I prefer silent buttons and keys, but I envy the satisfying tactile feedback that you get from those clicky ones. Well done Bob, the controller turned out beautifully.
This is the reason i subscribed. Wulff has one of the chillest channels on youtube. Whenever i feel my anxiety is too much to handle. I take a break from what im doing, and take 5-10 min to destress with wulffs videos. Easily helped me through the covid crisis! Seeing someones hobby turn into something i could do too really hits home how cool these type of activities are for dealing wuth stress. Thanks wulff!
Having made a ton of portables, I greatly prefer the feel of soft tactile switches. They are somewhere between the abruptness of straight tact switches and the gumminess of deep membrane connections. I actually did the reverse of this mod recently on a third-party switch grip.
Soft tactile switches? What are they like? I think _ideal_ face buttons should feel kinda like those 'deep' power buttons you see on some appliances. The ones where there is some travel with springy tension followed by a click at the bottom (those ones where the button stays in a bit when it's toggled to the 'on' position), except they would of course be momentary instead of toggle. Is that what a soft tactile switch is like?
If you like that specific click and you want to do this mod, you might want to find some slim tactile switches and maintain/replace the rubber membranes. The GBA SP has a thin rubber membrane between the plastic button and the tact switch, which cuts the slack a bit and turns the harsh clack of a metal dome striking a contact into a nice and refined click.
@@BlamedAxis Ah okay, well maybe go and watch the video Wolff den made about how he creates (and edits) his videos. I did tell you how to comment. Simple.
Yeah. I am very much able to solder, that was part of my profession, when I worked as electrician. But I'm certainly not gonna do this stuff. If there were some Microswitches built for this PCB that would be another story, but using trial and error and potentionally trying out 10 switches and drilling the Button Caps until it somewhat fits - oh hell no. I'm pretty confident that I COULD make it work, the soldering really isn't that hard, but nope. To much fiddling around. I'm pretty satisfied with the Buttons as they are, so that ain't worth it. Cool project tough, I like it a ton. Wouldn't recommend that mod to a beginner tough. Those Pro Controllers are expansive AF and if you mess up to bad, which very well could happen if you ain't experienced, you threw away 70 Bucks . (Changing the Triggers and Shell tough, that's easy and anyone could do it without greater risk of destroying it)
@@sagichdirdochnicht4653 ExtremeRate makes a tactile face-button board for PS5 controllers, so maybe they'll make one for Switch Pro Controller, but if I did this mod, I would probably 3D print the face buttons in resin so you can dial in the clearance and maybe design it to fit over the switches better. And probably make a simple jig that could be hot glued to the board to prevent the switches from going anywhere (and to make sure they're perfectly square).
Did not know they sold octogonal analog shells. Might need to do that. Not for smash as much as because I hate when games require a straight walk and I fail miserably. UPDATE: So I ended up filing my left stick gate only (but actually made it shaped like an octagon), as I still play a decent amount of shooters, so keeping my right stick circular was better for aiming. I also added the hair trigger, and put in some magnetic xbox one pro controller type sticks. Now I'm tempted to do more mods as that hair trigger mod feels NICE. BTW, my right PIN was a pain in the ASS to get out, broke the plastic tweezers the kit came with and had to mangle a cheap pair of metal ones. But WOW, this is now my favorite controller by far as long as I don't need analog triggers.
@@Littlemexican3306 Reporting back! I did the replacements, it was easy enough. The A button wasn’t too bad since I knew only had to remove a tiny bit of plastic. I just held the drill bit with my hand and twisted it one rotation instead of using a actual drill. I’m not used to the new switches yet. I’m actually terrible at smash with this controller but I’ve only spent a couple hours playing. Might be a little bit too shallow of a press for me personally. Oh well 🤷🏻♂️
@@ggarcia4114 nice nice I feel like some kinda medium sized switches with a solid click would feel amazing ofc there's only so much room in a controller but it is an interesting idea
I love how in each video where you have a new controller with tactile switches, you have to have that one sentence about why it is better with the click one than to mushy ones
also if you attempt to do this and paint that one black peice on the top you should also do a light sanding of it before painting. the sanding removes remaining residue/finish that protects the plastic/helps eject it from the mold. its a small difference but it helps in the long run
Just as a heads up, you might want to dab in some hot glue on the sides of the buttons to help with stability. Solder is decently strong but it will wear down over time the more you press. Anything you can do to help keep those buttons in place will greatly lengthen time in between repairs.
What type of hot glue/hot glue gun do you recommend? Would some type of super glue work instead. That seems easier and cheaper to work with in my mind, but I'm new to this so I could be wrong. While hot glue would seem to help with stability and not needing to do repairs for a longer period, what would happen if it were to break and it's hot glued in place? Is there any repair process at that point or is it just forever broken? I'm sorry for all of the questions. I'm new to this and think your suggestion is something I want to do, I just want as much clarity as possible before I attempt this.
