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The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard looks awesome

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While their software for programming it only officially supports Windows and Android, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard sure does look awesome. I need this. Supporting connecting up via USB, Wireless 2.4G and Bluetooth it has a range of options for whatever way you wish to use it.

Features:

  • 87 keys
  • Kailh Box White Switches V2
  • Hot-swappable PCB
  • Support n-key rollover
  • Dye-sublimation PBT keycaps with MDA-like height
  • Programmable buttons
  • Fast-mapping on programmable buttons (no software needed)
  • Top mount style

Hopefully at some point someone will be able to provide proper drivers for it on Linux, just like we've seen for various other vendors (like OpenRazer and ckb-next) to get the full use out of it. I always love the build quality of 8BitDo too and their 8BitDo Ultimate Controller is my current favourite gamepad.

It will actually be available in two different versions with the "N" and "Fami" editions:

Plus there's also those two huge red buttons you can connect up with it but they're an extra.

See more on their website. 

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Hardware, Misc
13 Likes
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly.
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44 comments
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popey Aug 3, 2023
Oh golly that looks gorgeous!
jordicoma Aug 3, 2023
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For me NEEDS a numpad and cable. If it has to be retro keep the ps2/usb option, or even better with a AT option with an adapter.
Also it would prefer an IBM PC style.
And hopefully we can program the "win" key as a macro to "win" the game.


Last edited by jordicoma on 3 August 2023 at 10:43 am UTC
soulsource Aug 3, 2023
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Not even a numpad? That doesn't make me optimistic about the quality of the device...
Fakeman_Pretendname Aug 3, 2023
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Looks lovely, but I can't find any info on keyboard layouts - they're only showing it with an American layout. The FAQ doesn't say anything about other keyboard layouts, though does mention you can replace the keys, but doesn't say where you get those keys from.
MayeulC Aug 3, 2023
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Typewriter layout and closed source firmware, I am not really interested, though the design is cute.
williamjcm Aug 3, 2023
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I think this would make a decent compact keyboard for use with a Switch, especially for the people who love sending messages in Animal Crossing or those playing titles that are basically programming environments, but like others in this comment section, for use with a PC, I would definitely need a full 105-key keyboard.
ridge Aug 3, 2023
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Would totally get this if it had a numpad and Scandi layout! Looks rad. I make heavy use of my numpad every day, and an add-on USB numpad just won't cut it. Muh numbers!!


Last edited by ridge on 3 August 2023 at 12:01 pm UTC
scaine Aug 3, 2023
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  • Contributing Editor
  • Mega Supporter
I've been TKL (ten key-less) for over a decade now and would never consider a keyboard with a numpad. The width of those keyboards makes my gaming uncomfortable because the keyboard ends up so wide.

So I'm definitely interested in one of these. I'd probably end up getting at least one of those huge buttons too, to act as a giant "mute", as I do a lot of video conferencing while working from home.

Those dials for booking look amazing too. Very impressed with this design. Love it!

Hopefully they land for the UK soon.
Eri Aug 3, 2023
I love the grey one so much but i don't like TKL keyboards I want my numpad like others pointed here, I work with numbers and I can be very fast typing in a numpad, the TKL and small keyboard trend is not for me. And I don't want to use an extra USB port for a standalone numpad, I heard that before.

It has a hot swap board, a full version would be an instabuy for me, but nope.
denyasis Aug 3, 2023
View PC info
For an everyday driver, I think I'd want a numpad.... But the more I think about it... I'm not sure how often I even use a numpad (especially when gaming)

Now a nice compact wireless keyboard 8 can use with the deck or Steam Link.... I think I'm interested... At 100$, that seems less expensive than other mechanical boards.
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