Frame1 Heavy
Frame1
Frame1 Heavy
Overview
The Frame1 Heavy is a leverless controller released in September 2020 by Frame1. The retail price was $249.99 USD. Production ceased in 2024.
Development
Release History
The Frame1 Heavy was released in September 2020.
The Heavy uses a machined aluminum unibody frame and optical switches.
Technical Specifications
Materials
Frame: Machined aluminum unibody. Available in Black and Rose colors.
Switch Plate: Aluminum.
Button Caps: Textured PBT.
Bottom Surface: Rubber anti-slip pad.
Switch Configuration
The Frame1 Heavy uses hotswappable optical switches. Stock configuration uses Gateron Optical Yellow switches.
Stock Switch: Gateron Optical Yellow
Compatible Switches: Gateron optical switches.
Processor
Microcontroller: STM32 72MHz (unconfirmed variant).
Internal Expansion
Brook Board Slot: Internal mounting location for Brook Gaming adapter boards. Installation is tool-free with no soldering required. Compatible with Brook UFB, Brook UFB-UP5, and Brook Gen-5 series boards. Power is supplied via the controller USB connection.
Note: Brook board and installation kit sold separately.
DIY Construction
Recommended DIY Components
Electronic: Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W. Kailh hotswap sockets (MX-style). Frame1-compatible PCB (Open Frame1 or community variant).
Mechanical: Optical switches (Gateron Optical Yellow or compatible). MX-style keycaps (24mm). Frame1 Heavy chassis or compatible 3D printed frame. Aluminum switch plate.
Cables: USB-C to USB-A cable (PC/Switch). USB-C to GameCube cable (GameCube/Wii/N64).
Assembly Notes
The Open Frame1 project and community variants support builds similar to the Frame1 Heavy specifications. No fine-pitch SMD soldering required for basic builds with hotswap sockets.
Retail Package
The Frame1 Heavy was sold with the Frame1 Heavy controller (pre-assembled), carrying case (stiff zip-up design), switch removal tool, USB-C to GameCube cable (black, 1.8m, braided), and USB-C to USB-A cable.
Optional Accessories
Available separately from Frame1: Brook Add-on Installation Kit (mounting hardware), replacement switch sets, alternative button cap sets (Textured PBT Button Cap Set), Frame1 Carrying Case (replacement), and USB-C to GameCube/Wii Cable.
Brook Installation Kit
Contents (sold separately, $19.99): Internal mounting bracket, connection cables, fasteners.
Compatible Brook Boards: Brook Universal Fighting Board (UFB), Brook UFB-UP5, and Brook Gen-5 series.
Note: Brook board must be purchased separately.
Version History
September 2020 - Initial Release
- Price: $249.99 USD
- Processor: STM32 72MHz
- Switches: Gateron Optical Yellow (hotswappable)
- Frame: Machined aluminum unibody
- Switch plate: Aluminum
- Button caps: Textured PBT
- Colors: Black, Rose.
2020-2024 - Production
- No hardware revisions documented. Firmware updates released periodically.
2024 - Discontinued
- Production ceased. Community projects continue support for DIY builds.
Community Resources
DIY/Open Source:
Third-Party Guides:
- Open Frame1 Build Guide by Crane’s Lab (June 17, 2022)