@@grantwalker7124 the main reason I said hot glue is because despite it helping strengthen the solder joint it is also marginally easy to peel off of the PCB and repair the part you need. For that same reason I wouldn't recommend super glue, but also because super glue doesn't build up very well to create a strong base. As for what type of hot glue gun to use, anything low to medium heat will do. You just need something that will do the minimum and preferably extrude to a fine tip, since you're working with small parts. **EDIT** I meant to say super doesn't build up very well and is near impossible to remove if needed
@@Rillion02 Thank you for the reply. That makes sense. These are likely stupid questions, but I'm new to soldering and would like as much clarification as possible. The video doesn't clarify these things: What thickness should the soldering wire be for doing this? As thin as possible, right? What type of soldering wire? "Tin Lead Resin Core" or some other type?
I'm no expert by any means, I've just done some super basic solder jobs before too, but yes I would definitely recommend thin solder to not get big globs of it in places you don't need it. I've definitely made that mistake before 😅. And yes you could use a lead free flux core solder for this.
@@Rillion02 Hey, Adam. Just got everything in the mail, and plan on starting the mod soon. Overall, do you have any advice? This will be my first attempt at something like this, and while it does seem like a more straightforward thing, I would appreciate any tip you are able to throw my way. Edit: Also curious as to if you did the d-pad, and if you did, any advice there? What size of the tactile switches are best for that? Would like to attempt that.
Very impressive. The buttons sound fantastic and I’m sure feel amazing. The final product is beautiful too. You did a great job with the spray paint, wasn’t sure how that would turn out, but it worked great.
I must say i got it better without drill the buttons. I use slim switches and insert a 3d print part to remove the space between switch and button. I replace all buttons and rhe dpad. And i make the trigger cable itself with a replacement and some switches. With a tin tip of soldering iron the soldering is very easy
I love the eXtremeRate shells, but a word of warning to anyone getting soft-touch shells. The paint they use is relatively easy to scratch if you're not careful. I converted my JoyCons to safety yellow and with the Satisfye Switch grip, I would occasionally notice scratches where dug into the front sides from sliding it in and out.
If you’re gonna keep doing soldering projects, I really recommend getting a T12 soldering station. You can find them for like $65 bucks, they come with 3 tips, and have a huge temperature range. It’s also thinner than the ones you plug into the wall, so it’s a lot easier to control the point
@@WulffDen I don't prefer the kind of buttons the joucons have, but if you've ever used an OG Saturn controller (the model 2/Japanese design) the switches they used for the shoulder buttons were fantastic
I did this mod to the 8bitdo sn30 pro 2, it works really nice now, it is a little bit harder because the copper pads for the face buttons are really slim but it is still possible. I used super glue to secure better the switches, it is possible to add the switches to the shoulder buttons but it is really really hard so I just did it to the face buttons and the dpad
I have done all these modifications but with a matcha green shell, it is a thing of beauty. It was totally worth it. But I also spent to much money on this stuff again because of your video :D
@@grantwalker7124 for what especially? Tbh for me the hardest part was the painting, I am not good at, it was so much pain. If I ever do this again I will simply leave it black :D
this was exactly what I was looking for in a pro controller. I'm already planning on getting extremerate clicky triggers for the PS5 controller. this would be a perfect match for my setup
I just happened to have done my first extremerate front/back shell replacement on a pro controller today, so it's interesting to see this video come out around the same time. Definitely surprised you didn't go for a D-pad mod just to see how feasible it might be to "fix" it.
In that same switch kit should be some 2.5mm tall buttons, they worked perfectly under the d-pad, I replaced the d-pad buttons as well and that made this controller into a mario powerhouse, as much as you like the tactile buttons I recommend you crack it open and swap those out too, you won't be sorry.
Which 2.5mm tall piece did you use specifically? I saw a 2p black, 4p white, and a 4p black and can't figure out which one to use. Also, if possible, do you have pics of your final product? I want to make sure I solder these on correctly.
I actually just finished this project based on this video. You definitely don't need to drill out the buttons! The switch measurements you had are perfect. What I did was hold the switches in place with some blue tac and then put flux & solder on TOP. The buttons feel amazing! Thanks so much for the research, idea, and execution plan! Edit: I made the micro switch and button change mods to my wife's controller and it actually had the clearance issue... I guess the plastics can be of variable tolerances?
Any chance I could find a tutorial for the method you did this? I have all the parts I need but the video isn't the most clear for me since I'm brand new to soldering.
@@analog7259 I couldn't find a good tutorial but it's very similar to how he's doing it in this video at 6:35 except I used blue tac on the side of the switch to hold it down so I didn't have to hold it with tweezers to get the first anchor point. This also allows you to start applying the solder on top so you don't accidentally raise it up which would affect the button actuation. As for tools for this project, I'd use: - Leaded rosin core solder. Lead so it melts easier and rosin core so it has flux inside it which helps it stay clean. - A good soldering iron set at a high temperature. I use a Hakko FX-888D at 750f/400c which is probably overkill for this project but a good high watt iron that won't lose heat on you will make your life easier. - Extra flux to keep things clean and the solder sticky. Especially helpful if you're new and not moving quickly. - A solder pump or a solder wick in case you make a mistake. - Something to solder on. A silicone mat is ideal for this imo. - Blue tac or something you can use to hold things in place temporarily.
