8BitDo is making waves lately, having just refreshed the TKL model of its Retro Mechanical Keyboard. This update includes a comprehensive package that boasts a joystick and extra keyboard expansion buttons. Now, the company, known for its retro-style gear, has subtly revealed the full-sized variant of the Retro Mechanical Keyboard.
What's New in the Retro 108
With the added width from function keys and a num pad, the cleverly named 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard mirrors its TKL sibling. This means it retains the same clicky Kailh Box White hot-swap switches and double-shot PBT keycaps, which feature a profile akin to MBA and striking, nostalgic computing-inspired legends. For those who enjoy tactile feedback, there are two knobs positioned on the top left beside three shortcut keys.
Design and Connectivity Features
The mechanical keyboard is crafted from an aluminium plate and utilizes the common top-mount design, unlike the gasket mounts that are increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts. It also features tri-mode connectivity, providing 1,000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz, along with wired options. Bluetooth connectivity is offered too, catering to users who want to connect to Android devices.
At this time, the Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard comes only in N and Fami color schemes, which pay tribute to the Nintendo N64 and Famicon consoles. It remains uncertain if 8BitDo will launch the new keyboard in the classic IBM Model M color scheme later on, but considering the positive feedback about it online, it wouldn’t be shocking.
Pricing Information
Currently, the original 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is priced at a discounted rate of $89.99. Meanwhile, the new 108-key edition is available for pre-order on Amazon at a higher price of $119.99.
