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.
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The comments on this article are closed.
Oh wow, it's beautiful! 
1 Likes, Who?
As I said over on the forum, I love love love how they've made these reminiscent of the Family BASIC keyboard and the Nintendo Advanced Video System prototype. 
I'm particularly fond of the Famicom design, myself, partly because the Family BASIC keyboard's accompanying software has a slight connection to the creation of Bomberman as we know the series today - though I love the NES design, too, because I always liked that very-80s boxy design.
That said, though I'm all about the compact layout (keyboards with numpads are far too big for me to easily use - I prefer laptop-style layouts, even when working at a desk), I think I'd want a plainer keyboard that I could customise with keycaps like this.
Famicom version
NES version
I'm particularly fond of the Famicom design, myself, partly because the Family BASIC keyboard's accompanying software has a slight connection to the creation of Bomberman as we know the series today - though I love the NES design, too, because I always liked that very-80s boxy design.
That said, though I'm all about the compact layout (keyboards with numpads are far too big for me to easily use - I prefer laptop-style layouts, even when working at a desk), I think I'd want a plainer keyboard that I could customise with keycaps like this. Quoting: scaineI'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.You get a set of those included with each keyboard, and it sounds like you can buy extras if needed.
Quoting: scaineHopefully they land for the UK soon.They're both up for pre-order on Amazon UK now;
Famicom version
NES version
Quoting: ArehandoroBeing wireless puts me off a little, but the design is a hug straight into nostalgia.
Quoting: EikeMaybe it should have both (like some headphones): A cable, but detachable.It offers all three options in one unit - USB, wireless, and Bluetooth.
A cable for the nostalgia... and then wireless for actually using it on the couch.
7 Likes, Who?
Although it looks cool: never again will i buy any keyboard with proprietary software/drivers. QMK/VIA is the way to go.
2 Likes, Who?
I normally prefer to have the number pad, but this will suit me nicely on my second desk which is considerably smaller. Ordered.
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soulsource Aug 3, 2023
Quoting: BumadarThere are literally keys missing. They obviously forgot to mount those. They didn't even bother to assemble it completely!Quoting: soulsourceNot even a numpad? That doesn't make me optimistic about the quality of the device...
I did my best to see the connection between no numpad and quality and I can't, so please enlighten me.
(If that isn't clear, I am joking, and was joking when I wrote that other comment. Maybe I should stop. Seems I'm not good at it.)
2 Likes, Who?
RavenWings Aug 3, 2023
Looks awesome, but yeah... no numpad is a dealbreaker for me.
I wouldn´t mind a big red alt+f4 button though...
Last edited by RavenWings on 3 August 2023 at 7:08 pm UTC
I wouldn´t mind a big red alt+f4 button though...
Last edited by RavenWings on 3 August 2023 at 7:08 pm UTC
0 Likes
Mountain Man Aug 3, 2023
I've never been a fan of needing specialized drivers for common peripherals.
2 Likes, Who?
No number pad and no official Linux support? I'll give this one a miss!
0 Likes
ElectricPrism Aug 4, 2023
Ngl those keycaps and base plate mighty fine.
But Kaihl switches & proprietary firmware are a hard pass.
But Kaihl switches & proprietary firmware are a hard pass.
1 Likes, Who?
Quoting: soulsourceNot even a numpad? That doesn't make me optimistic about the quality of the device...
Sorry, but what kind of logic is that?... Because it has a certain layout, it dictates the quality?... As in, if it's not a full layout, it would be of lesser quality?...
That doesn't make any sense. - It will simply be the quality that 8bitdo can deliver, regardless of the layout.
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