Recently we got our hands on the new 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard, now featuring 108 keys (the previous model didn’t include the numpad). 8BitDo currently offers the keyboard with a NES or Famicon design, promising to bring a heavy dose of nostalgia to your gaming setup, while still delivering the performance and features you’d expect from a modern gaming keyboard. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard, including its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality
The 8BitDo Retro 108 Keyboard feels solid and premium, with a sturdy frame made from high-quality plastic and an aluminium plate for durability. The NES and Fami designs add detailed retro flare to your setup, and both editions come with two big red buttons, also known as the “dual super buttons”, which can be configured however you please. The hot-swappable keys don’t have backlighting, and the software works better on some operating systems than others.
Features and Functionality
The 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard is packed with features that gamers will appreciate. Some of the key highlights include:
- Programmable macro keys: Each key can be remapped or given a macro, which are easy to record using the 8BitDo software.
- N-key rollover: The keyboard supports n-key rollover, which means that every key press is registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
- Hot-swappable keycaps: The included Kailh Box White Switches V2 are hot-swappable
- Versatile connectivity: The keyboard features Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired connection with the detachable USB cable.
Pros and Cons
After putting the 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard through its paces, here are some of the pros and cons that we’ve identified.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality: The keyboard feels solid and premium, with a sturdy frame and high-quality PBT keycaps.
- Good gaming performance: The keyboard performed well in gaming tests, with responsive keys, accurate registration, and minimal latency.
- Expandable functionality: It’s easy to hook up other accessories from the growing catalog of retro gear such as the 8BitDo Super Stick and Super ABXY for those who are fully committed to the retro experience.
- Versatile connectivity: You can connect via 2.4G, Bluetooth, or wired via USB, which gives you plenty of options. It’s also got a cool retro switch for quickly flicking between connectivity mode.
- Includes dual super buttons: These buttons add an additional level of functionality, and are very satisfying if you have a task that requires you to quickly hit one of the two large red buttons.
- Integrated numpad: Standard on most keyboards, but the previous edition required a pricy add-on numpad that is now thankfully included in this edition.
Neutral
- Niche retro aesthetic: While the retro NES and Famicon designs are possibly the biggest pull for the product, it’s also a certain aesthetic that won’t be right for everyone, or fit in with every gaming setup.
- No backlighting: The epic gamers who demand backlighting might be disappointed to find the keyboard lacks it. But we think it’s tasteful in keeping with the retro aesthetic.
Cons:
- Pricier than some alternatives: The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard is priced at £99.99 on GameSwap, but you can get a £5 discount by signing up to our newsletter. The price may be out of budget for some gamers, but overall this is still pretty reasonable for a fully-featured mechanical keyboard.
- Not the best functionality: At the time of writing this review, the software is currently only officially compatible with Windows and Android, so Mac/iOS users may be disappointed.
- It’s LOUD! Okay, it’s not the loudest mechanical keyboard, but like all mechanical keyboards, this thing can be loud and disruptive to those around you. Just something to bear in mind if you’re considering any mechanical keyboard.
- The ergonomics aren’t perfect. You might want to invest in a wrist-rest for prolonged productivity and gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard is a solid choice for gamers who are looking for a retro-inspired keyboard with modern features. While it may have some drawbacks, the keyboard’s excellent build quality, good gaming performance, and expandable functionality make it a compelling option. If you’re in the market for a new keyboard and are willing to invest in a premium product, the 8BitDo Mechanical Keyboard is definitely worth considering. I’d give it a score of 4 out of 5, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard with a touch of nostalgia.
