8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Azio IZO NumpadScreen vs Backlight Comparison
Choose the 8BitDo Retro18 for its integrated screen and 2.4 GHz wireless, or the Azio IZO for its backlighting and dedicated calculator mode.
Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Screen
- Unique 9-digit LED screen for calculator mode.
- Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter in the box.
- Case combines plastic and aluminum materials.
- Heavier at 300g and has a larger footprint.
- No backlighting for the keys.
- Software support is listed for firmware updates only.
Get the
Azio IZO Numpad
Backlight Comparison
- White backlighting with 9 different modes.
- Lighter weight (221g) and more compact dimensions.
- Explicit Mac and Windows support with hybrid OS keycaps.
- Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection option.
- No integrated screen for the calculator.
- Case is constructed from plastic only.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want an all-in-one tool with a physical screen for calculations and prefer the reliability of a 2.4 GHz dongle, the 8BitDo Retro18 is the clear pick. If you work in low-light conditions, value a lighter, more compact device, and need explicit Mac/PC keycap labels, the Azio IZO is the better option. Both are competent hot-swappable numpads that successfully blend numeric input with calculator functionality.
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
Azio IZO Numpad
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Plastic
Display
Yes
None
Weight
300 g
221 g
Keycaps
ABS, PBT
PBT
- 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
- Azio IZO Numpad
- Performance
- 5459
- Build quality
- 7048
- Productivity
- 4959
- Customizability
- 4954
- Portability
- 8386
- Layout size: Numpad
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 1,000 mAh
What will you mostly use it for?
The 8BitDo Retro18 wins for gaming due to its included 2.4 GHz dongle and for content creation with its built-in screen. The Azio IZO is better for travel due to its lighter weight and for programming with its backlighting and OS-specific keycaps. For office use and general productivity, they are evenly matched, both serving as capable numpad-calculator hybrids. Modders may lean towards the 8BitDo for its aluminum-plastic composite case construction.
Pick the 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
- Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for a potentially more stable, low-latency connection.
- Supports N-key rollover in all modes according to its listing.
- The vendor page states it includes a 2.4G adapter in the box.
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Azio IZO Numpad specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 18 specs differ
8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
Azio IZO Numpad
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Azio IZO Numpad: your questions
The 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad features a 9-digit 7-segment LED display. This screen functions when the device is in its standalone calculator mode. The Azio IZO does not have an integrated screen.
Yes, the Azio IZO Numpad has white LED backlighting. The manufacturer lists 9 different backlight modes. The 8BitDo Retro18 does not have any key backlighting.
Yes, both the 8BitDo Retro18 and the Azio IZO Numpad feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using compatible 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
The 8BitDo Retro18 offers more wireless options, supporting Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz with an included dongle, and wired USB-C. The Azio IZO supports Bluetooth and wired USB-C, but does not offer a 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
Yes, both numpads are designed to function as standalone calculators. The 8BitDo has a dedicated mode switch and uses its built-in screen. The Azio IZO also switches to a calculator function, but relies on your computer's calculator software when connected.
The Azio IZO is more portable based on its specifications. It weighs 221g compared to the 8BitDo's 300g, and has a smaller overall volume (92 x 150 x 42 mm vs 170 x 104 x 46 mm). Both have the same 1000mAh battery capacity.
The Azio IZO explicitly lists compatibility with macOS, stating support for version 11 and newer, and includes hybrid OS keycaps. The 8BitDo Retro18's vendor page states compatibility with Windows and Android, but does not mention macOS.
Both numpads primarily use PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. The 8BitDo Retro18's C64 edition uses double-shot ABS keycaps, while its other editions use dye-sub PBT.
According to the Azio product specifications, the IZO Numpad comes with Gateron Blue mechanical switches, which are clicky. The vendor description also lists linear as an available switch type for the product line.
The 8BitDo Retro18 supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, but the vendor notes this is for firmware updates only. The Azio IZO product description does not mention any companion software for customization or updates.
The 8BitDo Retro18 comes with the numpad itself, a 2.4G wireless adapter, a USB cable, and an instruction manual. The Azio IZO includes the numpad, a USB Type-C cable, and a user guide, but no Bluetooth adapter.
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