How to Improve the Anbernic RG35XXSP Buttons

One of my biggest annoyances with the mostly-excellent Anbernic RG35XXSP is that it has rather loud and clicky buttons. In this video we're going to do a simple tape mod to soften the button feel, and test the results.

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Tools used in the video:

Tape layer recommendations:
D-Pad, SELECT/START/Menu buttons: 2 layers each
Face buttons: 3 layers each
Shoulders/triggers: 2 or 3 layers each

Ways to support this channel:

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:30 tools and setup
03:03 teardown
05:20 applying the tape
09:31 reassembly and shoulder buttons
12:52 button and audio testing
18:10 actuation force testing
21:23 gameplay testing
23:49 summary and conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#Anbernic #RG35XX #RG35XXSP #emulation

[angelrobles]

Hey Russ, I did this right as I got mines with 2 layers of electrical tape and one way to fix with the back trigger rattling is by cutting a small piece of the included white cushion foam that came with the rg35xxsp packaging and wedging it in-between the back triggers, did this on my unit and it totally eliminated the annoying rattling.

[michaelradford]

Electrical tape dampens the noise better. I have done this mod a week ago and can confirm the electrical tape is better. Thank you Russ for your hard work!

[Grimloic]

I used this guide to mod mine with Kapton tape, with the same number of layers as you put in the description. Kapton is much thinner than masking tape but I took a sound recording before and after the mod and it's definitely quieter now, and easier to press the buttons in. Thanks for figuring this one out, retro handheld community!

[xxGSII]

i tried black electrical tape, buttons were hard to press. Tried masking tape same results.

Used scotch tape and that worked like a charm for me.

[AishTalksTech]

Yay my tape fix went prime time 😂 im liking the new set up.

[ToyKeeper]

Thanks! BTW, for measuring the force, it helps to press the buttons as slowly as possible, just gradually increasing pressure for several seconds until the button activates. That gives the scale time to catch up and get a more accurate number.

[brianfisher]

I would recommend against using standard tape inside electronics as they can store a static charge and some adhesives can cause damage over time.

[Kozent]

Would like to see anbernic release a revised version with all the little fixes.

[Genguts]

I did this mod with Kapton tape. You can even find the perfect sized piece to cover all the buttons with one piece. Making this mod even easier & safer for the overall longevity of the device.

[soli-ethd]

I followed this last night with a few changes and figured I'd give my results. I used the same type of masking tape you did.
-One layer of masking tape is as much as you can do on START/SELECT. Another layer makes them not push down at all. (They'll still actuate if you press on them, but there's no tactility at all, kind of like pressing on a touch screen.)
-Three layers on the shoulders works great, but trimming on the left and right is essential or the tape will drag on the case and make your buttons sticky. There's still a rattle but it really is much less perceptible even than with two.
-Three layers works fine on both D-pad and buttons without really changing the highly tactile feel of either (but it's appreciably quieter).

Been happy with this mod so far! Can't speak to the long-term viability but if I have to remove the tape at some point it wasnt exactly difficult to get into the thing. If it becomes necessary anytime soon I'd probably dissuade people from this mod; the plastic posts are brittle and the threading can at least slightly grind down over time even if you do everything the right way. I ended up making some screw posts on my Odroid Go Advance completely useless due to that.

[DoubleGreatRock]

You are literally my favorite YouTuber. Always quality content. And I’ve been watching YouTube for years!

[NickPiper]

Thanks for the guide. I didn't mind the clicky buttons but knew that whoever was next to me might not love my button mashing. I am amazed at how much quieter it is. I used blue painters tape.

[zeydp]

Hi Russ, I just did the mod because of your video. I used electrical tape. Mine are miles more silent than yours. The face buttons especially, I don't hear them almost and because of this mod, they aren't loose anymore as well. My device does NOT rattle anymore by the way, I used electrical tape on one side of the R2 and L2 button. No clicky buttons, no loose buttons and no rattle anymore! This device just became perfect.

[holds]

I actually like the clicky-ness of buttons it gives me confirmation that the button is being pressed lol

[justin]

Crazy to see Russ's growth, been watching since he had like 10k subs!

[dmagik]

"F IT...WE'RE DOING IT, LIVE!"

[colinmartin]

One thing i find has frequently been a hugely useful tool in this is keyboard lube - gpl 205. A lot of buttons rub on the shell and a tiny tiny coat painted around the edges of the face buttons not only smoothes them out, but on rattly buttons, it acts as a tiny sound damper. I did this on the shoulder buttons of the r20sx. Including the button hinges from the inside and the face buttons are smoother and no longer rattle, and the shoulder buttons are almost completely rattle free too. Hitting the pivots of the shoulders on the SP would likely solve their rattle

Same goes for metal chassis handhelds. The 405m buttons rubbed so badly before and after one lube coat have been smooth and silent for months and months

It would also remove that rattly snap noise from the face buttons when you take your thumb off of one button after pressing.

[boxed-sound]

I don’t have an rg sp, but I do have an rg28xx and after watching this decided to open it up and add some tape to the shoulder buttons and the volume rocker. I did 3 layers to each button and the rattle is MUCH better. Also the volume is easier to press. Thanks for the idea, Russ!

[DarklordofBarovia]

2 on the D-Pad, SELECT, START, MENU buttons, 3 on the face buttons, and 2 on the shoulders/triggers. Rattle is 99% gone, clickiness is fully gone, much much better like this, and kind of fun to do! Now to load up my roms - thanks again Russ!

[swsiii]

I recommend foam tape for the shoulder buttons. I put one piece between each of the switches and buttons, then another piece between the shoulder buttons themselves for added tension. (6 pieces total) The tape retains the buttons in place perfectly, no more shaking. Make sure you use a foam that is sufficiently dense to avoid it compressing or disintegrating over time.