Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!
8BitDo Retro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

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
Compare prices from $119.00
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 vs Keychron K2 HE vs Monsgeek M1W Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
8BitDo RetroKeychron K2 HEMonsgeek M1W
8BitDo Retro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
93
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit
0.0 (0)
4.6 (69)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Clicky 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
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • 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
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • 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
  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2200 g
  • Sized at 33 x 146 x 333 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.8
  • Build Quality: 53.3
  • Productivity: 62.6
  • Customizability: 56.8
  • Portability: 72
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.3
Scores
  • Performance: 70.6
  • Build Quality: 84.5
  • Productivity: 97.1
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 91.7
Name
8BitDo Retro
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Name
Monsgeek M1W
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
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
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
6000 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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
47 x 170 x 377 mm
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Dimensions
33 x 146 x 333 mm
Weight
1050g
Weight
1743g
Weight
2200g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

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.

Discover and compare 8BitDo Retro alternatives

Explore products with similar features and specifications.
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
93
$105
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit
Monsgeek M1W
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
93
$97
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Ultra
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

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

Compare specs
64
$109
8BitDo Retro 87 Tri-mode Mechanical Keyboard Xbox Edition
8BitDo Retro87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Top Mount

Compare specs
94
$100
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
78
$99
SKYLOONG GK87Pro Christmas Keyboard Combo Christmas Gift
Skyloong GK87Pro
87%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
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!