Hop in a time machine with the 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard, mixing NES vibes with modern goodies for a sick typing experience. This Nintendo keyboard is a total vibe, rocking a retro look inspired by the NES or Famicom, plus tech like hot-swappable switches and wireless freedom. Whether you’re a gamer smashing buttons, a typist who loves that clicky feel, or just someone who wants their desk to scream ‘80s cool, the 8BitDo Retro has you covered. Let’s dive into why this 8BitDo keyboard is straight-up awesome.
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8BitDo Retro Specs
Okay, let’s peek at what makes this 8BitDo Retro keyboard so dope. Here’s the rundown in a chill table:
| What’s It Got? | The Deets |
|---|---|
| Layout | Tenkeyless (TKL layout, 80% layout) |
| Number of Keys | 87 |
| Build Material | Plastic body, aluminum plate for sturdiness |
| Switch Type | Kailh Box White V2 (clicky and hot-swappable) |
| Keycaps | Dye-sub PBT, MDA-like profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C wired |
| Battery | 2000mAh Li-ion, lasts 200 hours, charges in 4 |
| Software | 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 |
| Polling Rate | Not specified |
| Latency | Not specified |
| Backlight | No RGB |
| Weight | 1050g (2.31 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 376.6mm x 169.6mm x 46.8mm |
This 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard is packed with stuff to make you grin from ear to ear.
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8BitDo Retro Design
Unboxing the 8BitDo Retro is like opening a fresh NES cartridge in ‘85—pure magic. You’ve got two flavors: the N Edition with that classic NES gray-and-red look, complete with chunky D-pad arrow keys, or the Fami Edition rocking Famicom’s beige and maroon with Japanese Kana legends (perfect if you’re learning Japanese or just wanna flex). Those red keycap labels on the N Edition in that retro NES font? Total chef’s kiss. We’re obsessed with how it nails that Nintendo keyboard aesthetic.
This thing’s a tenkeyless layout, so it’s compact, leaving tons of desk space for your mouse to dance—gamers, you know the deal. The plastic body keeps it light at 1050 grams, but an aluminum plate inside means it’s tough as nails. Up top, there’s a control panel with two old-school dials—one for power and connectivity, one for volume—plus buttons to pair or remap keys on the fly. Oh, and that bubble LED power indicator? It’s giving serious retro arcade vibes.
The 8BitDo Retro also throws in Dual Super Buttons, a separate gadget with two massive NES-style buttons you can program for whatever. Plug ‘em into the four 3.5mm jacks on the back, or skip ‘em if you’re keeping your setup clean.
Wanna know why tenkeyless is so clutch? Peep our keyboard sizes & layout guide for the lowdown.
8BitDo Retro Switches
Kailh Box White V2 switches power the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard N Edition (and Fami Edition), and let us tell you, they’re a total blast. These clicky switches have a nice tactile bump and a sound that’s loud but won’t annoy your roommates like some others (looking at you, Cherry Blues). With a 45g actuation force and 3.6mm travel, they’re snappy for gaming and super satisfying for typing out essays or Discord rants. It’s like channeling an old-school IBM keyboard but way cooler.
The best part? The hot-swappable PCB means you can pop out those switches and swap in whatever you want—no soldering needed. Feeling linear reds or silent switches? Go wild. The dye-sub PBT keycaps, with their grippy MDA-like profile, feel awesome and won’t get shiny after months of use. Stabilizers on big keys like spacebar and enter are pre-lubed, so no annoying rattle.
Wanna geek out on stabilizers? Check out our guide on stabilizers for all the juicy details.
8BitDo Ultimate Software
Dive into 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, your go-to playground for tweaking this 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard. It’s PC-only, but it’s a breeze to use—just plug in via USB-C and start messing around. Remap keys, set macros, or create profiles for different vibes, like one for shredding in Street Fighter and another for coding. Those programmable A and B keys on the board? Map ‘em to anything. The Dual Super Buttons? Program them to launch your ult in Overwatch with one glorious smack.
You can even do quick key mapping right on the keyboard without software, which is clutch for on-the-go tweaks. No RGB lighting to mess with (sorry, glow fans), but the simplicity fits the 8BitDo Retro’s old-school soul. It’s all about making this Nintendo keyboard feel like your Nintendo keyboard.
For more on decking out your board, hit up our keyboard keycaps article.
8BitDo Retro Wireless & Battery
Connectivity on the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is straight-up champ-level. You get Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB-C wired—pick your poison with a twist of the top dial. The 2.4GHz adapter (a cute lil’ brick that hides magnetically in the keyboard) is lag-free, perfect for gaming sessions where every millisecond counts. Bluetooth is great for hopping between your PC and Android phone or Steam Deck without breaking a sweat.
The 2000mAh battery is a beast, giving you up to 200 hours of use. That’s, like, weeks of typing or gaming before you need to plug in, and it only takes four hours to juice back up. Wired mode’s there for zero-latency clutch moments, and the USB-C cable’s got enough length to keep things comfy. Plus, N-key rollover (NKRO) means no missed inputs, even when you’re spamming keys in a heated match.
Who’s the 8BitDo Retro For?
Retro gaming nerds, clicky-key typists, and Nintendo fanatics will call the 8BitDo Retro their new BFF. Gamers, those Kailh switches and N-key rollover are gonna make you unstoppable in retro brawlers or modern FPS titles. Typists, the tactile feedback and comfy PBT keycaps will have you typing novels without wrist cramps. And if you’re all about that aesthetic, the NES keyboard or Fami Edition’s bold colors and quirky Super Buttons are pure Instagram gold.
Not your thing if you need a full-sized board with a numpad or crave RGB lighting. If you’re a macOS diehard, you might want a keyboard with dedicated macOS keycaps for a smoother Apple experience. But if you want a Nintendo keyboard that’s equal parts nostalgia and performance, the 8BitDo Retro is calling your name.
Pros and Cons of the 8BitDo Retro
Let’s quickly break down the key pros and cons of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your setup:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Awesome retro NES/Famicom design | No RGB lighting (not for glow lovers) |
| Hot-swappable Kailh Box White V2 switches | Not ideal if you need a numpad |
| Wireless (Bluetooth + 2.4GHz) + USB-C wired | PC-only software (no macOS support) |
| Long battery life (up to 200 hours) | Plastic body—not premium metal build |
| Compact TKL layout saves desk space | No dedicated macOS layout or keycaps |
| Customizable Dual Super Buttons | No media controls on the board |
| Easy-to-use Ultimate Software V2 |
| Great for gaming & typing alike |
Why the 8BitDo Retro Rules
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard N Edition is a total banger, blending NES and Famicom vibes with modern mechanical keyboard swagger. Those hot-swappable Kailh Box White V2 switches, versatile Bluetooth/2.4GHz/wired connectivity, and a battery that just won’t quit make it a dream for gamers and typists alike. The 8BitDo Retro keyboard software is easy to use, letting you customize everything from macros to those giant Super Buttons. Whether you’re reliving Mario Bros. glory days or just want a setup that pops, this 8BitDo keyboard delivers big time. And, whether you grab the N Edition or the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Fami Edition, you’re getting pure ‘80s swagger.
Wanna add some retro flair to your desk? Snag the 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard and start living your best ‘80s life!
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