The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a massive chunky slab of a keyboard, and I adore it. It feels sturdy and the clicky mechanical keys sound great. If you don’t have the time to read this whole review, then let me tell you. Go buy one. You won’t regret it. For those who want a more in-depth option, read on!
I like it big, I like it chunky
At the time of writing, it comes in a variety of designs, with this particular one I bought being styled after the Commodore 64. Popping it on a table beside my own original C64 is immensely pleasing to the eye. The dimensions aren’t exactly right, but it feels close enough to me. What can I say? I’m a sucker for modern technology entombed in a retro shell. So much so that I pre-ordered it.
Each one comes in a well-packaged box. Alongside the main keyboard itself is a variety of add-ons. Two large separate buttons and a joystick are welcome additions. Running along the top of the central unit is a host of tactile knobs and buttons. The knobs control things like choosing which connection type the device uses, and there is even an honest-to-goodness physical volume knob. Along with a classic power status LED and Commodore-like logo, it all plays on that wave of nostalgia. Combined with things like programmable buttons, this thing is a delightful combination of old and new.
Connecting the keyboard to any appropriate device is easy. Either plug in the 2.4G wireless adapter that comes with it, or connect using standard Bluetooth. One of the handy knobs mentioned earlier lets you switch between the two. If those options don’t meet your needs, the included USB cable is a direct way to connect.
It boasts 87 keys and lacks the typical numpad layout on the right-hand side. The fact it isn’t a full-size keyboard may be a major deterrent for smaller ‘board haters. It does have ABS plastic keycaps over mechanical switches though, all with a decent amount of travel.
More than a gimmick
This thing isn’t just for show. It can actually be used like a keyboard, and it feels comfortable to type on. There are so many retro-inspired keyboards that don’t stand the test of time. After a week or so, the gimmick wears off, and what is left is a barely usable bit of plastic. Not with the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard. I’ve been using this thing for months and I’m still very much in love with it.
I’m sure it doesn’t need to be said, but this isn’t a very portable keyboard. It needs a dedicated place on a dedicated desk. Preferably inside a dedicated room with some wood panelling and mid-80s decoration. I didn’t have a good time playing games with it though. Although that could be because I usually game with a controller anyway. I found it awkward and not very fun. Writing or doing other types of work though? Yeah, it feels great to use. Editing some videos and writing a blog post both feel natural with this thing.
Summary
The biggest downside of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is its limited target audience. It bucks the trend of modern and sleek, immediately alienating a good portion of people who enjoy that sort of thing. Things don’t NEED to be big anymore, so who even wants technology designed like that? Well, people like me, of course. Nerdy, nostalgic people who prefer their technology large and bulky. It boasts a hefty price tag, but that may well be the right price to pay for some people.
I’ve not even touched on the Dual Super Button set-up. If anything is gimmicky about this thing, it’s the extra big buttons. I…don’t really have a use for them, so I’ve not really used or commented on them. They are there for people who want or need 2 big buttons. Each to their own.
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