The MX-980 is somewhat "fragile," mores than earlier models in the HTM range. Note I put it in quotes, it's still relatively durable, but it's not bullet-proof and it's not as robust as many other remotes out there, while being far more robust than others (like low end Harmony models which frankly don't rank well compared to $5 remotes)

First you have the paint which starts to show wear after only a few months of gentle use.

The case will quite easily pop open on one corner after a modest drop onto a hardwood floor. Easy enough to snap back together.

The motion-sensor after a couple of these drops has a decent chance of no longer perfuming as it used to. The only way to light up the screen on my MX-980 without pushing a button now is to shake it quite vigorously. Mere tilting and gentle motion will not register - it used to.

The rubber USB cover is going to degrade if used often. This won't affect most people because their remotes will be programmed by the CI very infrequently, or perhaps only once.

The plastics used are as robust as pretty much anything out there, but ABS and Polycarbonate are used in remotes and other products at all price levels, so this isn't much of a surprise.