What is the MK Game 1989 keyboard made of?

The MK Game 1989 features a CNC machined aluminum case with a powder spray finish, providing a durable and stylish exterior.

Does the MK Game 1989 come with switches and keycaps?

No, the MK Game 1989 is a barebones kit, meaning it does not include switches or keycaps. You will need to purchase these separately.

Can I use the MK Game 1989 keyboard with a Mac?

Yes, the MK Game 1989 is compatible with MacOS. You can download the appropriate firmware for MacOS to ensure optimal performance.

What kind of typing experience does the MK Game 1989 offer?

The MK Game 1989 provides a 6° typing angle and features a horizontal flex cut FR4 switch plate, which enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and comfortable feel.

Is the MK Game 1989 keyboard compatible with QMK firmware?

No, the MK Game 1989 is not compatible with QMK firmware. However, it is VIA compatible, allowing for easy customization of key mappings.

How do I connect the MK Game 1989 to my computer?

The MK Game 1989 connects to your computer via a USB-C interface, ensuring a reliable and fast connection.

What is the layout of the MK Game 1989 keyboard?

The MK Game 1989 features a tenkeyless size with a US QWERTY logical layout and an ANSI physical layout, making it compact yet functional for a variety of uses.

Does the MK Game 1989 support hotswappable switches?

Yes, the MK Game 1989 supports hotswap functionality, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering.

What type of switch pad and foam are used in the MK Game 1989?

The MK Game 1989 is equipped with a 0.5mm IXPE switch pad and 3.5mm poron plate foam, along with a 1.5mm poron bottom foam, all contributing to a quieter and more stable typing experience.

How is the PCB designed in the MK Game 1989?

The MK Game 1989 features a flex cut PCB with south-facing switches, which is designed to enhance the keyboard's flexibility and typing comfort.

80Retros Game 1989 Starting at $208.99

Name: 80Retros Game 1989
Brand: 80Retros
SKU: click-inc-game-1989-kit

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80Retros Game 1989
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80Retros Game 1989 TKL Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$209 Out of stock	Visit Shop

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80Retros Game 1989 TKL Keyboard Kit

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$209

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Compare 80Retros Game 1989 vs Keychron Q3 HE vs Keychron LemoKey P1 HE Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	80Retros Game 1989	Keychron Q3 HE	Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
	72	97	96
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (18 reviews)	5.0 stars (3 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting	Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO, ANSI layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 1775 g Sized at 23 x 137 x 365 mm Made with a Aluminum, Metal case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE layout standard Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 1630 g Sized at 32 x 140 x 322 mm Made with a Metal, Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 70.5 Build Quality: 65.4 Productivity: 85.4 Customizability: 68.6 Portability: 61	Scores Performance: 99.9 Build Quality: 87.9 Productivity: 96.7 Customizability: 99.2 Portability: 77.6	Scores Performance: 93.3 Build Quality: 88.1 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 97.4 Portability: 81.3
Name	Name 80Retros Game 1989	Name Keychron Q3 HE	Name Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White	Backlight Rgb, North-face, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Metal	Case Material Metal, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 23 x 137 x 365 mm	Dimensions 32 x 140 x 322 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1775g	Weight 1630g

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Product Description

The 80Retros Game 1989 is a tenkeyless, barebones mechanical keyboard kit designed for users who want to build and customize their own board. It suits hobbyists comfortable with assembly and selecting their own switches and keycaps. Its aluminum case and hotswap support allow for durable construction and easy switch changes without soldering.

Key Features

Hotswap switch sockets enable quick switch replacement, ideal for users who like to try different switch types.
North-facing switch orientation supports compatibility with certain keycap profiles that benefit from this layout.
VIA compatibility allows users to customize key mapping without complex firmware flashing.
6° typing angle provides a moderate incline for ergonomic hand positioning during extended use.

Build Quality

CNC machined aluminum case offers a sturdy and stable typing platform with a powder spray finish for durability.
Plate-mounted switches on an FR4 switch plate contribute to a solid and consistent key feel.
Multiple layers of foam, including IXPE and poron, help reduce noise and vibration for a quieter typing experience.
Horizontal flex cut in the plate allows slight flex, which can soften the typing feel compared to rigid plates.

Compatibility

Supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems, making it versatile across different environments.
Uses USB-C connection on the keyboard side and USB-A on the device side for wired connectivity.
Logical layout is standard US QWERTY ANSI with 88 keys, suitable for users who prefer a compact tenkeyless format.
Firmware is downloadable for Windows and MacOS, but it does not support QMK, limiting advanced firmware customization.

Trade-offs

Being a barebones kit, it requires users to source and install switches and keycaps themselves, which may not suit beginners.
Lack of QMK firmware support restricts deep customization options available on some other custom keyboards.
No wireless connectivity options, so it is limited to wired use only.
North-facing switches may limit keycap compatibility to certain profiles preferred by some users.

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