8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs AULA S75 ProNumpad vs Full Keyboard Choice
Choose the 8BitDo Retro18 if you need a dedicated calculator and numpad accessory, otherwise the AULA S75 Pro is a complete wireless keyboard.
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from$69at WhatGeek
from$79at WhatGeek
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Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Numpad
Build quality in the top 45% of Numpad boards under $100.
- 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.
- Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.
Get the
AULA S75 Pro
Full Keyboard Choice
Build quality in the top 20% of 75% boards under $100.
- 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.
- No numpad.
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.
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 Retro18 Numpad
AULA S75 Pro
Layout size
Numpad
75%
Battery
1,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
No
Yes
Display
Yes
LCD
A case display rather than a typing feature
- 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
- AULA S75 Pro
- Performance
- 5485
- Build quality
- 7076
- Productivity
- 4992
- Customizability
- 5079
- Portability
- 8381
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the AULA 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.
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs AULA S75 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 22 specs differ
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
AULA S75 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs AULA S75 Pro: your questions
No, the 8BitDo Retro18 is an 18-key numpad. It is designed as an accessory for data entry and calculations, not as a replacement for a full keyboard. You will need a separate primary keyboard for typing letters and accessing most software functions.
Yes, according to the vendor description, the AULA S75 Pro supports Mac systems. Its listing includes Mac/Win support as a feature, and it offers tri-mode connectivity compatible with multiple operating systems including iOS.
The AULA S75 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the 8BitDo Retro18's 1000mAh cell. However, the S75 Pro also powers many more keys, RGB lighting, and an LCD screen, which will consume more power. For its simpler function, the Retro18's battery is likely sufficient.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable, which means their keycaps can be pulled off using a keycap puller. The AULA S75 Pro includes a keycap puller in the box, while the contents for the 8BitDo Retro18 do not list one.
Yes. The AULA S75 Pro features a hot-swappable PCB that the manufacturer states is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering.
The 8BitDo Retro18 can switch between a standard PC numpad mode and a standalone calculator mode. In calculator mode, it uses its 9-digit LED display to show calculations, functioning independently of your computer's software.
Yes. The AULA S75 Pro offers tri-mode connectivity, which includes a USB-C wired connection alongside 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0. This allows for reliable, lag-free use when charging or if you prefer a wired setup.
The 8BitDo Retro18 is far smaller at 170mm wide and 300g, making it easy to place on any desk. The AULA S75 Pro, while still a space-saving 75% layout, is much larger at 333mm wide and 1000g, requiring more dedicated desk space.
The vendor description for the AULA S75 Pro explicitly mentions compatibility with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. The description for the 8BitDo Retro18 does not make any claims about console compatibility.
The 8BitDo Retro18 has a 9-digit 7-segment LED display used primarily for its calculator function. The AULA S75 Pro features a 1.14-inch LCD screen that can display battery status, time, GIF animations, and system information.
No, basic functionality does not require software. The 8BitDo vendor page states its software is for firmware updates only. The AULA S75 Pro can control RGB and basic functions via its knob and shortcuts, though its LCD customization requires software.
The AULA S75 Pro uses a gasket mount design aimed at providing a softer, more flexible typing feel with sound dampening. The 8BitDo Retro18 uses a top mount style, which is a more traditional and rigid mounting method for its simpler numpad construction.
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