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Compare 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Coolkiller PolarBear Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users seeking a versatile 18-key mechanical numpad that doubles as a calculator. Both the 8BitDo Retro18 and Coolkiller PolarBear offer this dual functionality with hot-swappable switches, making the decision challenging. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a built-in LED screen and multiple wireless connections or a gasket-mounted design with a transparent look and larger battery.

8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad
62
CoolKiller PolarBear 2 in-1 Transparent Calculator & Number Pad Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • 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 2023
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1500 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 296 g
  • Sized at 30 x 65 x 84 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 53.8
  • Build Quality: 69.8
  • Productivity: 49.2
  • Customizability: 50
  • Portability: 83.2
Scores
  • Performance: 59.3
  • Build Quality: 62
  • Productivity: 72
  • Customizability: 56
  • Portability: 87.2
Name
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Name
Coolkiller PolarBear
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
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
Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
1000 mAh
Battery capacity
1500 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
 
White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
46 x 104 x 170 mm
Dimensions
30 x 65 x 84 mm
Weight
300g
Weight
296g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a screen, wireless flexibility, and retro styling, the 8BitDo Retro18 is the clear pick. If you prefer a more compact, mod-friendly device with a gasket-mounted feel and transparent design, the Coolkiller PolarBear is the better option. Both are competitively priced for their unique feature sets.

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad

  • +Features a 9-digit LED display for calculator mode.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired.
  • +Includes an aluminum case option for certain editions.
  • +Comes with a 2.4G adapter in the box.
  • +Has a dedicated button to launch the Windows Calculator app.
  • −Larger footprint than the PolarBear.
  • −No RGB or backlighting mentioned.
  • −Smaller 1000mAh battery compared to the PolarBear's 1500mAh.

Coolkiller PolarBear

  • +Uses a gasket mount with silicone for a softer typing experience.
  • +Includes a larger 1500mAh rechargeable battery.
  • +Features transparent PBT keycaps with white LED backlighting.
  • +Comes with a coiled Type-C cable and a switch/keycap puller.
  • +More compact dimensions for easier portability.
  • −Connectivity is listed as wired only in the metadata.
  • −Lacks a built-in display for calculator mode.
  • −Case material is listed as plastic, without an aluminum option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The 8BitDo Retro18 wins for gaming and content creation due to its wireless options and functional screen. The Coolkiller PolarBear is better for travel and modding thanks to its smaller size and gasket mount construction. For general office work and programming, both numpads are equally capable, offering the core dual-functionality and hot-swap support that defines this category.

Gaming8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for lower latency gaming, according to its vendor description.
  • •Includes Bluetooth and wired modes for flexible setup near a gaming PC.
  • •Supports N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
OfficeTie
  • •Both devices function as a numpad and a standalone calculator.
  • •Both list compatibility with Windows and Mac operating systems.
  • •Each includes a USB-C cable for reliable wired connection.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer the same 18-key ANSI layout for numeric input.
  • •Hot-swappable PCBs on both allow for switch customization to suit typing preference.
  • •N-key rollover support is present on both for accurate data entry.
TravelCoolkiller PolarBear
  • •Smaller physical dimensions (84mm x 65mm x 30mm vs 170mm x 104mm x 46mm).
  • •Slightly lighter weight (296g vs 300g).
  • •Can operate as a standalone calculator without a cable, according to its listing.
ModdingCoolkiller PolarBear
  • •Features a gasket mount design with silicone for a customizable typing feel.
  • •Includes transparent PBT keycaps and a coiled Type-C cable in the box.
  • •Vendor description specifies it is fully hot-swappable with 3 or 5-pin switches.
Content Creation8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
  • •Built-in 9-digit LED display provides visual feedback for calculations.
  • •Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, wired) allows easy switching between devices.
  • •Dedicated shortcut button for the Windows Calculator app, as noted by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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