8BitDo Retro S vs Ajazz QS87: Limited Edition vs Gasket Mount

Compare 8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Ajazz QS87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich, tri-mode aluminum 80% keyboards. The 8BitDo Retro S Edition is a limited-run collectible with a distinct tactile typing experience, while the Ajazz QS87 focuses on a modern gasket mount design with a TFT screen. The decision hinges on whether you value unique extras and a clicky feel or prefer a softer typing experience with visual customization.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Clicky, Tactile switch options Comes with a knob Includes a No display Uses a Top Mount mounting style Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Weighs about 1050 g Sized at 47 x 170 x 377 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers No RGB lighting	Has Linear switch options Includes a Yes, TFT display Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 2450 g Sized at 66 x 178 x 410 mm Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 66.5 Build Quality: 65.7 Productivity: 74 Customizability: 58.5 Portability: 77.3	Scores Performance: 75.7 Build Quality: 72.9 Productivity: 66.6 Customizability: 69.1 Portability: 73.7
Name	Name 8BitDo Retro S Edition	Name Ajazz QS87
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support TFT
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions 47 x 170 x 377 mm	Dimensions 66 x 178 x 410 mm
Weight	Weight 1050g	Weight 2450g

8BitDo Retro S Edition Tri-mode Mechanical Keyboard

Ajazz QS87 Tri-mode Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Has Clicky, Tactile switch options
Comes with a knob
Includes a No display
Uses a Top Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1050 g
Sized at 47 x 170 x 377 mm
Features PBT keycaps
Offers No RGB lighting

Has Linear switch options
Includes a Yes, TFT display
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 2450 g
Sized at 66 x 178 x 410 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 66.5
Build Quality: 65.7
Productivity: 74
Customizability: 58.5
Portability: 77.3

Scores

Performance: 75.7
Build Quality: 72.9
Productivity: 66.6
Customizability: 69.1
Portability: 73.7

Name

8BitDo Retro S Edition

Name

Ajazz QS87

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

2000 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Top Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

Dimensions

47 x 170 x 377 mm

Dimensions

66 x 178 x 410 mm

Weight

1050g

Weight

2450g

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

8BitDo Retro S Edition

+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.
+Uses dye-sublimation PBT keycaps for durability.
+Offers tactile Kailh BOX White V2 switches for a clicky typing feel.

−Smaller 2000mAh battery capacity.
−Top mount design may feel less flexible than a gasket mount.
−No RGB backlighting.
−Switch options are limited to tactile and clicky types.

Ajazz QS87

+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).
+Offers multiple linear switch options (Sea Salt, TTC Flaming Red, Merrard).
+Includes RGB backlighting.

−Very heavy at 2450g, reducing portability.
−Larger physical dimensions than the 8BitDo.
−The vendor description does not mention included accessories like a wrist rest or extra keycaps.
−Keycap material is not specified in the provided metadata.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

Gaming8BitDo 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.

OfficeTie

•Both offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, wired) for flexible device pairing.
•Both list Mac and Windows support.
•The Ajazz QS87 has a larger 4000mAh battery for longer wireless use, while the 8BitDo includes a wrist rest for comfort.

ProgrammingAjazz QS87

•Gasket mount structure on the Ajazz QS87 may offer a softer, more comfortable typing feel for long sessions.
•Includes a customizable function layer with one-key shortcuts like return to desktop.
•The TFT screen can display time and battery level, useful for tracking work sessions.

Travel8BitDo Retro S Edition

•The 8BitDo Retro S is significantly lighter at 1050g compared to the Ajazz QS87's 2450g.
•It has a slightly smaller footprint (377 x 170 mm vs 410 x 178 mm).
•Its 2000mAh battery, while smaller, may still be sufficient given the lower weight for portability.

ModdingAjazz QS87

•The Ajazz QS87 uses a gasket mount, which is often preferred for its sound and feel customization.
•Vendor description confirms it is hot-swappable and lists multiple linear switch options (Sea Salt, TTC Flaming Red, Merrard).
•The TFT screen supports custom GIF animations for personalized visuals.

Content Creation8BitDo Retro S Edition

•The dedicated control knob on the 8BitDo allows for easy volume adjustment and other parameter controls.
•Dual Super Buttons can be mapped to common editing shortcuts or macros.
•The limited edition includes vibrant colored keycaps which may appeal to creators focused on aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare 8BitDo Retro S Edition vs Ajazz QS87 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

8BitDo Retro S Edition

Ajazz QS87

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which keyboard is better for a quiet office, the 8BitDo Retro S or Ajazz QS87?

Does the Ajazz QS87 have programmable keys?

What accessories come with the 8BitDo Retro S keyboard?

Can I change the switches on both the 8BitDo Retro S and Ajazz QS87?

How long does the battery last on the Ajazz QS87?

Is the 8BitDo Retro S keyboard compatible with Mac computers?

What is the main typing feel difference between these keyboards?

Which keyboard is more portable for travel?

Does the Ajazz QS87 screen show useful information?

Are the keycaps on the 8BitDo Retro S good quality?

Can I use the 8BitDo Super Buttons on other keyboards?

Is the Ajazz QS87 heavier because of its battery?

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