, i just might contact elektron to see if i could get PCB board.
Is it considered normal that encoders fail already on such a young device, and a state of the art one at that? It seems to me better endurance should be expected from such components and device.
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Exactly how I thought of it.
Iāve fitted the new PCB. It was a very simple process. I now effectively have brand new upper A4. The LEDs and the display are so much brighter and all of the buttons/encoders are perfect.
No reason why I wonāt get another 6 or 7 hrs out of it now. And yes itās my favorite too.
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Itās a fair question to ask. I donāt have any other examples to compare it to.
My A4 will have been 6 or 7 yrs old I guess
The encoders they used are of high quality. All of the parts inside are of hq. Maybe not the military grade, but at least you can find them easily.
Hi!
I just bought a second hand A4 MKI and Iām considering replacing ALL 11 encoders to start fresh because some of them donāt pass the Test Mode if not turned really slowly. Some of them work just fine, but Iām afraid of replacing only 2 or 3 of them and have issues with the others in a few months.
I contacted Elektron support and they told me to send my A4 to Sweden to have the knobs replaced. I just replied asking for the option to buy a complete PCB and have it installed by myself. Waiting for the response.
Is it a difficult process? Do you have a Youtube explaining the process? I just canāt find one.
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Yeah I recall a thread about it. Each click is more than a single step so say goodbye to precision.
Itās easy. Iāve had to take my md apart regularly (oxidized connection from the ui board to the main board when it sits unused for a while) whole thing takes maybe 6min if youāre being methodical. If you can unscrew things and remove ribbon cables youāre set
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