Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Yunzii YZ21Calculator or RGB

Choose the Retro18 for its built-in calculator and display, or the YZ21 for RGB lighting, macros, and more switch choices.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad

Build quality in the top 45% of Numpad boards under $100.

If you want

  • Combines a PC numpad with a standard calculator mode.
  • Includes a 9-digit 7-segment display and a Windows Calculator shortcut button.
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired Type-C connections.

Get the

Yunzii YZ21

Battery

Build quality in the bottom 40% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • Offers Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, Yellow, Brown, and Black switch choices.
  • Supports customizable RGB effects and macro settings according to the vendor.
  • The vendor says its hot-swap sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

Pick the 8BitDo Retro18 if the calculator mode, dedicated Windows Calculator shortcut, and visible display are the deciding features. Choose the Yunzii YZ21 if RGB effects, macro functions, or its broader selection of named switch options matter more. Before changing keycaps on the YZ21, account for its north-facing LEDs and the Cherry-profile interference rule.

What actually differs

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

Yunzii YZ21

  • Battery

    1,000 mAh

    1,500 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Display

    Yes

    None

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • Keycaps

    ABS, PBT

    PBT

  • Backlight

    None

    RGB, north-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • Mac & Windows

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • 8BitDo Retro18 Numpad
  • Yunzii YZ21
Performance
53
73
Build quality
69
53
Productivity
49
59
Customizability
50
69
Portability
83
85

What they share

  • Layout size: Numpad
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Retro18 stands out when a calculator mode, display, and known compact dimensions matter. The YZ21 has the edge for users who want lighting, macros, or a choice among named switch types. Office work is a close call because the products offer different productivity features. Both are wireless-capable numpads with hot-swap support and N-key rollover.

For gaming

Pick the Yunzii YZ21

  • The YZ21 offers Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, Yellow, Brown, and Black switch choices.
  • It has RGB lighting and N-key rollover, which the Retro18 also supports.

Full specs

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Yunzii YZ21 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 18 specs differ

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad

Yunzii YZ21

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
—

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

Yes
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

1,000 mAh
1,500 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
—

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

300 g
—

Dimensions

46 x 104 x 170 mm
—

Backlight

None
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Yunzii YZ212 stores

FAQ

8BitDo Retro18 Numpad vs Yunzii YZ21: your questions

Yes, it switches between PC numpad mode and standard calculator mode. It also has a dedicated shortcut button for the Windows Calculator app.

No screen is listed for the YZ21. The Retro18 has a 9-digit 7-segment display for its calculator function.

The Yunzii YZ21 has RGB lighting, with the vendor describing customizable RGB effects. The Retro18 is listed without RGB.

Both list Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as wired connectivity. The Retro18 vendor specifies Bluetooth 5.0 and wired Type-C.

The vendor lists Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, Yellow, Brown, and Black options. These cover named linear, clicky, and tactile choices in the product metadata.

Both models are listed as hot-swappable. The YZ21 vendor specifically says its sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.

The YZ21 has north-facing LEDs, and its compatibility rule warns that Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing. Check the keycap profile and clearance before installing them.

The YZ21 vendor describes shortcut keys and macro functions, with macro settings available through its software. The Retro18 listing instead highlights calculator modes and a Windows Calculator shortcut.

The Retro18 is listed at 300g and measures 46 x 104 x 170 mm. No weight or dimensions are listed for the YZ21.

The Retro18 lists a 1000mAh battery, while the YZ21 lists 1500mAh for its wireless version. These figures are capacities, not battery-life estimates.

Yes, both models list N-key rollover. The YZ21 vendor also describes full anti-ghosting.

Choose the Retro18 if its calculator mode, display, and Windows Calculator shortcut suit your workflow. The YZ21 is an alternative if shortcut keys, macros, and its stated Mac and Windows support are more useful.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.