Of all the things that never seem to go out of vogue, retro technology is probably the biggest one. In a way, this is because everyone’s interpretation of the term “retro” is different, since for some people, retro might be the early 00s Frutiger Aero aesthetic popularized by Microsoft, while for others it might be the white and gray aesthetic that IBM’s computers were rocking in the 80s.
The truth is that retro encompasses a lot, and there’s a big audience for it, both comprised of people who grew up with said tech and are nostalgic for it, as well as younger generations who are mesmerized by the aesthetics and emphasis on features/durability over design.
Today, we are looking at a product that aims to look and feel retro while also keeping up with modern technological conveniences and features. Can the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard truly be retro if it isn’t 100% faithful to an old keyboard’s characteristics, both positive and negative? Find out in our full review!
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Manufacturer: 8BitDo
Price: $119.99 (108 Keys) $99.99 (TKL)
Before we start, I’d like to say that I don’t believe in romanticizing the negative aspects found in tech that we are nostalgic for. Older keyboards are full of charm, but they are also loud and rattly, and depending on the model, typing on them sounds like a terrible cacophony of metal and springs.
That’s why I don’t mind retro products that aim to fix problems the original had. It might not be 100% authentic, but I have a lot of respect for solutions that replicate key aspects without their downsides. Like, for example, do you know what makes a whole lot of noise but is also stable and much more pleasant to hear? Clicky mechanical switches.
Most of the time, it feels like anyone trying to sell you the idea of “retro” is doing so to cash in on a momentary fad, but if there’s a company out there that understands and replicates retro consistently, that’s 8BitDo, which is why I believe we can put our cynicism away for now.
8BitDo’s lineup of mechanical keyboards seek to emulate a typing experience similar to the one found in the iconic IBM Model M, which is held in high regard as a keyboard that was not only durable but also provided its users with a high amount of tactile feedback.
The lineup comes in multiple models, some referencing the aesthetics and design of popular consoles like the Famicom/NES, while others are more PC-centric, resembling an IBM or Commodore 64 keyboard.
Most models only have visual changes between each other, with the outliers being the C64 and Xbox editions, featuring different keycap profiles as well as changing materials from PBT to ABS, with the latter also having a different set of switches.
The model specific to this review is the N Edition, which draws visual inspiration from the American NES, while mostly replicating the overall sound and typing feel of a Model M through its clicky Kailh BOX White switches.
When it comes to its appearance, the N Edition nails the NES color scheme, even featuring a more accurate color to its shell than the one Nintendo chose for the NES Mini. The keycaps have the same rounded font used on the console’s logo, while every color present on the console has been distributed masterfully.
To keep with its console aesthetics, the Model N also comes with a “controller,” which in reality is a pair of programmable buttons that can be used for simple things like media controls or more advanced functions like macros. My favorite usage is sending an @everyone message on Discord with the press of a button, something that greatly annoys my friends.
A nice detail is that the macro buttons use a different switch from the keyboard, the Gateron Greens, which give them a completely different sound that is made even more unique thanks to the acoustics provided by the big red buttons. You can hear both the keyboard and macro switches below:
My time with the 8BitDo software was initially rough. The software left a lot to be desired, and a good chunk of its functions were way too slow. Switching profiles was especially annoying, as it would always find some naming conflict that forced you to wipe your settings clean.
Thankfully, my whining has been heard, and the 1.15 version fixes most issues that I complained about. The profile system now works smoothly, and while the macro tool is still not perfect, the update has made it much more reliable, fixing a whole lot of issues and removing some awkward delays it had whenever certain actions were performed.
Even with the update, however, the software is still bare-bones, only letting users create macros, lock certain key functions like Alt + F4 or the Windows key, and change the amount increased as you turn the volume knob. This is a pitiful amount of customization, making it quite clear that the software was created as an afterthought and is secondary to the built-in shortcuts.
The volume and tri-mode switch knobs on the keyboard are, however, great additions, making for an even more feature-rich product. The knobs seem to be an original idea from 8BitDo, since none of the consoles or keyboards they try to replicate have those.
There’s an incredibly modular feel to the entire keyboard, perfectly exemplified by the volume knob and oversized power indicator bulb. These are things that modern keyboards would hide behind key combinations or have a simple and discreet LED to show, but here it’s on full display as part of the presentation.
The first knob lets users switch between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4 GHz modes, while the second knob lets users control their system volume. From a design perspective, the knobs and buttons at the top allow 8BitDo to give the keyboard even more flair with a banner that changes depending on the model chosen, while also making that area not look like empty space.
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard nails all aspects of its presentation, down to the classy color schemes and the way its switches sound, managing to pull off retro without any of the inconveniences one would encounter.
It’s clear that each model was designed with a lot of attention put into its functionality and aesthetics, but it does suffer from a slightly disappointing software experience. This isn’t a deal breaker, since most of the important features already have their built-in shortcuts, but it is definitely a bummer that a quality product like this has such a simple software companion.
Despite that, it’s still quite refreshing to see a product that sells you on the idea of being retro without any strings attached. The unapologetically mechanical sound, gorgeous color choices, and fantastic attention to detail really put this a tier above any faux vintage product that has ever been released, something that 8BitDo constantly manages to pull off.
You can find 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard on 8BitDo’s online store (108 keys), as well as their official Aliexpress store (TKL version.)
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard was reviewed using a unit provided by 8BitDo. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here.
