8BitDo Retro 87 Review | 64 Data compared

However, the keyboard comes with several physical and functional limitations. On the downside, the device lacks a dedicated 10-key number pad, and configuring the regular programmable keys or updating the firmware strictly requires a wired USB connection. The reviewer notes that the NES-styled variant uses smooth, printed lines to mimic textures, whereas the C64 model features authentically raised plastic ridges. Furthermore, the keyboard does not ship with an ergonomic wrist rest—which is recommended due to its height—and 8BitDo's separate aftermarket 10-key pad fails to integrate with the main keyboard's built-in jacks.

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a visually striking, retro-inspired peripheral that successfully captures the nostalgia of 1980s gaming, particularly through its Famicom and NES-themed color schemes. Priced between $100 and $110, the 84-key wireless board supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connections. It features an aluminum frame that provides a reassuring weight, alongside unique programmable "Dual Super Buttons"—oversized, tactile macro keys that plug into the chassis via 3.5mm jacks for fun and convenient shortcut mapping. While the typing experience is generally comfortable and accurate, the board uses Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches, which may feel satisfying to some but prove highly disruptive due to how loud they are. The keyboard features notable pros and cons regarding its build and functionality: Pros: Beautiful, timeless retro aesthetic (with localized Kana characters on the Famicom version); highly customizable macro potential using the Super Buttons; and hot-swappable design allowing for easy upgrades to keycaps and switches. Cons: Lack of any backlighting, making it difficult to use in low light; the internal software can be prone to functionality issues; and an overly plastic...

The PCMag review rates the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard 4.5/5, praising its $99.99 price, NES/Famicom design, robust build, and tri-mode connectivity. It features hot-swappable Kailh Box V2 White switches and includes unique "Super Buttons" for macros, making it an Editors' Choice for nostalgia-driven performance. Drawbacks include a niche, heavy-themed aesthetic, slightly spongy key feel, loud typing, and limited utility for the included Super Buttons. The keyboard is recommended for its value, but less so for users seeking quiet or conventional designs.

The 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is an outstanding, value-packed wireless tenkeyless (TKL) peripheral that stands out for its nostalgic design choices inspired by the NES and Famicom systems. Priced at a reasonable $99.99 USD, it boasts robust connectivity choices, including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and a wired USB-C configuration. The keyboard utilizes durable dye-sub PBT keycaps and features built-in volume and wireless mode dials on the chassis. Furthermore, the hot-swappable printed circuit board is equipped with tactile, clicky Kailh Box V2 White switches that deliver a highly responsive typing experience over an impressive 200-hour active battery lifespan. It also bundles a unique "Super Buttons" accessory—a separate, massive two-button layout that maps to user-defined macros via 8Bitdo's Ultimate Software. Key Pros and Cons The product balances specific retro appeals with excellent baseline hardware performance: Pros: Eye-catching retro NES or Famicom styling. Comfortable and responsive typing with Kailh Box White switches. Versatile triple-mode connectivity options (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired). Highly affordable price point for a mechanical keyboard. Extensive button remapping via customization software. Cons: Specialized aesthetic may not appeal to non-retro gamers. Switches...

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is evaluated as an affordable, sturdy, and highly versatile device with notable out-of-the-box accessibility potential. Among its primary pros are its heavy, stable build quality, multiple connection modes (USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and Bluetooth) controlled via a physical knob, and hot-swappable Kailh Box White V2 switches that allow users to customize key weights and audio feedback without soldering. A standout feature is the inclusion of the Dual Super Buttons, which connect to stereo 3.5mm ports on the keyboard and allow for up to eight adaptive switch inputs when utilizing a stereo-to-mono splitter. Conversely, the review highlights several cons that detract from the overall user experience. The proprietary Ultimate Software V2 is criticized for being buggy, difficult to navigate via a standard keyboard, and poorly optimized for blind users due to a lack of proper unlabelled button indicators for screen readers. In terms of physical construction, the 87-key version lacks adjustable feet, leaving users stuck with a single, pronounced default angle. Furthermore, internal modification and sound dampening are severely hindered because 8BitDo glued the rubber feet...