Part of the reason I've often preferred handhelds is they usually use tactile buttons Especially helps with the dpad, part of the reason I like the new Xbox controller
I did this whole mod for my niece for Christmas - pretty much identical except a different set of colors - she loves it & went wild using it for Smash Bros. 2 thumbs up, would recommend
Fun fact you can actually use the same button switches on the dpad too. I did it myself but you do have to fold the metal connectors to make space for it. Only the 3 x 6 x 2.5 white buttons will work for the dpad.
Actually no I didn’t It’s been going great now for 7 months; just make sure you fold the metal tabs in and just be very thorough with your soldering. I love it though I couldn’t go back to how it was before.
Crazy i just started diving myself into switches on console remotes and tact switch modding my psi controller. I was so preoccupied with finding different ways to go about this i didnt see you uploaded this until now. Sick controller.
I took the extra trigger plugs from the trigger kit and widened the little hole underneath the abxy, and then was able to test out some switches from the switch kit. I ended up using the flatter 4 prong from the switch kit. Haven't tried to solder it yet, just prototyped it with double sided tape from the trigger kit
I have 2 8bitdo sn30 pro + controllers and 1 of their arcade sticks. So far no complaints, until something better comes along, I think I'll be with them for a long time.
I'm very unsure if I would want to do a modification like this to my buttons. I kinda like the silence of the controller compared to playing games on my keyboard. If I was able to try something like this out first in person though I might chance my mind. I am however, *very* interested in the octagonal gate!
I tried this mod and I honestly don't recommend it. the main issue is with the switches he recommended, they're ever so slightly too big which makes them really hard to solder and they don't even feel that good when its all done. luckily its also pretty easy to undo so I went back to the rubber domes. If you are going to do it look into other switches and it might work out fantastic (gaming mouse switches maybe idk).
At 6:53 it looks like you've got a ball of solder on the pad and are trying to lay the switch's pins against it. This can make a cold solder joint which is flimsy and has a flaky connection, in addition to being the hard way of doing it. I suggest you try and heat the pad and pin simultaneously on one side, and add your solder wire on the other. Solder flows towards heat, so this is both easier and gets you a better joint.
I love how the switches are out of stock, haha. Good thing I managed to grab mine. Will definitely be a fun project to make a better controller. Soldering shouldn't be a problem either, since I've already practiced that plenty with replacing thumbsticks. And yeah, ExtremeRate definitely have great items to customize your controller, great customer service, too.
i wish there was an actual kit made for this purpose, i dont mind having to solder, and it would be super nice if something would work right away without all the drilling
Whelp. I just ordered some buttons, a shell, and the shoulder kit. I haven't soldered in about 15 years so I'm sure this will go well. Great idea and vid, Bob!
The excellent use of blue in the backgrounds really make the video have a sense of unification which in turn makes it look very beautiful and stylish. Keep up the amazing work. 🙏🏻💙
I bought the clicky shoulder buttons for my controller because it was not registering my inputs correctly, plus, tbh the stock shoulder buttons feel very crappy. They feel totally amazing.
I bought a Razer Wolverine v2 for my birthday a few months back. You would be surprised on how useful clicky buttons are for controllers. you can feel and hear when you have the button down, not just guessing you have it all the way down.
I love these types of videos. I hope you do more of these in the future. I do a lot of soldering and use the same kit as you, just with the green case. It has served me well during the year or two I have owned it!
I've just got into keyboards the past two months myself and it didn't even dawn on me that you could be doing the same with controllers. Excellent video
I was just thinking about doing this today. Couldn't figure out what switches to use until this video found me. Glad to know someone else hates silicone membranes
There’s also a good switch pro controller alternative called the mobapad Chitu it’s the same shape as the switch pro controller but every button has micro switch’s and I love it honestly but I know some people don’t like the off white and mute red color but I love it
Wow soldering is a step up, I just recently bought the OLED and replaced the shells, installed the extremeRate soft red shell and gold button led kit with no experience to hardware at all but if I can do software and be at the top of all 3 classes I think I can adapt to some instructions. All the reviews said it was a really frustrating process, after I did the left joycon 1½ hours, I did the harder right joycon in only 30 minutes after I got the hold of the screw and circuit placement.
I'll have to keep this idea in mind. I've already modded my pro controller with a translucent blue shell with octagonal gates, a silicone grip from Foamy Lizard, thumbstick grips from Skull & Co., and even wrapped the stick shafts with UHMW tape to prevent the plastic from grinding and causing that plastic dust build up. Having these micro switches would finally make the controller perfect I think.
I love clicky switches. Mechanical switches may not be as cheap and easy as rubber dome ones, but they feel so much better. Speaking of, if you love things that are clicky, remember the controls on the Neo Geo Pocket Color? I still love that little system's buttons felt. Especially that clicky stick!
