Using Buttons: Types & Use Cases

Buttons are the most direct and immediate form of control on your Yaeltex controller. They are designed for instantaneous actions—triggering events, toggling states, and navigating your software. With rich RGB LED feedback, they provide not just control, but a clear visual language for your entire workflow.

This guide explores the variety of button elements you can choose in the Factory and their most common applications.

Why Use a Button?

Unlike the continuous control of a knob or fader, a button's purpose is to send a distinct "on" or "off" message. This makes them the perfect tool for any binary action. The integrated RGB LEDs can be programmed to light up in specific colors to show you the status of a track, clip, or effect, making your controller a dynamic and responsive instrument.

Common Use Cases:

• DAW Control: Launching clips and scenes in Ableton Live, transport controls (Play, Stop, Record), or track functions (Mute, Solo, Arm).
• Sequencing: Programming steps in a drum machine or melodic sequencer.
• Performance: Triggering samples, firing one-shot effects, or switching between controller memory banks.

Button Types

We offer a range of button elements to suit different ergonomic and functional needs.

Big RGB Buttons

These four large, highly visible rubber buttons are easy to locate and press, making them perfect for your controller's most important functions.

• Factory ID: RB-41
• Best For: Primary transport controls (Play/Stop), bank selection, or as large, satisfying finger-drumming pads.

Long RGB Buttons

This element of eight rectangular rubber buttons is ergonomically designed to be placed directly below faders or knobs.

• Factory ID: RB-42
• Best For: Creating a classic channel strip layout for dedicated Mute, Solo, or Record Arm buttons for each track.

Mini RGB Button Grids

These elements pack a high density of small rubber buttons into a compact grid, ideal for building complex control surfaces.

• Factory IDs: RB-42M (8 buttons in a 4x2 grid), RB-82M (16 buttons in an 8x2 grid)
• Best For: Creating a clip-launching matrix for Ableton Live, building a compact step sequencer, or for dense grids of secondary functions.

Arcade Buttons

Sourced from Seimitsu of Japan, these are "virtually unbreakable" buttons engineered for intense, repetitive use. They offer a distinct tactile click and are exceptionally durable.

• Factory ID: ARC-41
• Best For: High-impact performance effects, rapid-fire sample triggering, or any application where you need maximum durability.

An Important Note on Velocity

Our rubber buttons and arcade buttons are designed for precise triggering and are non-velocity-sensitive. They will send a fixed MIDI velocity value, which can be defined in Kilowhat.

Visual Customization

In the Factory's Appearance View, you can customize your buttons:

• Text Labels: Add a custom label above, below, or on the button to clearly identify its function.
• Arcade Button Colors: For the Arcade Button element, you can choose from 8 different physical plastic colors for the buttons themselves.

Configuring in Kilowhat

The true power of your buttons is unlocked in our Kilowhat software. For each button, you can define:

• The specific MIDI Note or CC (Control Change) message it will send.
• The MIDI Channel it will transmit on.
• Its fundamental behavior:
• • Momentary: The button sends one message when pressed and another when released (like a key on a piano). This is ideal for triggering samples or temporary effects.
  • Toggle: The button alternates between "on" and "off" states with each press (like a light switch). This is perfect for Mute/Solo functions or activating/deactivating an effect.

By selecting the right button types for your layout, you can build a highly responsive and intuitive instrument that reacts instantly to your every command.

Updated on: 25/06/2025