8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Ajazz QS87Limited Edition vs Gasket Mount
Choose the 8BitDo Retro S for its unique collectible features and tactile typing, or the Ajazz QS87 for its gasket-mounted feel, larger battery, and customizable screen.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro S Edition
Limited Edition
Build quality in the top 30% of 80% boards under $150.
- Limited edition collectible with unique serial number and certificate.
- Includes exclusive accessories like a wrist rest, Dual Super Buttons, and extra colored keycaps.
- Features a control knob for easy volume and settings adjustment.
Get the
Ajazz QS87
Gasket Mount
Build quality in the top 25% of 80% boards under $100.
- Gasket mount structure for a potentially softer, more cushioned typing experience.
- Features a 0.85-inch TFT color screen for displaying time, battery, and custom GIFs.
- Larger 4000mAh battery (with 8000mAh options on other models).
Your priority should guide your choice. If you value a unique, collectible item with immediate macro controls, a lighter build, and a tactile typing experience, the 8BitDo Retro S Edition is the compelling option. If you prefer a deeper, customizable typing feel from a gasket mount, want a screen for information or GIFs, and prioritize a larger battery, the Ajazz QS87 is the better keyboard, despite its substantial weight.
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 Retro S Edition
Ajazz QS87
Battery
2,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Clicky, Tactile
Linear
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Display
None
TFT
A case display rather than a typing feature
- 8BitDo Retro S Edition
- Ajazz QS87
- Performance
- 6676
- Build quality
- 6673
- Productivity
- 7467
- Customizability
- 5870
- Portability
- 7774
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The 8BitDo Retro S takes the lead for gaming and content creation due to its dedicated macro buttons and control knob, and it's the clear choice for travel thanks to its lighter weight. The Ajazz QS87 is better suited for programming and modding, offering a gasket mount and a customizable screen. For office use, both are capable, trading off between the Ajazz's larger battery and the 8BitDo's included wrist rest.
Pick the 8BitDo Retro S Edition
- Includes programmable Dual Super Buttons for macro mapping without software.
- Top mount structure may provide a more consistent, rigid feel for rapid key presses.
- The vendor description highlights it as a 'game-changer' with features aimed at gaming.
8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Ajazz QS87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 19 specs differ
8BitDo Retro S Edition
Ajazz QS87
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Ajazz QS87: your questions
The Ajazz QS87 may be better for a quiet office as it comes with linear switch options, which are typically quieter than tactile or clicky switches. The 8BitDo Retro S comes with Kailh BOX White V2 tactile switches, which are described as clicky and would likely be louder.
The Ajazz QS87 vendor description mentions a customizable function layer with features like one-key return to desktop and one-key mute. It does not specifically mention software-based macro programming for individual keys like the 8BitDo's Super Buttons.
According to the vendor, the 8BitDo Retro S Limited Edition includes a wrist rest, a set of Dual Super Buttons, a 2.4G adapter, a USB cable, extra colored keycaps, a keycap puller, fun stickers, and a collection certificate.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change the switches without soldering. The 8BitDo comes with tactile switches, while the Ajazz offers various linear switch options.
The Ajazz QS87 Lite model has a 4000mAh battery, while the Standard and MAX models have an 8000mAh battery. The vendor states the larger battery is for extended usage, but specific battery life in hours is not provided.
Yes, the metadata for the 8BitDo Retro S lists Mac/Win Support as an extra feature, confirming compatibility with macOS.
The 8BitDo Retro S uses a top mount structure with tactile, clicky switches for a more direct and consistent feel. The Ajazz QS87 uses a gasket mount with linear switches, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing experience with less harsh bottom-out.
The 8BitDo Retro S is significantly more portable. It weighs 1050g compared to the Ajazz QS87's 2450g and has slightly smaller dimensions, making it easier to carry in a bag.
Yes, the vendor states the 0.85-inch TFT screen on the Ajazz QS87 can display the time, date, battery level, and current connection mode. It also supports custom GIF animations.
The 8BitDo Retro S uses dye-sublimation PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine, and dye-sublimation printing ensures the legends are long-lasting.
The Super Buttons are included as an accessory with the 8BitDo Retro S. The vendor description states you can connect up to 4 sets, but it does not specify if they function independently of the 8BitDo keyboard or with other devices.
The Ajazz QS87's significant weight of 2450g is likely due to a combination of its aluminum case, internal structure, and large battery. The 8BitDo, with a smaller 2000mAh battery and potentially different internal design, is less than half the weight.
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