If you do remove material from the under-side of your buttons, keep in mind that drill bits work just fine as hand-tools too. You don't have to use a motorized drill, which could f**k right off on you in the blink of an eye. Just spin the bit in your fingers, adding a little pressure. It'll go a bit slower, which is exactly what you want.
What a coincidence that I bought a shell replacement for my Pro Controller and see your upload talking about that and other stuff to mod onto the Pro Controller. I'm just sticking with replacing the shell and I prefer having membrane or soft quiet clicks on controllers but anyways great video!
No Bob, why are you doing this to me.. I just got the 8BitDo Pro2. Now i need to modify my pro controller! You've built the most beautiful controller I've seen
ExtremeRate stuff is niceeee, I use their shells and stuff for custom controllers. I also 3D model my own face buttons to print them on my resin printer.
![A Nintendo Switch controller that’s BUILT DIFFERENT [NO DRIFT]](/img/1.gif)
It’s really cool seeing this hobby take shape from the beginning and seeing it evolve into cool experiments and projects like this!
Im waiting for when he creates and sells his own brand controllers. I know he maybe never does, but u can hope 🙌
Lol ikr. We've been through a part of Bob's character development arc 😭
Ikr, he went from busting so many joycons to smoothly modding the pro controller
reminds me of learning how to solder to mod old Xbox controllers :D
this hobby has been around for like 2 decades tho..
I prefer silent buttons and keys, but I envy the satisfying tactile feedback that you get from those clicky ones. Well done Bob, the controller turned out beautifully.
@APieceOfCake That is actually the mouse I use, I've had it for years, but thank you! A very apt recommendation.
Well I always play with headphones for immersion so that buttons can be as loud as they want lol
brown LUL
I once played on an arcade that had really silent buttons but they still had that tactile clicked to them and that was unexpected.
use tactile switches i hate the clisck sound but love the feel so thats the ones i use
This has big "I just discovered MX Blues why aren't these in everything" energy lol.
MX BROWNS
@@bradleylauterbach7920 yeah but just getting into it, people want the MAX amount of CRUNCH. I'd be good with Gat yellows myself :p
When’s your next vid coming out?
MX BLUE GANG
@@bradleylauterbach7920 you've just been banned from r/mk
This is the reason i subscribed. Wulff has one of the chillest channels on youtube. Whenever i feel my anxiety is too much to handle. I take a break from what im doing, and take 5-10 min to destress with wulffs videos. Easily helped me through the covid crisis! Seeing someones hobby turn into something i could do too really hits home how cool these type of activities are for dealing wuth stress. Thanks wulff!
Having made a ton of portables, I greatly prefer the feel of soft tactile switches. They are somewhere between the abruptness of straight tact switches and the gumminess of deep membrane connections. I actually did the reverse of this mod recently on a third-party switch grip.
Soft tactile switches? What are they like?
I think _ideal_ face buttons should feel kinda like those 'deep' power buttons you see on some appliances. The ones where there is some travel with springy tension followed by a click at the bottom (those ones where the button stays in a bit when it's toggled to the 'on' position), except they would of course be momentary instead of toggle.
Is that what a soft tactile switch is like?
i love how it looks like a pro controller for a switch lite! the white buttons and soft tone is so nice to look at.
This is why I love the GBA sp so much, the buttons are SUPER clicky and so is the dpad, which makes it my favorite dpad to use
Phat ds has the same ones
yeah the sp buttons are awesome same with the original ds, and they still hold up well
If you like that specific click and you want to do this mod, you might want to find some slim tactile switches and maintain/replace the rubber membranes.
The GBA SP has a thin rubber membrane between the plastic button and the tact switch, which cuts the slack a bit and turns the harsh clack of a metal dome striking a contact into a nice and refined click.
to bad its the worst gba version of all 3
@@wiskymo9687 that is just not the case, the worst of them is the original model gba
That Cruis'n K.K. cover is smooth as heck. Any way, this might inspire me to solder.
I had a razer onza, clicky buttons were great but the sticks were garbage and broke after a month of use
Same, it was pretty sad
Same here
yeah. it was good while it lasted
Legit thought it was great until it broke.
It was the worst customer support I have ever seen which is what turned me off of Razer forever tho.
@@iron9217 I didn't bother with customer support, at the time I think I spent $30 on the controller. With Razer products it's either hit or miss.
the editing on these videos is extremely underrated
Underrated by whom?
Or do you just mean you like the editting on this channel? If so, just say that next time.
"Great editing, Wulff Den."
Simple.
@@mikec9763 underrated as in I don’t ever see any other comments making note of how good the editing is. Don’t ever tell me how to write a comment 🙂
@@mikec9763 you must be fun in parties
@@BlamedAxis Ah okay, well maybe go and watch the video Wolff den made about how he creates (and edits) his videos.
I did tell you how to comment.
Simple.
@@hectordavid169 I bring the drugs and your mama takes you home early.
More power to you, Bob, but this sounds like a nightmare to me
it can be!
