If you're looking for a new mechanical keyboard with a retro feel, here's a deal worth noting: the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard has been reduced to $70 at amazon affiliate Woot. That's the lowest price we've tracked. This deal has been live for a few days, but it's $30 less than 8BitDo's list price and $10 less than the wireless keyboard's previous minimum. Unfortunately, the deal only applies to the Fami Edition of the device, which has a Japanese color scheme and characters inspired by Nintendo's Famicom console released in Japan during the '80s. 8BitDo sells amazon;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL01lY2hhbmljYWwtS2V5Ym9hcmQtQmx1ZXRvb3RoLVN3YXBwYWJsZS1Qcm9ncmFtbWFibGUtUEMvZHAvQjBDQ1A4S1lHRz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1maS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDc4YWE5OTMtNDAzNy00YTcyLWEzMjQtZmY3ODE3MGY2N2VhIn0&signature=AQAAATQRGeIxJtJtwzKd_zTiAWhpPcvJkiOCHFM-k3OVlNPl&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMechanical-Keyboard-Bluetooth-Swappable-Programmable-PC%2Fdp%2FB0CCP8KYGG” class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:another variant;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1;itc:0;sec:content-canvas”>another variant It's modeled after the US NES, but costs $20 more at the time of writing. (A third model based on the Commodore 64 is also on the way.)
8 bits
This is the lowest price we've seen for this recommended wireless mechanical keyboard.
While it's not a formal pick in our guide to the best mechanical keyboards, the Retro Mechanical Keyboard earned a spot in our retro gaming gift guide last year. The vintage aesthetic is the main reason to consider it: if you like old technology, there aren't many options for this type of look. Still, this is a solid keyboard in its own right. Its keyless format should be comfortable for most people, and you can connect via Bluetooth, a wireless dongle, or a detachable USB-C cable. Although it is made of plastic, the chassis is not that cheap. Its PBT keycaps have a crisp texture and its keycaps feel largely stable, with no major noise on larger inputs like the space bar. It also comes with a pair of cool but fun NES-style “super buttons” that you can program to execute different commands.
Be careful though: it's louder. The retro mechanical keyboard is shipped with clicky Kailh White Box V2 switches, which are generally satisfying to press but have a high pitch that your spouse or coworkers may find irritating. This fits the retro aesthetic, but the keyboard is best stored in a home office. There is also no backlight or adjustable feet. However, the switches are hot-swappable, so it's easy to swap them out for a different feel in the future.
In the end, how much you enjoy the old-school style will determine whether the retro mechanical keyboard is worth purchasing. If you want something a little more discreet that costs less than $100, we recommend Keychron V Max Series in our buying guide. But 8BitDo's board is still a decent value, and this discount only adds to that. Woot says the offer will be valid for six more days or until the device sells out.
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