Launched in the 80s, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), called the Family Computer or Famicom in Japan, offered popular arcade gameplay on television, and it was trendy.
Inspired by Nintendo’s NES and Famicom consoles from the 80s, Chinese gaming accessory manufacturing brand 8BitDo has now unveiled its retro-styled mechanical keyboards.
The retro Nintendo-inspired keyboard is packed with 87 mechanical keys, programmable keys, and an intuitive control panel. It features a classic power status LED with a separate control panel.
The keyboard comes with Dual Super Buttons that are specially designed by 8BitDo, offering large, programmable keys. Set macros on super buttons or map anything to them without using the software. These super buttons can be connected to the keyboard via a 3.5mm cable, and there are additional ports on the keyboard to add three more pairs of buttons.
The 8BitDo mechanical keyboard has B and A buttons where the FN and menu keys are expected. Like the rest of the keyboard’s keys, the keys are programmable without software or using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, which lets you configure your programmable keys easily. To customize the keyboard’s hardware, you can replace each button on its hot-swappable printed circuit board (PCB).
The keyboard also supports N-key rollover, which means you can press multiple keys simultaneously, and your keyboard will still recognize the input. This feature will be beneficial for gamers for high-performance gameplay.
8BitDo’s Kailh Box, White V2 switches, are hot-swappable if you want to replace them with something less loud and clicky. At the top left of the keyboard is a volume dial, next to a selector that switches the keyboard between its two wireless connection modes – via Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle.
With its PBT dye-sublimation keycaps and a consistent feel from the top-mount structure, it combines durability with a seamless typing experience.
Unlike most gaming keyboards, this is a tenkeyless keyboard, so you don’t get a numeric keypad on the side and no backlighting.
The keyboard is 376.6mm long, 169.6mm wide, and 46.8mm thick with a weight of 1050g, and the dual super buttons are 160.2mm long, 74.6mm wide, and 32.3mm thick and weigh 270g. It is compatible with Windows 10 or above and Android 9 or above.
The keyboard has an integrated rechargeable Li-ion battery of 2000mAh that provides long-lasting use of up to 200 hours and can be recharged within 4 hours.
The mechanical keyboard comes in two models – N and Fami editions. The N Edition features a gray color scheme similar to the NES style scheme, and Fami Edition comes in red and white inspired by the Japanese Famicom.
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is available on Amazon, and you can pre-order this keyboard for $99.99.