Yeah. I am very much able to solder, that was part of my profession, when I worked as electrician. But I'm certainly not gonna do this stuff. If there were some Microswitches built for this PCB that would be another story, but using trial and error and potentionally trying out 10 switches and drilling the Button Caps until it somewhat fits - oh hell no. I'm pretty confident that I COULD make it work, the soldering really isn't that hard, but nope. To much fiddling around. I'm pretty satisfied with the Buttons as they are, so that ain't worth it.
Cool project tough, I like it a ton. Wouldn't recommend that mod to a beginner tough. Those Pro Controllers are expansive AF and if you mess up to bad, which very well could happen if you ain't experienced, you threw away 70 Bucks .
(Changing the Triggers and Shell tough, that's easy and anyone could do it without greater risk of destroying it)
WULFF DEN: Do you need Nintendo's Permission in order to create your own Nintendo Switch or the accessories like the controller
@@DanielBrosman08211986 no
@@sagichdirdochnicht4653 ExtremeRate makes a tactile face-button board for PS5 controllers, so maybe they'll make one for Switch Pro Controller, but if I did this mod, I would probably 3D print the face buttons in resin so you can dial in the clearance and maybe design it to fit over the switches better. And probably make a simple jig that could be hot glued to the board to prevent the switches from going anywhere (and to make sure they're perfectly square).
Did not know they sold octogonal analog shells. Might need to do that.
Not for smash as much as because I hate when games require a straight walk and I fail miserably.
UPDATE: So I ended up filing my left stick gate only (but actually made it shaped like an octagon), as I still play a decent amount of shooters, so keeping my right stick circular was better for aiming. I also added the hair trigger, and put in some magnetic xbox one pro controller type sticks.
Now I'm tempted to do more mods as that hair trigger mod feels NICE. BTW, my right PIN was a pain in the ASS to get out, broke the plastic tweezers the kit came with and had to mangle a cheap pair of metal ones.
But WOW, this is now my favorite controller by far as long as I don't need analog triggers.
Hey hey, is this the new studio? Looking nice! Good thing you kept your staple blueish smurf lighting. Keep it up!
I’m not a fan of clicky anything on controllers but I love the work you put into modding your Pro. Nice work!
Haven’t had a reason to break out my soldering iron in months. Gonna break it out for this 👍🏻
Comment back on how it goess!!!
@@Littlemexican3306 just ordered the switches, I will!
Me too!
@@Littlemexican3306 Reporting back! I did the replacements, it was easy enough. The A button wasn’t too bad since I knew only had to remove a tiny bit of plastic. I just held the drill bit with my hand and twisted it one rotation instead of using a actual drill.
I’m not used to the new switches yet. I’m actually terrible at smash with this controller but I’ve only spent a couple hours playing. Might be a little bit too shallow of a press for me personally. Oh well 🤷🏻♂️
@@ggarcia4114 nice nice I feel like some kinda medium sized switches with a solid click would feel amazing ofc there's only so much room in a controller but it is an interesting idea
I've loved clicky buttons ever since the NeoGeoCD pads. Will definitely look into this!
I love how in each video where you have a new controller with tactile switches, you have to have that one sentence about why it is better with the click one than to mushy ones
also if you attempt to do this and paint that one black peice on the top you should also do a light sanding of it before painting. the sanding removes remaining residue/finish that protects the plastic/helps eject it from the mold. its a small difference but it helps in the long run
Just as a heads up, you might want to dab in some hot glue on the sides of the buttons to help with stability. Solder is decently strong but it will wear down over time the more you press. Anything you can do to help keep those buttons in place will greatly lengthen time in between repairs.
What type of hot glue/hot glue gun do you recommend?
Would some type of super glue work instead. That seems easier and cheaper to work with in my mind, but I'm new to this so I could be wrong.
While hot glue would seem to help with stability and not needing to do repairs for a longer period, what would happen if it were to break and it's hot glued in place? Is there any repair process at that point or is it just forever broken?
I'm sorry for all of the questions. I'm new to this and think your suggestion is something I want to do, I just want as much clarity as possible before I attempt this.
@@grantwalker7124 the main reason I said hot glue is because despite it helping strengthen the solder joint it is also marginally easy to peel off of the PCB and repair the part you need. For that same reason I wouldn't recommend super glue, but also because super glue doesn't build up very well to create a strong base. As for what type of hot glue gun to use, anything low to medium heat will do. You just need something that will do the minimum and preferably extrude to a fine tip, since you're working with small parts.
**EDIT** I meant to say super doesn't build up very well and is near impossible to remove if needed
@@Rillion02 Thank you for the reply. That makes sense.
These are likely stupid questions, but I'm new to soldering and would like as much clarification as possible.
The video doesn't clarify these things:
What thickness should the soldering wire be for doing this? As thin as possible, right?
What type of soldering wire? "Tin Lead Resin Core" or some other type?
I'm no expert by any means, I've just done some super basic solder jobs before too, but yes I would definitely recommend thin solder to not get big globs of it in places you don't need it. I've definitely made that mistake before 😅. And yes you could use a lead free flux core solder for this.