The 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is an outstanding $100 budget gaming keyboard that masterfully combines vintage style with high-utility functionality. Sporting distinct design nods to the NES, Famicom, or Commodore 64, this 87-key tenkeyless layout features hot-swappable switches, top-mounted mode dials, and dual programmable macro buttons. It provides fantastic value by offering versatile connectivity via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C, alongside a massive 200-hour battery life. Typing feels intuitive and enjoyable right out of the box due to the tall MDA profile keycaps, and the included external Dual Super Buttons macro pad is a highly functional addition rather than a cheap gimmick.

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard ($89) is a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard that beautifully delivers a retro gaming aesthetic across four editions, including the NES-inspired N Edition. Built with a solid aluminum plate inside a plastic chassis, it features a unique set of programmable "Super Buttons," retro dials for mode-switching, and hot-swappable Kailh Box V2 White switches. It provides highly versatile connectivity options via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C, offering an outstanding 200 hours of battery life on a single charge. The review highlights significant pros, including its nostalgic design, excellent typing tactile feel, dual control knobs, and extensive customizability through programmable macro buttons and software. However, the keyboard suffers from two major downsides: it completely lacks any key backlighting, rendering it difficult to use in dark rooms, and the pre-installed clicky switches are exceptionally loud. Additionally, some users may miss a premium metal exterior chassis and a dedicated number pad, though a full-sized edition is available for a higher price.

The PCMag Middle East review highly praises the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard N Edition, awarding it an "Outstanding" 4.5/5 rating for its incredible blend of nostalgia, robust feature set, and exceptional value at AED 389 ($99.99). The reviewer lauds its Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) inspired design, which showcases meticulous attention to detail through its retro color palette, physical volume/connectivity dials, and an iconic top corner power bulb. On the functional side, the keyboard stands out with its tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired), a hot-swappable PCB, exceptionally smooth stock stabilizers, and a highly impressive 200 hours of battery life achieved by omitting power-hungry RGB lighting. It also includes a unique "Super Buttons" peripheral featuring two massive, programmable macro buttons. However, the review highlights a few notable drawbacks to consider before purchasing. The primary hardware complaint focuses on the Super Buttons accessory using a proprietary connection rather than a standard USB-C cable, meaning it is entirely useless without the keyboard itself. Performance-wise, the stock Kailh Box White V2 tactile switches are incredibly clicky and loud; while they complement the...

The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) is praised for its original Xbox-inspired aesthetics, featuring a semi-transparent green shell and versatile, stable connectivity options. The review highlights a superior typing experience with tactile, hot-swappable Kailh Jellyfish X switches, along with a functional dedicated Xbox button. 8 Conversely, the review notes the included external macro dual-buttons pad feels mushy, loud, and cheap, despite using Clicky Jade switches. Other drawbacks include a lack of height-adjustable feet, limited switch options, and a lack of software customization on console, despite wired connectivity.

The Impulse Gamer review rates the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) as a high-performance, low-latency device blending nostalgia with modern features, including triple-mode connectivity and 70-hour battery life. Key strengths include its responsive, reliable performance in fast-paced games, though the 87-key, tenkeyless layout lacks a dedicated number pad for some users.

The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) is a highly robust, tenkeyless gaming peripheral that flawlessly replicates the original 2001 Xbox translucent "black green" colour scheme. On the positive side, it features comfortable, low-profile Kailh Jellyfish X tactile switches with durable double-layered ABS keycaps, making it highly responsive and exceptionally pleasant for long typing or gaming sessions. It also boasts impressive customizable elements, including an Xbox button for the Windows Game Bar, programmable A/B keys, full vibrant green RGB lighting with eight custom patterns, and two delightfully oversized, programmable "Super Buttons". Furthermore, it offers robust connectivity across Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and a striking wired green cable, alongside a powerful 200-hour battery life. However, the keyboard lacks a physical kickstand for height adjustment and missing console compatibility for its special mapping features, rendering it merely a basic keyboard when plugged into an actual Xbox console. In contrast, the companion 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless Mouse is less successful as a dedicated gaming tool, prioritising style over substance. Its standout features include an identical, nostalgia-inducing translucent green aesthetic, double-layered crystal plastic...

