8BitDo Retro 108 vs Epomaker RT98108 vs 98 Keys
Choose the 8BitDo Retro 108 for a conventional full-size layout, or the Epomaker RT98 for a repositionable numpad, display, and more customization options.
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No reviews
from$139at WhatGeek
4.7 · 23 reviews
from$119at Epomaker
Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro 108
108
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $150.
- Full 100% ANSI layout with a dedicated numpad.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired options.
- Hot-swappable PCB and N-key rollover.
Get the
Epomaker RT98
98 Keys
Build quality in the top 30% of 98% boards under $150.
- 98% layout with a detachable numpad that can be repositioned.
- Gasket mount and five-layer dampening, including latex foam, IXPE, PET, bottom foam, and silicone.
- Magnetic Mini TV display for time, date, status, and custom GIFs.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Choose the 8BitDo Retro 108 if you want a conventional 108-key layout and do not need a repositionable numpad or display. Pick the Epomaker RT98 if you value desk-layout flexibility, VIA support, south-facing RGB, and its magnetic Mini TV display. Its south-facing LEDs may not suit shine-through keycaps, so consider your keycap plans before buying.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
8BitDo Retro 108
Epomaker RT98
Layout size
100%
98%
Battery
2,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Southpaw
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
ABS
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
- 8BitDo Retro 108
- Epomaker RT98
- Performance
- 6277
- Build quality
- 6472
- Productivity
- 6784
- Customizability
- 5278
- Portability
- 5865
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The RT98 leads for gaming, office work, programming, travel, modding, and content creation because it combines a compact footprint with repositionable controls and extra features. The Retro 108 remains the straightforward choice if you want a standard 100% layout with a dedicated numpad in its conventional position. Both provide tri-mode connectivity and hot-swappable switches, so layout and RT98-specific features are the key deciding factors.
Pick the Epomaker RT98
- The RT98’s numpad can be repositioned for a southpaw setup, which can leave more room for a mouse.
- It has per-key south-facing RGB and a listed 1000 Hz polling rate over USB and 2.4 GHz.
8BitDo Retro 108 vs Epomaker RT98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 21 specs differ
8BitDo Retro 108
Epomaker RT98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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8BitDo Retro 108 vs Epomaker RT98: your questions
The Retro 108 is a 100% ANSI keyboard with a full 108-key layout. The RT98 is a 98% ANSI keyboard with a detachable numpad that can be repositioned.
Yes, the RT98 has a detachable numpad that can be repositioned for southpaw or right-handed use. The Retro 108 has a standard full-size layout.
Yes, it has a magnetic Mini TV display that attaches via PogPins. The vendor says it can show time, date, status, and custom GIFs.
No, the Retro 108 is listed without RGB. The RT98 has per-key, south-facing RGB.
The Epomaker RT98 has an 8000mAh battery, while the 8BitDo Retro 108 has a 2000mAh battery. The RT98 vendor description claims up to 300 hours of continuous typing.
Both are listed as hot-swappable. The RT98 specifically supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
The RT98 offers Sea Salt Silent V2 linear switches, which the vendor describes as quiet. It also has five-layer dampening and a gasket-mounted structure.
Yes, VIA support is listed for the RT98. The Retro 108 vendor description instead mentions customization through 8BitDo Ultimate Software and programmable buttons.
Both list Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, as well as wired USB-C use. The RT98 vendor description also says it can pair with up to four devices.
The RT98 has south-facing LEDs, and its compatibility note warns that shine-through legends stay dark. It also notes that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The RT98 is a compact 98% layout with a numpad, rather than a conventional 100% layout. Its compatibility note specifies that it does not have the gaps of a full-size board.
The RT98 is listed at 1200 g, while the Retro 108 is listed at 1350 g. Both are full-featured desk keyboards with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
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