@@Rillion02 Hey, Adam. Just got everything in the mail, and plan on starting the mod soon. Overall, do you have any advice? This will be my first attempt at something like this, and while it does seem like a more straightforward thing, I would appreciate any tip you are able to throw my way.
Edit: Also curious as to if you did the d-pad, and if you did, any advice there? What size of the tactile switches are best for that? Would like to attempt that.
Very impressive. The buttons sound fantastic and I’m sure feel amazing. The final product is beautiful too. You did a great job with the spray paint, wasn’t sure how that would turn out, but it worked great.
This is the exact kind of mod I've been wanting to try for years now. Awesome work and thanks for the inspiration on getting me to do it myself
I will argue that soldering is one of the best skills that one can acquire.
My favorite youtuber being as obsessed as I am about clicky buttons & keys is super satissfying to witness 😇
Thats sick I would do the D-Pad clicky for sure and it looks cooler to make your own grooves even if its more work
I must say i got it better without drill the buttons.
I use slim switches and insert a 3d print part to remove the space between switch and button.
I replace all buttons and rhe dpad.
And i make the trigger cable itself with a replacement and some switches.
With a tin tip of soldering iron the soldering is very easy
I love the eXtremeRate shells, but a word of warning to anyone getting soft-touch shells. The paint they use is relatively easy to scratch if you're not careful. I converted my JoyCons to safety yellow and with the Satisfye Switch grip, I would occasionally notice scratches where dug into the front sides from sliding it in and out.
first you got me into emulation, now you've got me into clicky buttons on my keyboard and controllers. You're killing my free time and wallet Bahb!
sorry about it
If you’re gonna keep doing soldering projects, I really recommend getting a T12 soldering station. You can find them for like $65 bucks, they come with 3 tips, and have a huge temperature range. It’s also thinner than the ones you plug into the wall, so it’s a lot easier to control the point
It’s funny cause the thing I like about the pro controller is that it has less clicky buttons.
how dare you
@@WulffDen I don't prefer the kind of buttons the joucons have, but if you've ever used an OG Saturn controller (the model 2/Japanese design) the switches they used for the shoulder buttons were fantastic
@@WulffDen clicky buttons are for typing and fidgeting, for a controller I prefer buttons that require zero to none force to mash
Same. I also prefer the nintendo DS lite buttons over the 3DS because they're less clicky. I find clicky really hard for games like Mario Kart.
@@manuelsaavedra8081 Same!
Bob is the only RUclipsr whose sponsored ads I DON'T skip.
Right? I actually love them! His magic spoon ones are my favorites.
I hate that I pay for ad free youtube premium and I still get in video ads.
@@TheRealProfessorChris Mine has got to be the Pizza ads
@@nintendope1 look up a plugin called sponsor block
I did this mod to the 8bitdo sn30 pro 2, it works really nice now, it is a little bit harder because the copper pads for the face buttons are really slim but it is still possible. I used super glue to secure better the switches, it is possible to add the switches to the shoulder buttons but it is really really hard so I just did it to the face buttons and the dpad
3:17 -K.K. GOOD DAY LETS GOOO!-
Edit: wait it's probably the K.K. Cruisin' True Remix, not the mashup that uses it
What song is that at 3:13 that plays while the controller is shown off? It's so good!
It's K.K. Cruisin' True Remix by Mesmonium, it's pretty great
@@Sincald thank you! It's so good.
@@Sincald not all heroes wear capes
I thought to myself as i hummed along wtf is that? Duhhh kk mofuggin jam
I always wonder what that kk cover is a parody of?
5:18 that got me offguard 😂😂😂
Aye tbh the best part of these videos are the adds lowkey. Which is wild cuz Bob is the man.
I have done all these modifications but with a matcha green shell, it is a thing of beauty. It was totally worth it. But I also spent to much money on this stuff again because of your video :D
Any advice?
@@grantwalker7124 for what especially? Tbh for me
the hardest part was the painting, I am not good at, it was so much pain. If I ever do this again I will simply leave it black :D
this was exactly what I was looking for in a pro controller. I'm already planning on getting extremerate clicky triggers for the PS5 controller. this would be a perfect match for my setup
ExtremeRate makes a tactile button kit for face buttons and dpad for the Dualsense as well. Might be worth it for a more streamlined solution.
I just happened to have done my first extremerate front/back shell replacement on a pro controller today, so it's interesting to see this video come out around the same time. Definitely surprised you didn't go for a D-pad mod just to see how feasible it might be to "fix" it.
In that same switch kit should be some 2.5mm tall buttons, they worked perfectly under the d-pad, I replaced the d-pad buttons as well and that made this controller into a mario powerhouse, as much as you like the tactile buttons I recommend you crack it open and swap those out too, you won't be sorry.
Which 2.5mm tall piece did you use specifically? I saw a 2p black, 4p white, and a 4p black and can't figure out which one to use. Also, if possible, do you have pics of your final product? I want to make sure I solder these on correctly.
Most RUclipsrs say they'll link something below and never do, but you actually do. Thank you
What's the song at 3:17 ?? I can't stop thinking about it but cant remember!!!!!!!!!!! Is it Persona ?
