What is the problem?
I’ve been a user of the Tracker mini almost since its release, it’s been my first tracker from Polyend, but I have used a DirtyWave M8 before that.
I’m in love with the product, especially considering Polyend has been very open and listening to their customers and have added a lots of the features I and others have requested in the wishes forum.
The only thing I dislike about it is actually the enclosure and the buttons. I find the soft plastic enclosure not looking very robust and not feeling very nice in my hands. I would not mind if it was a tad bit heavier and sturdy looking. A metallic enclosure and easily actionable buttons would bring it a way better feeling
The ability to upgrade our current units would be an appreciated move for the loyal user base, while boosting the product’s sales lifecycle.
What should this feature achieve?
That would consist of :
-
A metallic edition of the Tracker mini to the market with different feel of the buttons (switch buttons that would easily click would be the best). I guess aluminium is the best candidate.
-
An upgrade kit for current users to upgrade their original Tracker mini, at a reasonable price.
Additional remarks about the solution :
-
Black would be the best looking option. I don’t know how much anodizing or painting a color on it would be difficult and costly to manufacture. In that case, the raw silver aluminium color would already be a big improvement in terms of feel
-
If it is easier for both the edition and the upgrade kit process to change the material of the back of the enclosure, the change of only the front plate and buttons would already be a big progress on the feeling while using the unit
-
Considering this product does not have any wireless capabilities by default, I believe there should not be any issues with interference when using a metallic enclosure. At the occasion, it would also let us elegantly stick CME’s WIDI (Bluetooth MIDI/Host) adapters or other accessories through their magnets.
Are there any workarounds?
-
Trying to find an existing skin (probably would be vniyl though) or build one with a CNC machine
-
Fixing the switches would require more work of searching for switches compatible with the PCB and creating an actual faceplate that can accommodate these switches.
Any links to related discussions?
Any references to other products?
- Some of the og Polyend Trackers (if I am not mistaken)
- DirtyWave M8
- TE OP-1 / Field / XY
- Roland SP404mk2