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.
1 Likes, Who?
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.
0 Likes
Quoting: MayeulCQuoting: EriI love the grey one so much but i don't like TKL keyboardsI 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.
On my ergodox, I just have a numpad layer activated by a button... The layout is the same on ortholinear keyboards, which I've also found to increase typing speed (and makes learning touch typing much easier). I can easily touch type on numpads and ortholinear keyboards, but never could do it effortlessly on "typewriter" staggered layouts, hence why I'm complaining about them, and will not consider any for a new keyboard!
I've never considered to use an ortholinear keyboard, but yes, an ortholinear keyboard with a software layer to turn it into a numpad is an elegant solution. I should probably try one on a store before droping the cash but thanks for the tip, I will consider it.
1 Likes, Who?
Quoting: soulsourceQuoting: 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.)
I got that this reply was a joke... but I definitely didn't get the first reply as a joke! Ah, the sweet sweet tone-deafness of the internet. Love it!
2 Likes, Who?
Quoting: PenglingThey're both up for pre-order on Amazon UK now;
Famicom version
NES version
Wow, I thought the big buttons would be extras, but you get both with the keyboard, for £90! I'm in. I'm not gonna pre-order, but this could be a sweet little christmas present from me to me this year, we'll see.
2 Likes, Who?
Quoting: scaineQuoting: PenglingThey're both up for pre-order on Amazon UK now;
Famicom version
NES version
Wow, I thought the big buttons would be extras, but you get both with the keyboard, for £90! I'm in. I'm not gonna pre-order, but this could be a sweet little christmas present from me to me this year, we'll see.
Psst, don't tell, it's a surprise!
Last edited by Eike on 4 August 2023 at 2:11 pm UTC
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Quoting: scaineSo 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"Oh, that's just wrong. Obviously the big red button should be hooked up to the Doomsday Device.
2 Likes, Who?
Quoting: scaineI'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.
I don't understand: You're uncomfortable because of the width of a regular keyboard of about 45cm wide?... Do you put your arms straight ahead when playing games or something?...
I mean, I have a separate keypad for my left hand (keyboards are for typing words in my opinion), which is to the left of my currently regular-sized keyboard, and the mouse to the right of that. I'm quite comfortably in a fairly natural position like that. - How is it too wide when that's wider than the keyboard (about 60-70cm)?...
Also, just so you know, one set of buttons (one single device) is included with the keyboard, apparently for some reason but I'm not complaining cause big buttons.
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This is great timing for me personally, because I was actually looking for a simple but solid keyboard to add to a standalone emulation-system I'm building soon. - The best-looking option I came across was the retro-styled ones by Durgod. But while one of the three color-schemes they have for it is also along the lines of the NES, the actual form of those keyboards are a bit more reminiscent of the even older consoles, like the Atari or Spectrum or whatever. Or maybe the Famicom, even though they don't have a beige/brown one.
But then I saw that they ask about 250 USD for it, plus reviews that it's actually not technically sound, like even downright not working I believe, so that was not going to happen.
8BitDo to the rescue, I suppose. They made one already better on paper, with more features like complete programability (I think), hot-swappable switches, and... BIG BUTTONS. - All that for around 100 USD.
The fact that it's TKL is fine for me, cause I was looking for a more compact one for a bit more casual/occasional use anyway. It could have been even more compact, but this is cool. - And I kinda hate clicky switches, which these apparently are, but then again, it goes with the retro idea, for lighter use it's fine, AND they're hot-swappable.
I must say, the visual presentation is a lot better (than the Durgod) with the shapes, colors, and keycaps. Though, too bad about the "Win"-keycap, which they could've made more "agnostic", as well as the software.
Speaking of which, perhaps they might finally start developing for Linux, because they've grown a lot over just the last few years even, and all of their hardware that is intended for PC actually does simply work on Linux. It's just that the programming-software doesn't. - Then again, Razer is massive and they still have strict Windows-support only. Even though support actually told me they're working on Linux-support, but without any time-frame. So that seems a case of the developers wanting to but no support from "upstairs".
Anyway, this keyboard seems like a really good deal for the price, and 8BitDo's quality is often solid. I'm a bit of a sucker for their products, but with good reason and I haven't had issues with most of them (except an older one). - Already take-my-money'd this one, so we'll see (in November).
Last edited by MicHaeL_MonStaR on 5 August 2023 at 3:47 am UTC
But then I saw that they ask about 250 USD for it, plus reviews that it's actually not technically sound, like even downright not working I believe, so that was not going to happen.
8BitDo to the rescue, I suppose. They made one already better on paper, with more features like complete programability (I think), hot-swappable switches, and... BIG BUTTONS. - All that for around 100 USD.
The fact that it's TKL is fine for me, cause I was looking for a more compact one for a bit more casual/occasional use anyway. It could have been even more compact, but this is cool. - And I kinda hate clicky switches, which these apparently are, but then again, it goes with the retro idea, for lighter use it's fine, AND they're hot-swappable.
I must say, the visual presentation is a lot better (than the Durgod) with the shapes, colors, and keycaps. Though, too bad about the "Win"-keycap, which they could've made more "agnostic", as well as the software.
Speaking of which, perhaps they might finally start developing for Linux, because they've grown a lot over just the last few years even, and all of their hardware that is intended for PC actually does simply work on Linux. It's just that the programming-software doesn't. - Then again, Razer is massive and they still have strict Windows-support only. Even though support actually told me they're working on Linux-support, but without any time-frame. So that seems a case of the developers wanting to but no support from "upstairs".
Anyway, this keyboard seems like a really good deal for the price, and 8BitDo's quality is often solid. I'm a bit of a sucker for their products, but with good reason and I haven't had issues with most of them (except an older one). - Already take-my-money'd this one, so we'll see (in November).
Last edited by MicHaeL_MonStaR on 5 August 2023 at 3:47 am UTC
2 Likes, Who?
that is beautyfulll and all...
but the only thing i need in an keyboard is 10+ extra buttons that i can remap to do anything i want with a single button press instead of combination of keys.
not sure if im going to use 10 but extra buttons cant hurt, lack of buttons can.
linux especially would benefit from that.
but the only thing i need in an keyboard is 10+ extra buttons that i can remap to do anything i want with a single button press instead of combination of keys.
not sure if im going to use 10 but extra buttons cant hurt, lack of buttons can.
linux especially would benefit from that.
0 Likes
slaapliedje Aug 6, 2023
I'm on the side with 'needs numpad', there are older games that absolutely require the numpad (I'm talking games like Dungeon Master mostly).
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Quoting: slaapliedjeI'm on the side with 'needs numpad', there are older games that absolutely require the numpad (I'm talking games like Dungeon Master mostly).That reminds me. Are there, like, standalone numpads? Seems like with all the people loving their very different setups that would be a thing.
1 Likes, Who?
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