8BitDo released a keyboard. This keyboard is more like the Commodore 64 than their prior ones, which were influenced by the Famicom and NES.
That’s right. Very impressive. 1980s electronics were substantially more advanced. Without wood paneling, it was beige. The Commodore 64 breadbox typified 1980s electronics design. Many games were produced for it because it was so popular as a family-friendly, affordable home computer.
The 8BitDo lacks a numpad because to its 87 keys. It can be connected via USB, Bluetooth, or 2.4g. Hot-changing the PCB is an option if the switches are still uncomfortable. In addition, a “Super Stick” will replace the two big, odd “Super Buttons” from the Famicom and NES versions.
Although my feelings for the Commodore 64 aren’t as strong as they are for the Famicom, I still adore its design. With its beige background and brown keys, 8BitDo did a fantastic job at recreating that, in my opinion. By sandwiching their emblem between the rainbow stripes, they went all out for a good time.
On March 28, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard with Commodore 64 edition will go up for preorder on Amazon for $109.99 USD. After that, shipping is anticipated on May 26.
The keyboard I wish to be buried with is the Mechanical Retro Keyboard from 8BitDo
I have a peculiar way with keyboards. I touch one for a longer period of time than I do anything else. I was unable to determine what distinguishes a superior mechanical keyboard from another, though.
Up until now, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is the one I want to be touching until the day I die, and I say it without hyperbole—well, maybe with some. And that’s mainly due to the how it looks, not the ergonomics, dependability, or how precise the main mechanics are.
Dilettante keyboard
Even though I seem like an oddball for reviewing a keyboard, I couldn’t refuse the opportunity when it was made. I’m just vaguely aware of the differences between the two keyboards. For almost ten years that I worked in IT, the only thing that mattered to engineers and lawyers was whether or not it displayed letters on the screen. Although it wasn’t common, some people preferred strange ergonomic models. I didn’t even give a damn about their audio quality.
I knew my current keyboard wasn’t sufficient after seeing the movie because it had some of the clickiest keys I had ever heard. Something louder is what I need. When I play the hacker games that give me a sense of intelligence, I have to have that aesthetic. My WPM has to be audible to my neighbors down the hall.
I was originally planning to look for a keyboard from the 1990s, before I realized how amazing mechanical keys sound.
Some amazing key sounds can be heard on the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard. The PCB can be hot-swapped, so you can get something that works for you if the specific key switches aren’t to your taste. Kailh Box White Switches V2 are built-in, but it means nothing at all to me. But I was instantly smitten with the sound. Compared to my previous Razor Blackwidow Ultimate, which uses Razor Green Switches, it has a lot more click, but it’s not as sharp.
Until it vanishes
The aesthetic, which is available in two varieties, is what I truly adore. One draws inspiration from the NES’s grayscale/darker grey color scheme, while the other emphasizes the Famicom’s red/beige aesthetic. It looks great overall, yet sadly they skipped using a metallic gold plate for the marquee.
Two knobs and three buttons, found on many of the controllers, including my favorite arcade stick, add the 8BitDo touch to the 87 keys. The off position is utilized while utilizing USB, and the left knob is used to switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The other knob is for volume, and unlike the input method knob, it features a small click to let you know when you’ve increased or decreased a unit of volume. It also turns freely. The control panel allows you to modify the unit’s size.
The lack of a numeric keypad is the sole negative, but I believe this was intentional in order to maintain some degree of portability, which is why wireless connectivity are included. Since older PC games occasionally need a separate numpad, I intend to purchase one later. I also use it to enter numbers into spreadsheets, and occasionally I press the Enter key on the right. I keep pressing the right key mindlessly right now, believing I’m reaching for Enter.
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Where to Purchase the 8BitDo C64 Keyboard?
This antique piece of equipment costs $110, which is sure to throw off a few SYNTAX ERRORS! Considering that it’s a very specialized product and that 8BitDo’s build quality is decent, it doesn’t really conflict with mid-range mechanical keyboard companies like NuPhy.
The 8BitDo C64 keyboard is available for pre-order on Amazon US (affiliate link) as of right now, with delivery scheduled to begin in May. buyer in the UK? Keep a watch on Amazon UK, as I anticipate that the Famicom and Nintendo versions will be added shortly after the US. I receive compensation on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.
