Frame1 Light
Frame1
Frame1 Light
Overview
The Frame1 Light was the lighter, lower-cost variant of the aluminum Frame1 Heavy, built to bring the same competitive platform-fighter layout to a broader audience.
Its plastic shell traded material heft for price and portability without changing the controller’s core identity.
Hardware
Materials
Frame: ABS plastic, injection molded. Available in FLAWLESS White and Mint Turbo colors.
Switch Plate: Steel. Provides structural rigidity for hotswap sockets.
Button Caps: Injection-molded, glossy finish.
Bottom Surface: Rubber anti-slip pad.
Switch Configuration
The Frame1 Light uses hotswappable mechanical switches with MX-style stems. Stock configuration uses Gateron Pro Silver switches.
Stock Switch: Gateron Pro Silver
Compatible Switches: MX-style mechanical switches with 3-pin or 5-pin configuration work in the hotswap sockets.
Electronics
- PCB / Controller: Proprietary retail PCB using an STM32-based controller
- Firmware / Software: Retail firmware is not well documented yet; community OpenFrame1 builds commonly use HayBox
Internal Expansion
Brook Board Slot: Internal mounting location for Brook 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.
Compatibility
- Firmware: Retail firmware is not publicly documented yet; community and DIY equivalents commonly use HayBox
- Native support: PC and GameCube-style setups
- Connection: USB-C, with USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to GameCube cables bundled with retail units
- Notes: Brook add-on kits were sold separately for broader console compatibility.
In the Box
The Frame1 Light was sold with the Frame1 Light 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 (Glossy 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.
History
Release History
The Frame1 Light was released in September 2020.
The Light uses a plastic frame and mechanical switches to reduce manufacturing cost. The frame height of 22mm makes the controller relatively slim, though thicker than designs using low-profile Kailh Choc switches.
Version History
September 2020 - Initial Release
- Price: $149.99 USD
- Processor: 72MHz ARM Cortex
- Switches: Gateron Pro Silver (hotswappable)
- Frame: ABS plastic
- Switch plate: Steel
- Button caps: Glossy
- Colors: FLAWLESS White, Mint Turbo.
2020-2024 - Production
- No hardware revisions documented. Firmware updates released periodically.
2024 - Discontinued
- Production ceased. Community OpenFrame1 project continues support for DIY builds.
DIY / Open Source
Recommended DIY Components
Electronic: Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W. Kailh hotswap sockets (MX-style). Frame1-compatible PCB (OpenFrame1 or community variant).
Mechanical: MX-style mechanical switches (Gateron Pro Silver or compatible). MX-style keycaps (24mm). Frame1 chassis or compatible 3D printed frame. Steel or aluminum switch plate.
Cables: USB-C to USB-A cable (PC/Switch). USB-C to GameCube cable (GameCube/Wii/N64).
Assembly Notes
The OpenFrame1 project prioritizes ease of assembly. No fine-pitch SMD soldering required for basic build. Kailh hotswap sockets eliminate need to solder switches. USB-C port soldering requirements vary by PCB revision.
Resources
Community
DIY/Open Source:
Third-Party Guides:
- Open Frame1 Build Guide by Crane’s Lab (June 17, 2022)