First HitStick Build using Dualsense Padhack / IST MALL Makestick Crystal Case

 

This is my first full custom build. I really wanted to try a leverless setup but was too hesitant to give up my full stick setup. So, I decided to build a HitStick with a custom layout. Nothing fancy but added L3/R3 buttons on top of hitbox layout for additional shortcut keys!!

IST MALL did an amazing job working with my request on custom layout and artwork printing. Contacted them through Twitter DM and after multiple back and forth with getting info and sending them info, they started making my custom case. Turn around time was around 7 days including shipping from Korea to US. Your mileage may vary depending on how backed up they are but, at the time of my order, waitlist wasn't bad at all. 

I’m not taking any credit for padhacking, that portion was previously done by IST Mall since I switched from Makestick Prime Wireless to the Custom Crystal Case. I just simply extended all of the wires to fit the case and the layout. Full selectable SOCD function since I’m using FeralAI’s code from the GitHub.

Parts list:

• Case: IST MALL Makestick Crystal Case
• PCB: PS5 Dualsense on IST Custom board (Re-used from Makestick Prime Wireless)
• SOCD: XIAO SOCD Cleaner code by FeralAI 
• Joystick: Knee Lever NEO 
• Action buttons: Samducksa/Crown 203C-S (Clear Silent) 
• Custom Artwork Printing by IST MALL

Here is my previous Fightstick.

Makestick Prime Wireless

https://www.us.istmall.co.kr/Product/Detail/view/pid/457/cid/108

This is IST Mall's current top of the line product "Prime". I like the case but I personally didn't "love" the design and the lack of "mod"ability so I kind of downgraded to Crystal Case Type D, which is their newest line up of the case.

https://www.us.istmall.co.kr/Product/Detail/view/pid/593/cid/110

What I really liked about this case is that, it's an open canvas for whatever you want to do. I really liked the idea of having full customization. Dimensions are; 17 1/4 inches length, 8 inches width, and 2 1/2 inches height (upgradable).

Build Process:

This is my old case. I added 2 more buttons (L3/R3) on top for additional shortcuts.

Here is the pic of the PCB/Dualsene padhack.

Extending all of the wires and separating assistant PCB and the dualsense controller.

3M 1080 Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap on the inner panels.

Wiring it all up 

Hitstick functions and pics:

Close up of SOCD cleaner. 

The code is from FeralAI. Link to his github is here.

https://github.com/FeralAI/xiao_socd_cleaner

Possible to do 3 modes using the toggle switch: 

OFF/OFF = up+down=neutral, left+right=neutral

OFF/ON = up+down=up, left+right=neutral

ON/OFF = Second Input Priority

Upper Panel: USB-C input

Left Panel: (left to right) Start, Share, Turbo, and Home Buttons 

Right Panel: (left to right) 

1. Tournament Mode/Turbo Mode Toggle: 

• Neutral position is lock
• "I" is enables Start/Share/Home Buttons
• "II" enables "Turbo" function. Turbo function is by itself because I do not want to hit turbo button by mistake and enable it.

2. Hit box directional Toggle ON/OFF

3. Joystick Toggle ON/OFF

4. DP/LS/RS Toggle: 

• Neutral position for "DP"
• "I" is for Left Stick
• "II" is for Right Stick.

Lower Panel: Headset ON/OFF, 3.5mm Jack, Microphone Mute Switch, and Touch Pad Button. 

Why headset ON/OFF button? Because PS5 automatically senses whenever headphone is plugged in. I completely desoldered the headphone jack from the controller and the easiest way to emulate headphone "plugged in" was by using the latched switch. This way I can just press the button and the controller will think the headset is plugged in.

Some additional photos below: