I think the last one that I played with was the Yamaha RX-V2085 9.2-Ch x 140 Watts A/V Receiver (same as RX-A2080). When you depressed the volume keys, it was a noticeable click down and audible. It may not bother some, but it did me. The remote in the new RX-A series looks like the same basic design. Its different from the other AVR manufactures soft press rubber buttons with no sound.
On the RXA1080 the remote control doesn't make a clicking sound when pressing the volume 'up' button, but it does make a tiny clicking sound when pressing the volume 'down' button.
Looking at the remote, as the down button is depressed and the 'up button is raised, I would assume that the designers would be doing this on purpose to easily enable the users to identify what button is what, in a dark cinema.
Not only do they offer a different 'feel', but they also delineate themselves by having a slight sound.
Now you could argue that the tiny clicking noise may pull you out of a movie... but I believe to even attempt to make that argument you'd be pulling your string back a long way on the bow.
Heck, I had not noticed / cared about it whatsoever on a Yamaha AVR - ever.
Nor had I read of anyone noticing it.
I can only assume the designer would be happy that someone finally cares enough about their choice to make mention of it?
For the record, I quite like the remote, but I also prefer multi-function remotes from the likes of ElanG and Logitech over having to pick up numerous remote controls to drive my AV gear.