8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6Wireless Numpad vs Custom Ortholinear
Choose the 8BitDo for a portable, plug-and-play numpad, or the Apos GK6 for a premium, fully customizable ortholinear typing experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Wireless Numpad
Build quality in the top 45% of Numpad boards under $100.
- Offers triple connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- Functions as both a PC numpad and a standalone calculator with a 9-digit LED display.
- Includes dye-sub PBT keycaps on most editions and is hot-swappable.
Get the
Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6
Custom Ortholinear
Build quality in the top 40% of Numpad boards under $300.
- Fully programmable via QMK firmware for extensive key remapping and layering.
- Premium build with a unibody machined aluminum case and laser-cut steel plate.
- Sold as a customizable kit with hot-swap PCB, optional sound dampener, and PBT XDA keycaps.
Your need dictates the choice. If you require a convenient, wireless add-on for number entry and calculations, the 8BitDo Retro18 is the practical pick. If you seek a premium, compact main keyboard that you can build and program to your exact specifications, the Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6 is the investment. They are tools for different jobs.
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
Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Ortholinear
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Steel
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
300 g
810 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
- Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6
- Performance
- 5466
- Build quality
- 7072
- Productivity
- 4985
- Customizability
- 5080
- Portability
- 8377
- Layout size: Numpad
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The 8BitDo Retro18 is the clear choice for office and travel, thanks to its calculator functions and wireless design. The Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6 dominates for programming and modding due to its deep programmability and kit-based, premium construction. For gaming and content creation, the choice is less clear and depends on whether you prioritize wireless convenience or a fully customizable primary keyboard.
It's a tie
- The 8BitDo offers wireless connectivity for flexible placement.
- The Apos GK6 has full per-key RGB lighting.
- Both support N-key rollover, though the GK6's listing does not explicitly confirm it.
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 20 specs differ
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6: your questions
The Apos Gizmo Engineering GK6 is a 50% ortholinear keyboard kit. It is a compact main keyboard, not a supplementary numpad like the 8BitDo Retro18.
The 8BitDo vendor description states compatibility with Windows and Android. Compatibility with macOS is not explicitly mentioned in the provided specifications.
No. The Apos GK6 features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to install compatible Cherry MX switches without any soldering.
The 8BitDo Retro18 has a 1000mAh battery. The vendor description does not provide an estimated battery life in hours.
The vendor description states the included 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is for firmware updates only. This suggests extensive key remapping may not be supported.
The 8BitDo uses its own keycap profile. The Apos GK6 includes PBT keycaps in the XDA profile, which is a uniform, low-profile shape.
According to its vendor page, the Apos GK6 is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Yes. The 8BitDo Retro18 features a 9-digit, 7-segment LED display that functions when in calculator mode.
An ortholinear layout arranges keys in a straight grid without the staggered rows found on traditional keyboards. The Apos GK6 uses this layout, which some users find more ergonomic.
The 8BitDo Retro18 is better for pure numeric data entry. Its dedicated numpad layout, calculator screen, and wireless connectivity make it a specialized tool for that task.
The kit includes the main board, plate, aluminum case, PBT XDA keycap set, USB-C cable, switch puller, screws, rubber feet, and a quickstart guide. Switches are not included.
Yes. It includes a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter for a lag-free connection to a PC, and also supports Bluetooth for connecting to other devices.
Not sold on either?
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