The Playday.one review highlights the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard (Xbox Edition) as a feature-rich, solid kit offering smooth, premium keycaps and robust connectivity across PC and Android, though its specialized software and hardware features are lost when used on an Xbox console. Despite the aesthetic appeal and versatile typing experience, the review notes a significant limitation, as the keyboard loses its standout functionality when plugged into an Xbox. playday.one

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review Summary The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard (C64 Edition) is a Tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard that exceptionally captures the nostalgia of the classic Commodore 64 through its retro warm greys, muted browns, and a rainbow-themed logo homage. Priced at an MSRP of $110 (and frequently discounted around $80), this hot-swappable keyboard offers solid performance for both daily typing and gaming via three connectivity modes: wired, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. It boasts an impressive 200-hour battery life and features unique, extra-tall dye-sub PBT keycaps that are subtly curved to help orient your fingers without looking. While it delivers a highly satisfying and responsive typing feel, it relies on Kalih Box White Switches V2, which produce a very loud, unique "thunk" that might deter some users. On the downside, the keyboard completely lacks RGB backlighting, making it difficult to use in dark rooms. Its headline inclusions—the dual "Super Buttons" and an arcade-style "Super Stick"—are heavily niche, gimmicky accessories that take up significant desk space. Furthermore, the 8BitDo Ultimate Software is mediocre and clunky, requiring a wired connection...

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard ($99 / £85) is an 80% TKL, hot-swappable keyboard that masterfully combines Nintendo-inspired vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance. Built with a highly durable hard plastic chassis and a sturdy aluminum plate, it features dye-sublimated PBT keycaps and responsive Kailh Box V2 White clicky switches that deliver a satisfying, nostalgic typing experience reminiscent of classic IBM keyboards. It offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless (with a built-in magnetic dongle slot), and wired modes. Additionally, it includes unique, customizable Dual Super Buttons that plug into 3.5mm jacks for on-the-fly macro mapping, all supported by the intuitive, clutter-free 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 companion app. The review highlights several pros, including its eye-catching retro design, excellent build quality with no flex, smooth default typing performance, and seamless software integration. However, it does note a few cons, specifically focusing on the Dual Super Buttons. These programmable buttons have a large physical footprint that takes up valuable desk space, and they may offer limited daily utility depending on individual user workflows. Despite these minor drawbacks, the keyboard is highly recommended...

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a highly durable, tenkeyless gaming keyboard that beautifully blends an 1980s aesthetic with modern technology. Available in two distinct styles—the NES-inspired "N Edition" and the Famicom-themed "Fami Edition"—the keyboard features a robust plastic chassis, a sturdy aluminum top plate, and laser-printed, dye-sublimated keycaps designed to resist wear. It utilizes Kailh Box White Switches V2, which provide a distinct, satisfying click, and features a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch customization. Connectivity is highly versatile, offering Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless (with a clever magnetic dongle slot), and wired USB-C modes, alongside an impressive internal battery life rated for over 200 hours. A standout novelty feature is the inclusion of giant, programmable "Super Buttons" that connect to the back of the device via 3.5mm jacks, allowing users to map macros and productivity shortcuts without needing specialized software. Pros and Cons While the reviewer awarded the keyboard an excellent 9/10 score, the device possesses clear advantages and limitations

The RTINGS review of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard highlights it as a highly capable, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring exceptional build quality with a rigid plastic housing and aluminum top plate. Pros include an impressive, low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection, a hot-swappable PCB, and unique external "Dual Super Button" modules for custom macro shortcuts. However, the keyboard has notable drawbacks, including loud, high-pitched clicky switches that are disruptive, a complete lack of backlighting, and heavy, bulky construction that hinders portability. Furthermore, while solid for casual gaming, its wireless latency is less consistent than top-tier competitive keyboards, and it lacks multi-device pairing capabilities.