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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

8BitDo Retro S Edition

Limited Edition

Build quality in the top 30% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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).

Bottom line

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.

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 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • 8BitDo Retro S Edition
  • Ajazz QS87
Performance
66
76
Build quality
66
73
Productivity
74
67
Customizability
58
70
Portability
77
74

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Tactile
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Battery

2,000 mAh
4,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

1,050 g
2,450 g

Dimensions

47 x 170 x 377 mm
66 x 178 x 410 mm

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

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.

Ajazz QS872 stores

FAQ

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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