8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard for Windows & Android, C64 Edition

8bitdo is known for their wireless controllers and it seems like they've decided to expand into mechanical keyboards. This is a great first attempt by them! I have a couple mechanical keyboards so I'm not an expert by any means, but I'll try to make it make sense for newbies. I have a Redragon K556 Pro that I used to type on before I got this and 8bitdo's has blown that out of the water. Battery life: The battery life is fantastic. I can't get my redragon to last more than a couple days even with turning off the keyboard at the end of the day. I haven't had to charge the battery yet for 8bitdo's and I started using it around early November 2023. Can't remember if it was bluetooth or 2.4 so I'll update when I check next time I'm in the office. The switches: I swapped out the switches in my Redragon for speed silvers which I do love, but I also love the switches on the 8bitdo keyboard. If you're a newbie to mechanical keyboards, the switches they use on 8bitdo's are the Kailh White switches which aren't super noisy, but aren't linear either. They're tactile. They're louder than speed silvers but still type nicely and aren't as loud as cherry blue switches. The clickiness volume sounds like a normal keyboard so your coworkers won't be super unhappy with you unless you're an angry typer like I am, lol. They sold me on the Kailh switches so if I ever decide to switch, that's what I'm using. The keycaps: I swapped out my keycaps on my Redragon which have a KCA profile. I wasn't super happy with them because I kept mistyping. I'm more of a Cherry girl. If I had to guess which keycap profile these were, these look a lot like DSA or XDA which are probably more my speed. They remind me of the XVX XDA profile keycaps actually (also sold on amazon), which are about same height as a normal keyboard's keycaps. That was smart because that makes this as close to a normal keyboard with the benefits of a mechanical keyboard. It's great for those who are thinking about swapping to a mechanical keyboard but also don't want to sink $$$ into one or wasting money trying to find the right keycap profiles for their typing style. The big red buttons: These are just so fun to use! It took me a second to figure out how to program them, but the instructions included were very helpful so I figured it out. They also weren't on fragile paper and I have it hiding under the buttons. It came with stickers too. I programmed my two to be Ctrl+C & Ctrl+V because they are my most used buttons and they work great when I remember to use them. My coworkers love to come over and mess with me by clicking them. These are wired, but the wire is long enough and unobtrusive. Was this worth it?: Absolutely 100% worth it. Mechanical keyboards get so costly. The fact that they made this keyboard $99.99 is extremely accessible when you consider that mechanical keyboards can cost hundreds. I hope to see a full sized version someday. No lie, I also wish they sold the keycaps because I absolutely love the retro aesthetic of this keyboard. It feels good and looks good so I would recommend this.

I have used a few mechanical keyboards over the years, but there is something about the way these switches feel, it legitimately feels good typing on this thing, I've mostly used cherry and romer g switches, usually tactile with a few clicky, these clicky switches are a big surprise, not as loud as others not as sharp of a click, just very satisfying. Actually very recently I got to try out some linear switches and I really liked them, and was worried I wouldn't like this keyboard, I was even looking into buying replacement linear switches, which you can do with this keyboard if you want, but it's just such a delight out of the box. So the keys feel good, that's probably the most important part, I don't believe 8bitdo's software is out yet, so programming the keys is still done directly on the keyboard, I would like to see legit software soon though, The volume knob works but won't earn any awards, it can freely spin in either direction lowering or raising the volume, so it can look like it's pointing towards low volume when you turn it up, it's a small issue. The input knob is awesome, I often switch between my pc and my steam deck and I love how easy it is. the 2.4 feels great and I've had no issues on bluetooth. It looks good, it just does, I've actually always liked the idea of having a retro style keyboard, this ticks all the boxes for me while still being a fully featured keyboard at a great price. It's all plastic but it feels nice, I thought the strip at the top that says 8bitdo and has the lines like an nes would just be a sticker but it's a printed on piece of plastic, much nicer. The power button is gorgeous. This thing is awesome I love it, now I'm rambling because it just feels nice to type, so I'll end it here, if you think this looks good then you should buy it.

