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Compare 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs AULA S75 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between a specialized accessory and a primary input device. The 8BitDo Retro18 is a unique 18-key numpad with a built-in calculator, while the AULA S75 Pro is a fully-featured 75% wireless keyboard. The decision is difficult because both offer hot-swap sockets, screens, and tri-mode connectivity, but serve fundamentally different purposes. This guide will help you pick based on whether you need to augment an existing setup or replace your main keyboard.

8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad
82
AULA S75 PRO Tri-mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with LCD Screen Creamy

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  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 300 g
  • Sized at 46 x 104 x 170 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 43 x 333 x 147 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 53.7
  • Build Quality: 69.8
  • Productivity: 49.2
  • Customizability: 50
  • Portability: 83.2
Scores
  • Performance: 85.5
  • Build Quality: 75.8
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 78.8
  • Portability: 80.6
Name
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Name
AULA S75 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
4000 Hz
Battery capacity
1000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
46 x 104 x 170 mm
Dimensions
43 x 333 x 147 mm
Weight
300g
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges entirely on whether you need a supplementary tool or a main keyboard. The 8BitDo Retro18 is a clever, portable accessory for users who already have a keyboard but frequently need a numpad or calculator. For everyone else, the AULA S75 Pro delivers a far more capable and customizable typing experience in a popular compact form factor. Prioritize the Retro18 for its unique calculator function, otherwise the S75 Pro is the logical choice.

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad

  • +Unique 2-in-1 functionality as a PC numpad and a standalone calculator.
  • +Extremely portable at 300g weight and 170mm width.
  • +Offers themed editions (N, Fami, C64, M) with dye-sub PBT or double-shot ABS keycaps.
  • +Includes a 9-digit 7-segment LED display for calculator mode.
  • +Tri-mode connectivity with a included 2.4G adapter.
  • −Only an 18-key numpad, not a substitute for a full keyboard.
  • −Lacks any form of RGB backlighting.
  • −Smaller 1000mAh battery, though suited to its simpler function.

AULA S75 Pro

  • +Complete 75% layout with 80 keys, including arrow keys and a function row.
  • +Features a 1.14-inch customizable LCD screen and a multifunction knob.
  • +Gasket mount structure with five layers of sound-dampening foam for a creamy typing feel.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery and vibrant RGB backlighting with side lighting.
  • +Includes pre-lubed screw-in stabilizers and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • −Much larger and heavier at 1000g and 333mm wide.
  • −The vendor description notes that customizing the LCD requires proprietary software.
  • −More expensive than the numpad, reflecting its broader feature set.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AULA S75 Pro wins most categories as a primary keyboard, particularly for gaming, programming, and content creation due to its complete layout and high-performance features. The 8BitDo Retro18 finds its niche in travel and as a specialized office accessory for number crunching, where its calculator function and tiny footprint are assets. For modding, the AULA's gasket mount and pre-lubed components offer a more substantial starting point.

GamingAULA S75 Pro
  • •The AULA S75 Pro has a specified 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
  • •Its 75% layout includes arrow keys and function keys useful for gaming shortcuts.
  • •It features vibrant RGB backlighting with over 19 effects, which the 8BitDo lacks.
OfficeTie
  • •The AULA S75 Pro offers a full typing layout with PBT keycaps and a large 4000mAh battery.
  • •The 8BitDo Retro18 excels as a dedicated calculator and data entry pad for spreadsheets.
  • •Both support tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, wired) for flexible device switching.
ProgrammingAULA S75 Pro
  • •The AULA S75 Pro provides a complete 80-key layout necessary for coding.
  • •It includes dedicated arrow keys and a function row, which the numpad does not have.
  • •Its software allows for macro customization per key, useful for coding shortcuts.
Travel8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
  • •The 8BitDo Retro18 is significantly smaller (170mm wide) and lighter (300g).
  • •Its compact numpad form factor is easier to pack alongside a laptop.
  • •It has a 1000mAh battery suitable for its limited key functions.
ModdingAULA S75 Pro
  • •The AULA S75 Pro uses a gasket mount design with five layers of sound-dampening foam for acoustic tuning.
  • •It comes with pre-lubed screw-in stabilizers and a hot-swap PCB compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •The vendor description highlights a DIY-friendly design aimed at enthusiasts.
Content CreationAULA S75 Pro
  • •The AULA S75 Pro's multifunction knob can be used for timeline scrubbing or volume control.
  • •Its full layout is necessary for using software hotkeys in applications like Photoshop or Premiere.
  • •The customizable LCD screen can display media information or custom GIFs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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