8BitDo Retro87 vs Keychron V3 MaxXbox Integration vs Customization
Choose the 8BitDo Retro87 for dedicated Xbox integration, or the Keychron V3 Max for deep customization and a premium typing feel.
Which one should you get?
Get the
8BitDo Retro87
Xbox Integration
- Includes a dedicated Xbox Button for instant Game Bar access.
- Comes with two programmable Super Buttons for in-game macros.
- Packaging includes a 2.4G adapter, USB cable, and two stickers.
- Only available with clicky Kailh Jellyfish X switches, offering no choice in pre-built switch type.
- Uses ABS keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time compared to PBT.
- Top mount design may result in a firmer, less cushioned typing feel than gasket mount.
Get the
Keychron V3 Max
Customization
- Extremely customizable with QMK/VIA firmware, barebones kit option, and gasket mount design.
- Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile for better durability and feel.
- Offers multiple pre-built switch choices: Gateron Jupiter Red (linear), Brown (tactile), or Banana (tactile).
- Some user reviews mention occasional double-register issues with the included Gateron Jupiter switches.
- The ABS plastic case may feel less premium than keyboards with metal cases in a similar price range.
- Wireless battery life with RGB on is lower compared to the Retro87's claims.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If seamless integration with Xbox and quick-access gaming buttons are your top priorities, the 8BitDo Retro87 is the straightforward pick. For virtually every other scenario, especially if you value typing feel, long-term customization, software programmability, or a quieter office environment, the Keychron V3 Max offers significantly more value and flexibility for a similar price.
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 Retro87
Keychron V3 Max
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Weight
1,100 g
895 g
QMK
No
Yes
- 8BitDo Retro87
- Keychron V3 Max
- Performance
- 6384
- Build quality
- 5387
- Productivity
- 7398
- Customizability
- 6899
- Portability
- 7673
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V3 Max is the clear choice for office work, programming, and modding due to its superior customization, quieter design, and professional features. The 8BitDo Retro87 wins for dedicated Xbox gaming and has slight advantages for travel. For general content creation, both keyboards are equally capable, making the choice dependent on whether you value Xbox integration or a more personalized typing experience.
Pick the 8BitDo Retro87
- Includes a dedicated Xbox Button for Game Bar activation, per the manufacturer.
- Comes with two programmable Super Buttons for instant macro access.
- Its top-mount aluminum case may provide a stiffer, more immediate feel preferred by some gamers.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
8BitDo Retro87
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V3 Max
8 owner reviews
“This keyboard has been great. My first keyboard I've ever had. I had faulty switch, but you guys just gave me a whole new keyboard. Thanks a lot! -Mack”
“Stopped working in wired mode after a couple months. 2.4 connectivity spotty. I regret buying this keyboard”
8BitDo Retro87 vs Keychron V3 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 26 specs differ
8BitDo Retro87
Keychron V3 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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8BitDo Retro87 vs Keychron V3 Max: your questions
The 8BitDo Retro87 is specifically designed for this. Its manufacturer states it has a dedicated Xbox Button to activate the Game Bar instantly, a feature not mentioned for the Keychron V3 Max.
Yes, both keyboards have hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The Keychron V3 Max explicitly supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
Based on manufacturer claims, the 8BitDo Retro87 has a longer stated battery life. It claims up to 300 hours via Bluetooth, while the Keychron V3 Max claims up to 190 hours with the backlight off.
Yes. The Keychron V3 Max includes a system toggle and an extra set of keycaps for both macOS and Windows, allowing for native layout switching.
The 8BitDo Retro87 uses double-layered ABS keycaps with a matte UV coating. The Keychron V3 Max uses double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine.
The Keychron V3 Max is likely quieter. It features a gasket mount design, a polycarbonate plate, and sound-dampening foam, all aimed at reducing acoustic resonance. The Retro87 is only available with clicky switches, which are inherently louder.
Yes. The Keychron V3 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware, which allow for deep customization, including remapping every key, creating layers, and programming macros.
The 8BitDo Retro87 has an aluminum top case and an aluminum plate. The Keychron V3 Max uses an ABS plastic case but pairs it with a polycarbonate plate and a gasket-mounted design for a different typing feel.
Yes, both the 8BitDo Retro87 and the Keychron V3 Max feature knob support, which is typically used for volume control.
The Keychron V3 Max is more beginner-friendly for customization. It offers a barebones kit option and clear upgrade paths. The 8BitDo Retro87 is simpler if you want a gaming-ready keyboard out of the box with unique Xbox features.
Some user reviews for the Keychron V3 Max mention occasional double-register issues with the included Gateron Jupiter switches. No user reviews are available for the 8BitDo Retro87 to identify common issues.
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