(This review is for the M version of the keyboard, which emulates the look and feel of a classic IBM keyboard) For those missing some simplicity, and by extension, classic sensibility from their computer setup, the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard scratches the itch while also packing in plenty of practical modern conveniences. The look and feel of the venerable IBM keyboard is lovingly recreated with comfortable, easy-to-reach clicky keys and a rock-solid matte body that's just the right shades of gray all over. Wired functionality is plug-and-play, and wireless is easy enough to set up with the included dongle -- and the slot in the keyboard built just for it makes keeping track of it a cinch. I still haven't found a use for the Super Buttons, but they, like the keyboard itself, are programmable via the 8BitDo Ultimate software, so I'll figure it out eventually; they are a nice bonus, if a tad on the novelty side. Personally, I love the tactile click of the keys, but the ability to change out the switches is there if you prefer them to be quieter. The 8BitDo Retro Keyboard is a quality choice for those looking for a gaming keyboard or who miss the look and feel of their old equipment.

This is not your average keyboard for your average modern day keyboard enthusiast. It comes with clicky white switches to provide a more retro feel. If this is not your style and you prefer the modern style of keyboards beware. Although the switches are hot swappable. I personally like the click, so it is no problem for me. Regarding the build of the keyboard, it has a suitable heft to keep it in place, the key caps have a good feel and are of nice quality. It has a very beautiful retro design with the knobs and buttons at the top. The colors are quite true to the pictures. Regarding the functions, the battery is very good. I have had this keyboard for over a year and with moderate use it has only needed to be charged twice so far. The Bluetooth function works very well as well as the 2.4g dongle. The dongle is quite big I must say. The volume knob is not fully smooth and instead adjusts between several points with inaudible clicks. In system it adjusts the volume by 5 points at a time, I personally would prefer if there were more granularity to the volume adjustments. As for the programmable macro buttons, they are a cute gimmick, but I do not use them so I cannot really comment. This keyboard is worth it even without the gimmick. All factors considered, I rate this a full five stars. It does it's job beautifully and with style. As long as you know what style of keyboard you're getting into, you'll probably love it.

This keyboard is an absolute delight for anyone who loves both nostalgia and top-tier performance. This keyboard blends classic retro design with modern mechanical technology, making it a standout in both aesthetics and functionality. The design is beautifully inspired by the golden age of gaming, with its colorful keycaps and vintage-inspired layout, while still offering the tactile satisfaction of a mechanical keyboard. Typing on the 8Bitdo Keyboard feels fantastic, Whether you're typing up documents or engaging in long gaming sessions, the keys provide the perfect balance of clickiness and precision. The retro keycap design, complete with a vintage color scheme, brings a touch of old-school charm to your desk. The build quality is sturdy, with a solid frame and a premium feel. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily pair it with multiple devices, whether it’s your PC, laptop, or even a tablet. The battery life is impressive, and charging is quick and hassle-free. Overall, the 8Bitdo Retro Keyboard is the perfect combination of style, comfort, and performance. If you’re looking for a keyboard that stands out in both function and design, this is definitely a great choice. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a little retro flair with modern features!

As an 80s kid, when I saw this I instantly preordered it. I was already in the market for a new keyboard and had tried a few different mechanicals from Amazon. But once I saw this it was all over. I have several of 8bitdos wireless controllers for SNES and Genesis minis, original NES, and original SNES. So i am familiar with their excellent build quality and reputation. This just drips with nostalgia. It has great theming that is incredibly close to NES colors. And the shape and style of keys is reminiscent of the Commodore 64 keyboard. And I love that they didn't cram the arrow and format keys into the rest of it like so many other 60 and 75% keyboards do. Connectivity seems great. It comes with a 2.4ghz receiver that has a dedicated slot on the back/bottom of the keyboard. Of course it has bluetooth as well and that seems to work very well. The box says Windows and Android only, but I'm typing this just fine from my Linux desktop. Which is not surprising of course. The volume knob has a little bit of tactile feedback which is neat. I haven't even looked at the custom keystrokes you can assign to the B and A buttons either on the kb or the extra large external buttons. But I was thinking answering and hanging up Microsoft Teams calls would be pretty great! Overall, if you are a NES nerd like me, this is a must buy. I don't know a ton about mechanical keyboards as this is the 3rd or 4th I've ever tested, but I like this one the best. It might be a bit loud for a shared office space, but I work from home so I can clackity clackity as much as I want. Just overall a very well put together keyboard. I'm a little jealous of the Famicom styling, just like I was as a kid when I first saw what Japan got vs North America, but since I grew up with the NES I decided to go with that color scheme instead.

