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8BitDo Retro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

8BitDo Retro

The 8BitDo Retro is a compact mechanical keyboard designed for gamers who want flexible connectivity and customizable controls. It suits users who value quick command access through programmable keys and prefer a classic design with modern features. Its hot-swappable switches and multiple connection options make it adaptable for different setups, especially on Windows and Android devices.</p... Read more
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Compare 8BitDo Retro vs Keydous NJ80 CP V2 HE vs Keychron K8 HE Specification

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8BitDo RetroKeydous NJ80 CP V2 HEKeychron K8 HE
8BitDo Retro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keydous NJ80-CP V2 Rapid Trigger HE Three Mode Gaming Keyboard
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0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
5.0 (5)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1050 g
  • Sized at 47 x 170 x 377 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Equipped with a 4800 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Wood case
  • Offers Yes, North-face, Rgb, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.6
  • Build Quality: 53.6
  • Productivity: 62.7
  • Customizability: 56.7
  • Portability: 72.4
Scores
  • Performance: 77.7
  • Build Quality: 43
  • Productivity: 50.6
  • Customizability: 50.3
  • Portability: 64.6
Scores
  • Performance: 92.4
  • Build Quality: 84.8
  • Productivity: 88.3
  • Customizability: 89.9
  • Portability: 76.6
Name
8BitDo Retro
Name
Keydous NJ80 CP V2 HE
Name
Keychron K8 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, 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
Connection
Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
4800 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
-
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
North-face, Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Wood
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
47 x 170 x 377 mm
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
1050g
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Product Description

The 8BitDo Retro is a compact mechanical keyboard designed for gamers who want flexible connectivity and customizable controls. It suits users who value quick command access through programmable keys and prefer a classic design with modern features. Its hot-swappable switches and multiple connection options make it adaptable for different setups, especially on Windows and Android devices.

Key Features

  • Dual Super Buttons provide large, programmable keys for instant command activation without software, improving in-game responsiveness.
  • Hot-swappable PCB allows users to change switches easily, enabling customization of typing feel and sound.
  • Supports n-key rollover, ensuring every keypress registers accurately during fast or complex inputs.
  • Custom key mapping is available via 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, offering deeper control over layout and functions.

Typing Experience

  • Equipped with Kailh Box White Clicky switches, delivering tactile and audible feedback suited for users who prefer a clicky typing feel.
  • Dye-sub PBT keycaps with MDA-like height provide durable, textured keys that resist shine and offer comfortable finger placement.
  • Top mount style case contributes to a stable typing platform with moderate sound resonance.

Connectivity and Compatibility

  • Offers wired USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth LE connections, allowing flexible use across devices and environments.
  • Compatible with Windows 10 (1903) and above, and Android 9.0 and above, covering most modern gaming and mobile platforms.
  • Includes a 2000mAh battery supporting around 200 hours of use per charge, though actual battery life may vary.

Trade-offs

  • The clicky Kailh Box White switches may be noisy, making the keyboard less suitable for quiet office settings.
  • Limited to an 87-key Tenkeyless layout, which may not fit users needing a full-size keyboard with a number pad.
  • Custom mapping for the Super Buttons can be done without software, but full customization requires the 8BitDo software, which may add setup complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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