Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!
66
8BitDo Retro S Edition Tri-mode Mechanical Keyboard

8BitDo Retro S Edition Mechanical Keyboard

The 8BitDo Retro S Edition is a compact 87-key mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want versatile connectivity and easy customization without software complexity. It suits users who value tactile feedback, durable keycaps, and programmable keys for gaming or productivity. Its limited edition design adds collectible appeal but does not affect core functionality.</p... Read more
Compare prices from $149.00
Details
Specification
Price alert

Compare prices and purchase options

Click the coupon code for a discount. Features and specs may vary by model version.

*I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support!

Price history

The price history chart tracks the lowest price over time (excluding shipping costs).

Compare 8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron K2 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
8BitDo Retro S EditionKeychron Q1 HEKeychron K2 HE
66
8BitDo Retro S Edition Tri-mode Mechanical Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
4.6 (69)
  • Has Clicky, Tactile switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1050 g
  • Sized at 47 x 170 x 377 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1743 g
  • Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case
  • Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.5
  • Build Quality: 65.8
  • Productivity: 74
  • Customizability: 58.5
  • Portability: 77.2
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
8BitDo Retro S Edition
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Dimensions
47 x 170 x 377 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Weight
1050g
Weight
4000g
Weight
1743g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Product Description

The 8BitDo Retro S Edition is a compact 87-key mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want versatile connectivity and easy customization without software complexity. It suits users who value tactile feedback, durable keycaps, and programmable keys for gaming or productivity. Its limited edition design adds collectible appeal but does not affect core functionality.

Key Features

  • Multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB-C, allowing flexible use across devices.
  • Two large, programmable Super Buttons enable quick macro execution or remapping without software, simplifying in-game commands or shortcuts.
  • Independent control panel provides direct access to volume, button mapping, and connection settings, reducing reliance on complex shortcuts.
  • Hot-swappable PCB supports switch replacement without soldering, allowing customization or maintenance.

Build Quality and Design

  • Top-mount case design offers consistent typing feel and sound by securing the plate and PCB firmly.
  • Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with MDA-like profile provide durability and a textured surface that resists shine over time.
  • Includes a limited edition wrist rest and extra keycaps with unique color accents, enhancing comfort and style.
  • Limited to 1994 units, each with a unique serial number silk-screened on the space bar, adding collectible value.

Typing Experience

  • Equipped with Kailh BOX White V2 tactile switches, offering a noticeable bump and clicky feedback suited for gaming and typing.
  • Switches have a 45±10gf actuation force and 3.6mm total travel, balancing responsiveness and comfort.
  • Supports full n-key rollover to prevent missed or ghosted key presses during fast input.

Compatibility and Software

  • Compatible with multiple operating systems due to broad connectivity options.
  • Supports 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for advanced customization, though Super Buttons can be programmed without software.

Trade-offs

  • Limited edition nature means availability is restricted, which may affect replacement parts or future support.
  • Compact 87-key layout lacks a dedicated number pad, less ideal for users needing extensive numeric input.
  • Battery capacity is 2000mAh, but actual wireless usage time is unknown from available data.

Discover and compare 8BitDo Retro S Edition alternatives

Explore products with similar features and specifications.
100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
95
$159
Keychron Q10 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
73
$129
Minilo
Varmilo Minilo
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
-28% off
94
$221$159
Keychron Q6 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other users are also interested in these products

Discover products that are frequently liked and visited by other users!