8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review: This is the One

When considering retro gaming, we typically think of handheld devices like the Sega Genesis or the beloved Nintendo 64 controller. However, unless you're an MS-DOS enthusiast, you may not have given your retro gaming keyboard any thought.

That concept was altered when 8Bitdo debuted its first mechanical keyboard in NES and Famicom hues. I was intrigued when the C64 edition was launched. I became enamoured with the IBM model.

Thanks to the kind folks at AKNES, I have the IBM model of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard to examine today. After making a single minor adjustment, this will be my keyboard moving forward.

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard: "Specs"

It becomes strange when it comes to specifications. Typically, it's "Switch Sticks" this and "Screen Size" that. However, this is quite different. All of the specifications for a stock 8BitDo Retro Keyboard are shown here.

  • Switch Type: Kailh Box White V2 (Clicky switches, 45 grams of Operation force)
  • Key switches are Hot-Swappable
  • Keycaps: PBT, MDA styled design
  • Connectivity: 2.4ghz, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wired over USB-C
  • Dimensions: 14.8” x 6.7” x 1.9”
  • Weight: 1,050 grams
  • Battery: 2,000mAh (Rated for 200 hours of use)

Additionally, those enormous super buttons that are included

  • Switch Type: Gateron Green (Clicky Switches, 80 grams of Operation force)
  • Switches are Hot-Swappable
  • Connectivity: Wired over 3.5mm Plug
  • Dimensions: 6.3” x 2.9” 1.3”
  • Weight: 270 grams

For comparison, my previous primary keyboard, the WK870, was wired and weighed 1,917 grams when finished. My 40% Keyhive UT47.2, on the other hand, weighed only 427 grams.

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard: Software

The keyboard and board software are quite pleasant compared to what they provide. 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 is installed on the PC. Although it only supports the keyboard and the Ultimate 2c Controllers now, it still lets you handle many diverse tasks. You can change the firmware, configure macros, and navigate between profiles to locate the necessary keyboard.

Three additional buttons, the connectivity and volume knobs, and the power LED are all located on the board itself: profile switching, quick key mapping, and Bluetooth pairing. The two enormous bonus buttons do exactly what they sound like, and the FKM button lets you rapidly build up a macro that you can use on them. Despite being barebones, the Ultimate Software V2 does its function with excellence. I give it my thumbs up.

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard: The Change

The switches are the primary focus of the modification I made. Unfortunately, I found the clicks a little too loud, even though the Kailh Box White V2S were a great light-click switch that gives the keyboard a classic vibe. After the sound test below, I switched to a set of Akko V3 Creamy Blue Tactile Switches.

Additionally, these have a relatively low operating force of 45 grams. The distinction is that they use a slight tactile bump instead of a click. The difference is seen below. It may be a matter of taste, but it still sounds like a vintage piano and feels even better.

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard: Experience

After switching to the Akko switches, the experience of using this board has been faultless. Turning the knob to 2.4 instantly initiates the 2.4 GHz connection. Even though I dislike using it, pairing over Bluetooth was as simple as pairing my PC with my Xbox controllers. I only had to connect it once before it would simply click back in whenever I turned it on to Bluetooth.

Another thing I didn't notice was latency, particularly at 2.4 GHz. I don't experience any lag in my button presses when gaming, but I also don't put much effort into winning every game. However, the battery's durability is the most impressive feature. On the first night after receiving this board, I charged it completely. I haven't plugged this keyboard in again in almost two weeks, except to update the firmware. The feature that most appeals to me about this keyboard is its 200-hour rating, which is no joke.

After I connect the large buttons to my keyboard, they always function flawlessly. 8BitDo knows what they're doing.

Final Thoughts

For years, I have been purchasing keyboards. I own a Rainkeeb, a Freebird60, a WK870, a couple of UT47.2S, and even an old Epomaker that I can't recall the name of. My keyboard experience is based on a DREVO Blademaster TE built on Gateron Brown. Even though the 8Bitdo keyboard is just a wireless TKL plastic keyboard, it feels like a significant improvement.

Their software and connectivity simply function; 8Bitdo lubricated and adjusted the stabilizers correctly (at least for me), and after switching out the switches, I liked them. The stepped caps lock is the one drawback; if you want to switch out the keycaps, you'll need a new one, but that's not the objective. If you purchase any edition, you buy this board for its appearance. Despite its generic moniker, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard has plenty of that.

Despite all the shiny new gadgets on my desk, I'm happy the people at AKNES sent me this keyboard, and I will keep it. This is my favourite tech purchase of the past 12 months. That thing is also amazing, except for the Loki Max.