The PDP Afterglow Deluxe Wireless Controllers have pretty nice click feel too for a third party option
I had one but it somehow drifted
Nice to see someone appreciate the Urbs (GBA version) soundtrack!
I actually just finished this project based on this video. You definitely don't need to drill out the buttons! The switch measurements you had are perfect. What I did was hold the switches in place with some blue tac and then put flux & solder on TOP. The buttons feel amazing!
Thanks so much for the research, idea, and execution plan!
Edit: I made the micro switch and button change mods to my wife's controller and it actually had the clearance issue... I guess the plastics can be of variable tolerances?
Any chance I could find a tutorial for the method you did this? I have all the parts I need but the video isn't the most clear for me since I'm brand new to soldering.
@@analog7259 I couldn't find a good tutorial but it's very similar to how he's doing it in this video at 6:35 except I used blue tac on the side of the switch to hold it down so I didn't have to hold it with tweezers to get the first anchor point. This also allows you to start applying the solder on top so you don't accidentally raise it up which would affect the button actuation.
As for tools for this project, I'd use:
- Leaded rosin core solder. Lead so it melts easier and rosin core so it has flux inside it which helps it stay clean.
- A good soldering iron set at a high temperature. I use a Hakko FX-888D at 750f/400c which is probably overkill for this project but a good high watt iron that won't lose heat on you will make your life easier.
- Extra flux to keep things clean and the solder sticky. Especially helpful if you're new and not moving quickly.
- A solder pump or a solder wick in case you make a mistake.
- Something to solder on. A silicone mat is ideal for this imo.
- Blue tac or something you can use to hold things in place temporarily.
Bob: "So that's how it's making the connections. Gotta push through all these things."
Proceeds to mod controller to have more things to push through.
PSA
The recommended switches have a life expectancy of 100'000 cycles which is SUPER low for a frequently used controller.
What would you recommend otherwise?
I've done this already, and my A button is dying unfortunately
@@afoxy2028 sadly have not found a reliable alternative switch, I’ll lyk when I do tho!
@@cfan7661 thanks dude!
The song at 0:53 is The Urbz: Sims in the City (GBA) OST ~ Glasstown (Night)
Part of the reason I've often preferred handhelds is they usually use tactile buttons
Especially helps with the dpad, part of the reason I like the new Xbox controller
I did this whole mod for my niece for Christmas - pretty much identical except a different set of colors - she loves it & went wild using it for Smash Bros.
2 thumbs up, would recommend
Fun fact you can actually use the same button switches on the dpad too. I did it myself but you do have to fold the metal connectors to make space for it. Only the 3 x 6 x 2.5 white buttons will work for the dpad.
Did you have any fitment or durability issues? I'm considering doing the same mod to the d-pad alone
Actually no I didn’t It’s been going great now for 7 months; just make sure you fold the metal tabs in and just be very thorough with your soldering. I love it though I couldn’t go back to how it was before.
Crazy i just started diving myself into switches on console remotes and tact switch modding my psi controller. I was so preoccupied with finding different ways to go about this i didnt see you uploaded this until now. Sick controller.
I took the extra trigger plugs from the trigger kit and widened the little hole underneath the abxy, and then was able to test out some switches from the switch kit. I ended up using the flatter 4 prong from the switch kit. Haven't tried to solder it yet, just prototyped it with double sided tape from the trigger kit
I have 2 8bitdo sn30 pro + controllers and 1 of their arcade sticks. So far no complaints, until something better comes along, I think I'll be with them for a long time.
Ordered all I need to and I'm excited to try this mod out myself! I've been getting the itch to mod something and this fits the bill perfectly.
I'm very unsure if I would want to do a modification like this to my buttons. I kinda like the silence of the controller compared to playing games on my keyboard. If I was able to try something like this out first in person though I might chance my mind. I am however, *very* interested in the octagonal gate!
I tried this mod and I honestly don't recommend it. the main issue is with the switches he recommended, they're ever so slightly too big which makes them really hard to solder and they don't even feel that good when its all done. luckily its also pretty easy to undo so I went back to the rubber domes. If you are going to do it look into other switches and it might work out fantastic (gaming mouse switches maybe idk).
At 6:53 it looks like you've got a ball of solder on the pad and are trying to lay the switch's pins against it. This can make a cold solder joint which is flimsy and has a flaky connection, in addition to being the hard way of doing it. I suggest you try and heat the pad and pin simultaneously on one side, and add your solder wire on the other. Solder flows towards heat, so this is both easier and gets you a better joint.
I love how the switches are out of stock, haha. Good thing I managed to grab mine. Will definitely be a fun project to make a better controller. Soldering shouldn't be a problem either, since I've already practiced that plenty with replacing thumbsticks. And yeah, ExtremeRate definitely have great items to customize your controller, great customer service, too.
