Kala Travel Soprano - Mainland Friction Tuners?

I have a Kala Travel Soprano and I saw a few messages talking about how people eplaced the geared tuners with friction tuners from Mainland.

http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?36093-Replacing-geared-tuners-with-friction-ones
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?35893-What-s-the-best-friction-tuner

Right now to play more complicated things on the soprano I need to use a strap because the headstock is heavier than the body. Will going with friction tuners let me do this?

Thanks!