8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth/2.4G/USB-C Hot
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Gaming Keyboard with 87 Keys, Dual Super Programmable Buttons for Windows and Android – M Editio
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Gaming Keyboard with 87 Keys, Dual Super Programmable Buttons for Windows and Android – M Editio
The pictures make it look grey and white. It’s beige. Beautiful, beautiful beige. It sits nice and firm because it’s got a nice weight. The keys are nice and responsive, I swapped them out for some prelubed ones and went back to stock. They just work well for the keyboard. The super buttons are just cool to look at but useless. I used them a bit to play eve online and set them up as boosters on or autopilot on, but never used them again. Other than that, solid keyboard worth the price
I was looking for an entry point for mechanical keyboards, and I was instantly struck by the inspiration of the IBM Model M keyboard for the Personal System 2. Very good actuation distance and switches for the price.
Got the M Edition Keyboard a few weeks back, just love it. It just seems sturdy, the keys have a very pleasant subtle click. I also got the matching keypad which completes the setup for me. I’ve been looking for a keypad calculator for ages and this one is super nice. The only improvement I might suggest would be to somehow daisy chain the keypad into the main keyboard and just have one cable to the PC. Of course if using wireless that wouldn’t be a concern. The old IBM styling is understated, so if you’re looking for flashy, this ain’t that. It does what it set out to do and I’m impressed with the quality.
I have had bad luck with mech keyboards. This one is great. I don’t use the wireless connection but there is no lag through the USB connection. Smooth typing. I love the analog volume pot!
For a multiple computers, control developping and programming keyboard , add on top the 80s retro look of the ibm ive slaved behind so many hours in the 80s90s00s had to get this and it every bit and more than i wanted to be. Programming features could include a bit more like a prehkeytech and custom links but thats still really close to it. The possibilities the analog 4 stereo jack jacks makes ia awesome if you like to build your own joystick and controls. The clicking is awesome , i always prefer high action keys. Highly recommand , and now i want a second one
Longing for that 80’s keyboard action, I found the Retro.
One week in and it’s exactly what I’d wanted. Solid build with some weight to keep it in place. The action of the keys feels very nice. I tend to type firmly and didn’t realize how much I missed hearing myself type. I welcome it back. Feels good.
Software works as expected, no problems, but I’ve not gone deep into features yet. Ditto for the Big Button Pad thing. I need a reason to use it, but glad I have it. And the stickers. Unboxing was smooth & polished. Product is well designed with buckets of options & possibilities. No regrets.
An amazing value for this level of tech & it’s staying on my desk.
I really needed a replacement for my IBM keyboard and this is the first one that really does. The weight, feel and key positions are perfect. The retro look is fantastic and very accurate. I really miss my keypad, but the one I ordered from 8BitDo is supposed to be here in the next week or so. Then this setup will be perfect, and I will get another pair for home. The dual ‘big buttons’ are cool as well, though I am still trying to figure out what I want to use them for :). All told 7 stars our 5! Well done.
I just got my IBM M (design) model and although I expected more (spoiled by Keychron, I guess), I get why this keyboard is the way it is. It gave me goosebumps when I placed it on my desk and started typing. A part of me felt like a 15-year-old again.
The premium you pay is mainly for the look and feel, and it does hit home if you’re older than 40. It sounds a bit hollow, but the overall feeling is close enough to that of the original IBM. I like the travel distance of the keys, and the puritan in me secretly wishes that the top left knobs and extra buttons weren’t there.
It is loud enough to stay home and not become an office keyboard, although it would’ve been great to see the look on the colleagues faces, especially my generation.
A couple questions to consider before Adding to Cart….
1) Are you a developer under 45 years of age and on your 3rd wicked awesome javascript framework this month?
– and/or –
2) Are you convinced that the only way to make stuff is with React and Kubernetes?
Then this isn’t for you my friend. Stay thirsty.
See my other review of the keypad. Never live without a keypad. Life sucks without keypad.
Some additional thoughts about tusty old M vs new M…
– Old M had a nice pen holder on the top above function keys (see pics). I liked that. I use pens.
– Old Model M had a big seperation between the top row number keys and the function keys (see pics). I liked that.
– Old Model M had feet and was curved. Some people liked that. Me simple cave man no care too much on that one. Ug.
Pssst, Windows Key is also ctrl-escape. If you’re under 45 that means hold down the Ctrl and press the esc key. It will open start menu in Windows. New life goal is to figure out the copilot key. Probably in another 30 years.