Its very clicky, nice color, cool retro look, very expensive for all 3 parts but very worth it imo. This is my favorite keyboard ive ever used.

This review comes after six months of daily use for work, and play, using this keyboard. Appearance: I like it. it is reminiscent of the C64 keyboard but not exactly the same. It doesn't blind you with RGB lights either, which is great. Durability: I don't see any fading of the lettering on the keys. Everything is still working. Feel: I like the feel of the keys, but not everyone will. You have to push the keys down further than on some keyboards. I also like the sound they make over that of past keyboards; it's like a duller clicky sound. Connections: I have always used it with the USB cable. It offers the use of both Bluetooth or Wi-Fi if you want to use it wirelessly, but then you have to charge or power it in some way. Annoyance: There are "engraved" lines running around the keyboard and they can be hard to clean if something gets in there. Bonus feature! Since the keyboard uses a type C port for USB, it can be plugged directly into an IPad and it works instantly (I used the cable that came with the IPad). No need for an adapter like most keyboards would need. Of course, you have to think about power when doing this. Either it will use the IPad power or it uses an internal battery, I'm not sure which it uses in this case. I just remembered today that this came with two big buttons and a little joystick, so now I'm trying to think of something to use them for. I have not used any of the other features like the keyboard mapping software, the profiles, or the two programmable buttons between the alt and ctrl keys on the right side. Since everything else is so well made, I assume that those things would work well too. Summary: So far, I think it is my favorite keyboard, over the forty years that I've used keyboards.

Ordinata per una postazione da retrogaming, la tastiera è comodissima! Bello anche il pad esterno personalizzabile

Lo primero es que compré este teclado porque necesitaba uno y recordaba haber visto una noticia hará unos meses. En su momento me gustó mucho la estética y me lo compré sin pensarlo demasiado ni mirar si era el mejor teclado para mis necesidades (no lo es). Llevo solo un día con el pero ya puedo dar una primera visión de las cosas buenas y malas: + Estética: seguramente si piensas en comprarlo es principalmente por la estética + Robusto: aunque es todo de plástico se ve robusto + Opciones de conectividad: Bluetooth, Cable y 2,4GHz + Opciones de macros: permite asignar combinaciones de teclas a un par de teclas y a los botones gigantes y además se puede hacer directamente en el teclado, sin necesidad de software + Control de volumen: tiene un control rotatorio para subir y bajar el volumen - Batería integrada: no sabía que llevaba y aunque para alguien será un punto positivo para mi es negativo. Las baterías integradas ponen una fecha de caducidad a los productos. Vale, en algunos casos se puede cambiar, pero no están pensadas para ello. No sé si resulta fácil en este teclado. - No tiene retroiluminación - No tiene patas. No se puede regular en altura - Instrucciones escuetas. No hay mucho en el manual de instrucciones. La letra es mega pequeña. Tengo alguna duda sobre las posibilidades para recargar la batería pero no parece que las resuelva. Por lo demás, a mi me está resultando bastante cómodo y es tan bonito como en las fotos y videos.

It's not a proper keyboard if you couldn't kill a man with it. Decent build quality. Nice clickty-clack sound. Reminds me of the old school keyboards you found attached to green screens and chunky workstations in the 80s and early 90s.

Un délice pour les doigts et les yeux, le thème est vraiment réussi je l'attendais au tournant et je ne suis pas du tout déçu. J'avais déjà acheté le stick arcade de 8bitdo, que j'avais fini par revendre car je ne l’utilisais pas assez, mais la qualité de fabrication m'avait soufflé et là on retrouve la même envie de faire un produit à la fois beau et fonctionnel, et c'est franchement réussi. Le stick et les super boutons sont gadgets, surtout le stick qui est très lâche, mais pour les avoir utilisés une soirée entière et ils font le taf. À noter que la version 1.04 du software a un soucis avec la version c64 mais aucun doute que ça sera réglé assez rapidement, c'est 8bitdo derrière après tout. EDIT : Après avoir pris contact avec le support 8bitdo ils m'ont fournis une version beta du logiciel, tout fonctionne parfaitement :)

Excelente teclado, retro y con mucho estilo.