8BitDo Keyboard
Nostalgia. The pull to the past is a powerful feeling that companies know can entice you to buy their products, and none seem to excel more at this than 8BitDo.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Retro Mechanical Keyboard - N Edition
I first heard about 8BitDo when they released their hand controller, which I use with my iPad and iPhone to play games (more on this in another article). And with the release shoirtly of their Commodore 64 inspired keyboard, and took a closer look. They currently have two versions available, one based on the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System: N Edition, and the other on the US Super Famicom: Fami Edition (what we know in Australia as the Super Nintendo). I ended up going with the N Edition, although I wish they released one in SNES colours, rather than the Famicom.
Here are the key details about the N Edition:
It has a grey colour scheme inspired by the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console. The main keys are light grey, while the navigation and control keys are darker grey, and the A/B buttons are red like the NES controller buttons.
It uses Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches which provide a tactile and audible feedback when typing.
The keycaps are made of dye-sublimated PBT plastic for durability and a textured feel.
In addition to the standard 87 keys, it has two large "Super Buttons" inspired by classic game controllers that can be programmed for macros or custom functions.
It supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz USB dongle, or wired USB connection.
The keyboard has N-key rollover, an aluminium plate, hot-swappable PCB, and a top-mount design for a consistent typing feel.
It includes 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 for remapping keys, setting up macros, and switching between multiple profiles.
I’m really happy with how this keyboard feels, and it’s an absolute joy to type on. The two macro buttons can be mapped however you like, and the keyboard comes with a selection of stickers that can be used to indicate what the macros are. I use this in Helldivers 2 to call reinforcements or an orbital railcannon strike. When you have a Charger chasing you down, you can’t do this fast enough. There is a “profile” button at the top of the keyboard, so you can activate this for gaming only and not have them cause you issues in normal computer use.
There are two switches on the top left for connectivity and volume. I’ve got mine hard-wired to the PC, but you can opt for Bluetooth or WiFi, and there’s a little dongle you can plug into your PC to assist as well.
The volume switch is functional, but inconsistent. If vertical is 50% volume and you rotate it away too quickly it skips adjustments, so when you slowly return it to vertical it’s no longer at 50%. I just use my mouse wheel for volume in Windows instead.
If I had one complaitn, it’s the luck of a number pad. I really only use this for calculations or entering my PIN to log into Windows, but it’s still missed.
Overall it’s a very attractive keyboard with lovely clicky-feeling keys, and the two fat macro buttons are very handy when gaming. Find it at https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-mechanical-keyboard/
