8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Coolkiller PolarBearScreen vs Gasket Mount
Choose the 8BitDo Retro18 for its display and triple-mode wireless, or the Coolkiller PolarBear for its gasket-mounted typing feel and transparent aesthetic.
Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Screen
- 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.
- Larger footprint than the PolarBear.
- No RGB or backlighting mentioned.
- Smaller 1000mAh battery compared to the PolarBear's 1500mAh.
Get the
Coolkiller PolarBear
Gasket Mount
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
Coolkiller PolarBear
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Wireless
Battery
1,000 mAh
1,500 mAh
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Plastic
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Display
Yes
None
- 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
- Coolkiller PolarBear
- Performance
- 5460
- Build quality
- 7061
- Productivity
- 4972
- Customizability
- 4955
- Portability
- 8387
- Layout size: Numpad
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the 8BitDo 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.
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Coolkiller PolarBear specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 19 specs differ
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Coolkiller PolarBear
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Coolkiller PolarBear: your questions
The 8BitDo Retro18 features a 9-digit 7-segment LED display for use in its calculator mode. The Coolkiller PolarBear does not have a built-in screen.
The product metadata lists the Coolkiller PolarBear's connectivity as wired. Its vendor description discusses using it as a standalone calculator without a cable, but for use as a numpad input device, a wired connection is specified.
The 8BitDo Retro18 uses a top mount style. The Coolkiller PolarBear uses a gasket mount, which the vendor states uses silicone and gasket material to absorb keystrokes for a softer feel.
Yes, both the 8BitDo Retro18 and Coolkiller PolarBear have hot-swappable PCBs. The PolarBear's listing specifically notes it supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
The Coolkiller PolarBear has a larger 1500mAh battery compared to the 8BitDo Retro18's 1000mAh battery. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, especially if the Retro18's wireless modes or the PolarBear's LEDs are used frequently.
The Coolkiller PolarBear includes a 2-in-1 switch and keycap puller in the box. The contents listed for the 8BitDo Retro18 do not mention a puller.
The 8BitDo Retro18 uses dye-sub PBT keycaps on most editions, with double-shot ABS on its C64 edition. The Coolkiller PolarBear uses transparent PBT keycaps.
The Coolkiller PolarBear is more compact, measuring 84mm x 65mm x 30mm and weighing 296g. The 8BitDo Retro18 measures 170mm x 104mm x 46mm and weighs 300g.
Yes, both product listings state compatibility with Mac operating systems. The 8BitDo Retro18 also lists Android compatibility.
The 8BitDo Retro18 includes the numpad, a 2.4G adapter, a USB cable, and a manual. The Coolkiller PolarBear includes the numpad, a coiled Type-C cable, a 2-in-1 puller, and a manual.
Yes, the Coolkiller PolarBear has white LED backlighting for its transparent keycaps. The 8BitDo Retro18 does not have RGB or backlighting mentioned in its specs.
Not sold on either?
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