It’s beautiful. This makes me want to start a business customizing controllers. I’m all for this.
i wish there was an actual kit made for this purpose, i dont mind having to solder, and it would be super nice if something would work right away without all the drilling
love how the joystick gates are shaped in a way to make them “clickier” when spinning the sticks around, like a Gamecube controller
Man I love all your weird controller videos. Nice to know its not just me who likes all this weird hyper specific stuff
1:05 I know that song! That's the theme for the Glasstown area at night in The Urbz: Sims in the City for the GBA and DS
Whelp. I just ordered some buttons, a shell, and the shoulder kit. I haven't soldered in about 15 years so I'm sure this will go well. Great idea and vid, Bob!
The last time you soldered, I was 4 or 5 years old
i do like tactile switches on keyboards! on a handheld controller sounds horrible to me, way too loud
The excellent use of blue in the backgrounds really make the video have a sense of unification which in turn makes it look very beautiful and stylish.
Keep up the amazing work. 🙏🏻💙
I bought the clicky shoulder buttons for my controller because it was not registering my inputs correctly, plus, tbh the stock shoulder buttons feel very crappy. They feel totally amazing.
I bought a Razer Wolverine v2 for my birthday a few months back. You would be surprised on how useful clicky buttons are for controllers. you can feel and hear when you have the button down, not just guessing you have it all the way down.
Made this,
Pros:
CLICKY
Cons:
Everyone in my house hates me now after playing on my switch in the middle of the night
I love these types of videos. I hope you do more of these in the future. I do a lot of soldering and use the same kit as you, just with the green case. It has served me well during the year or two I have owned it!
I love what you've done they are clicky but not so clicky that they hurt my ears (like my keyboard)... good job!
I've just got into keyboards the past two months myself and it didn't even dawn on me that you could be doing the same with controllers. Excellent video
This awakened something in me, idk if it's good or not. Where did you get your switches?
Amazon
You do realize you've created the best Switch Pro controller on the market, right? You could start selling these.
love to see your journey to tact switch convert. more mod videos!!!! please you're so good at them
idk if its just me but I would prefer membrane buttons of clicky buttons any day.
That is awesome! I would love soldering a controller together as I've done lots of soldering in the past and it's a lot of fun
I was just thinking about doing this today. Couldn't figure out what switches to use until this video found me. Glad to know someone else hates silicone membranes
From now on, I'm calling you BaHb the Builder 👷♂️
There’s also a good switch pro controller alternative called the mobapad Chitu it’s the same shape as the switch pro controller but every button has micro switch’s and I love it honestly but I know some people don’t like the off white and mute red color but I love it
If I ever get the Switch, I'm thinking about the possibility of adding a "Turbo" or "Auto" function to the screenshot button.
Wow soldering is a step up, I just recently bought the OLED and replaced the shells, installed the extremeRate soft red shell and gold button led kit with no experience to hardware at all but if I can do software and be at the top of all 3 classes I think I can adapt to some instructions. All the reviews said it was a really frustrating process, after I did the left joycon 1½ hours, I did the harder right joycon in only 30 minutes after I got the hold of the screw and circuit placement.
I'll have to keep this idea in mind. I've already modded my pro controller with a translucent blue shell with octagonal gates, a silicone grip from Foamy Lizard, thumbstick grips from Skull & Co., and even wrapped the stick shafts with UHMW tape to prevent the plastic from grinding and causing that plastic dust build up. Having these micro switches would finally make the controller perfect I think.
I love clicky switches. Mechanical switches may not be as cheap and easy as rubber dome ones, but they feel so much better. Speaking of, if you love things that are clicky, remember the controls on the Neo Geo Pocket Color? I still love that little system's buttons felt. Especially that clicky stick!
I think you did very well. I also think i would enjoy this upgrade for sure. Nice work 👌🏻
If you do remove material from the under-side of your buttons, keep in mind that drill bits work just fine as hand-tools too. You don't have to use a motorized drill, which could f**k right off on you in the blink of an eye. Just spin the bit in your fingers, adding a little pressure. It'll go a bit slower, which is exactly what you want.
Hey Bob, try this on the SN30 Pro+!
What a coincidence that I bought a shell replacement for my Pro Controller and see your upload talking about that and other stuff to mod onto the Pro Controller. I'm just sticking with replacing the shell and I prefer having membrane or soft quiet clicks on controllers but anyways great video!
Great Megaman skin there Bob - Great choice - Video was great too!
Hearing the buttons clicking is like hearing someone typing on their keyboard lol
That case is nice plus the white buttons and white mod spray paint you did. I want one!
Anyone find some switches to do the d pad as well?
Even without the weird notches and clicky buttons, that controllers colors look amazing
Nice video! When I heard glasstown night it put a smile on my face. So many good memories playing urbz
This whole video could just be you clicking the pro controller next to this controller
3:25 it must've been a good day when you got it all working 😂
Dude that baby blue on white buttons is sick!!!
No Bob, why are you doing this to me.. I just got the 8BitDo Pro2. Now i need to modify my pro controller! You've built the most beautiful controller I've seen
ExtremeRate stuff is niceeee, I use their shells and stuff for custom controllers. I also 3D model my own face buttons to print them on my resin printer.
Perfect example of “console player using a mechanical keyboard for the first time” and i love it!