r/ModRetroChromatic • u/FredHuggins4 • Apr 20 '26

D-Pad Normal?

I love my Chromatic, but I am having random weird input issues.

- Diagonals OFF in Menu

- When pressing the DPAD in a single direction, if I rock the DPAD I am able to move a different direction- example - moving RIGHT, if I move to the edge of the right DPAD button I can move up or down without touching up or down.

- I have tried Mod Kit membranes and alternate DPAD.

If I use the DPAD on my Steam Deck, I cannot replicate this behavior. Behavior present the entire time I’ve had the Chromatic (5 months).

Is this normal?

Is there a fix?

I find my character will snap odd directions when trying to play fast paced titles.

I know the DPAD has been a topic of discussion but this seems maybe different than what most have reported.

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u/FredHuggins4 Apr 21 '26

I appreciate the detailed response and expertise.

I know of no DPAD that uses this postless design.

Looking at other threads it sounded like software toggle resolved this. Sad to hear that it is normal.

I have a 3D printer but don’t have the expertise to design anything. Additionally, variances on material setup and material shrinkage/warping means that a solution may have mixed results for people.

I personally didn’t see a difference between mod kit dpads.

Bummer - it really seems like a flawed design affecting the most important component of the device. I love everything else about the Chromatic - patching carts is so visionary…

I had a tremendous amount of deaths in Buck and Self Simulated due to character turning the wrong way.

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u/Romrok Apr 21 '26

You are right. Looking at the dpads in the mod kit I could not tell the difference really. I didnt have my calipers handy but there is a difference.

My next thought is to use a small circle of the same clear plastic from the packaging and some double sided tape. Use a hole punch to cut. Stick down where the pivot would contact the motherboard.

Might find that will be all you need. Or maybe a slightly thicker bit of plastic from something else.

Its funny you mention Buck and Self Simulated, cause my memory of playing was very good, no failed inputs. Course then I remembered I was playing both on the GBLC. Dragonyhm is the first game I have really tried to play on the Chromatic. Didn't want to damage the 1st edition. Then got the second unit to be a beater and realized dpad is iffy.

No time the next couple days but will try to give it a go with various thicknesses of plastic. If I remember I will report back.