I’m a huge fan of design that pays homage to the past. Anything that takes a new approach but embodies the essence of something vintage captivates me. It’s like I turn into Philip J. Fry from Futurama, ready to part with my money instantly. So, when I first laid eyes on 8BitDo’s latest creation, the Retro Mechanical Keyboard, it was love at first sight. Not only does it shamelessly embrace nostalgia, but it also features a pair of delightfully oversized, customizable buttons. If there’s one thing I cherish as much as nostalgia, it’s novelty. But does the Retro Keyboard live up to my lofty expectations? Surprisingly, yes.
This review delves into the keyboard’s build quality, typing experience, and unique aesthetic, which echoes the classic gaming controllers of the past, while still providing the precision and reliability expected from contemporary peripherals. If you have a penchant for retro gaming and are exploring classic titles, our guide on how to find Booster’s Charm in Super Mario RPG provides a nostalgic journey into one of the iconic games of yesteryear, perfectly complementing the vintage vibe of the 8BitDo keyboard, and offering gamers a trip down memory lane while they enjoy their modern tech.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – Design and Features
This delightful creation comes in two versions: the “N Edition,” inspired by the design of the US Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Fami Edition, reminiscent of the Japanese Famicom. For this review, I received the N Edition, but I must admit that I have a soft spot for the aesthetics of the Fami Edition. The N Edition features the familiar gray, black, and red color scheme of the NES, complete with a red LED power light and a faux-grill on the top strip. On the other hand, the Fami Edition boasts a more visually appealing maroon, gold, and off-white color palette and includes Japanese characters alongside the English layout on the keys, paying homage to the never-released Nintendo Famicom Basic keyboard in the West.
Located at the top left corner is the three-position mode switch, allowing you to choose between Bluetooth, “Off,” or 2.4G modes. Adjacent to that is a volume knob that functions seamlessly in Windows. The keyboard also features a pairing button, a fast-key mapping button, and a profile changing button.
Underneath the top layer, you’ll find the standard keyboard keys. However, adjacent to the right-most ALT key, there are additional red B and A keys. These can be customized to your preferences using the 8BitDo software. It’s worth noting that this keyboard is tenkeyless, so if you rely on a numeric keypad for tasks like accounting, you won’t find one here.
On the backside of the keyboard, there are 3.5mm jacks labeled A, B, X, and Y, designed for connecting the 8BitDo Super Buttons. You can connect up to four of these Super Buttons, and they offer a blend of fun and functionality. For example, I personally programmed the B and A buttons to execute Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V, which I frequently use. Setting up the Super Buttons is hassle-free; you simply press the fast key-mapping button on the top (the one with a star) until it blinks. Then, you hold down the keys you wish to program and press one of those large, eye-catching red buttons. Additionally, the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard includes stickers that you can apply to your buttons, making it easy to remember their functions or just for the fun of adding stickers. I admit to enjoying both aspects.
The back of the keyboard also features a USB-C port, which serves multiple purposes. You can use it for charging, updating the firmware, or utilizing the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard in wired mode instead of wireless. 8BitDo claims an impressive battery life of over 200 hours on a single charge of its 2,000mAh internal battery. I extensively tested it, and it seemed to live up to this claim. Even during extended gameplay sessions, such as the Modern Warfare III beta, the battery level only dropped a few percentage points.
When you flip the keyboard over, you’ll discover a 2.4G USB receiver dongle that cleverly attaches with a magnetic catch, providing a satisfying snap when you secure it in place, reminiscent of the MagSafe experience. The underside of the keyboard, like the rest of its construction, is made of durable hard plastic. While it would have been nice to see some metal in this part, the plastic chassis feels robust and capable of withstanding substantial wear and tear. Additionally, the keyboard plate itself is constructed from aluminum, adding to its overall durability.
In terms of structural integrity, the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard impresses with its robust build. It exhibits no signs of flexing or bending, offering a sturdy and rigid feel. Surprisingly, the keyboard has some heft to it, weighing slightly over a kilogram, which is equivalent to over two pounds in freedom units. The key legends, symbols, and numbers are dye-sublimated, a printing method that utilizes lasers and ensures resistance to fading or wear over time. Additionally, the Super Buttons are equipped with a rubber base that prevents them from slipping around, enhancing their tactile feedback. Overall, the keyboard exudes durability, making it a suitable choice for users like me who tend to handle keyboards with less-than-gentle care.
The 8BitDo Retro Keyboard is equipped with Kailh Box White Switches V2, offering a satisfying click without being overly aggressive. The key height is ideal for my preferences, and like the rest of the keyboard, the keys themselves feel robust and resilient. An interesting feature is the hot-swappable PCB, allowing users to easily customize their key switches to suit their preferences, providing limitless customization options.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – Software
The configuration software is quite minimalistic, which suits me just fine. I don’t require an abundance of keyboard customization options, especially when the keyboard’s aesthetics are a major draw. There’s no RGB lighting here, so there’s no need for a complex lighting customization interface. While the keyboard supports macros, it lacks an overly complicated macro interface with numerous presets that I’d never use. Programming macros on any keys you prefer is straightforward, and creating different profiles that you can cycle through using the profile key at the top of the keyboard is easy. Personally, I don’t use macros for gaming, but they come in handy for work, particularly tasks like data entry, making macros with frequently used words or phrases that can be pasted whenever needed.
The software provides options to deactivate the Windows key, Alt+Tab, and Alt+4, all of which can be managed through toggles in your profile settings. As someone who frequently hits the Windows key during intense gaming sessions, I find the ability to easily disable it quite useful. While it’s not as convenient as having a physical switch on the keyboard itself, the menu settings make it clear how to accomplish this. One drawback is that the software requires a USB-C connection to modify settings, which isn’t a major issue since you’ll need it for recharging at some point anyway. However, it would have been nice if these settings were customizable via a Bluetooth connection.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard – Gaming
I’m delighted to report that the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard performed admirably during my time with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III beta. In fact, it feels superior to my aging Logitech G413 Carbon keyboard. As someone who has used a wired keyboard for years, I’ve genuinely enjoyed the freedom of a wireless keyboard that provides an equally satisfying gaming experience. The absence of cables allows me to position it at various angles without the hassle of a USB cable snagging on a monitor stand or impeding my movements. I’m pleased to say that any losses I experienced were solely the result of my own shortcomings and not due to equipment issues.
Purchasing Guide
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is available from Amazon for $86.39.
Join Pedro Souza on a journey through gaming’s vast realms at howtoplay.blog. A seasoned gamer and insightful author and redactor, Pedro crafts each post as an intimate odyssey into the game’s core, not just teaching how to play, but revealing the artistry and narratives that define our beloved games.
