8BitDo Launches Transparent Xbox Edition Retro Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Gaming Mouse

[Cpt.Jank]

8BitDo is known for making retro gaming-themed peripherals, and it's now expanded that line-up with two more products in a transparent green color way reminiscent of the original Microsoft Xbox gaming console. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard has received a refresh in classic transparent Xbox colors, and 8BitDo has launched its first gaming mouse, the Retro R8 Mouse in the same color way. The new colorway incorporates the expected transparent green plastic enclosures for the mouse and keyboard and also features bright red, yellow, blue, and green accent colors that, following the traditional ABXY button colors. Both the new Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard ($199.99) and Retro R8 Mouse ($59.99) are available for pre-order on Amazon, although it looks like the initial batches on the mouse have sold out for now.

While 8BitDo has opted for Kailh Jellyfish X switches, likely for their transparent appearance, the hardware changes to the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard are mostly limited to the transparent green case, keycaps, and extra macro buttons. The mouse, on the other hand, bears further inspection, since it's a new product category for 8BitDo. On a surface level, the 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse looks like a typical ambidextrous gaming mouse, with a claimed eight programmable buttons, USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and up to 26,000 DPI resolution. While it's not advertised as a lightweight mouse, it's certainly not heavy for a wireless mouse, coming in at 77 g. The Retro R8 Mouse also comes with a matching charging dock, which 8BitDo says will charge the mouse to 100% in 2.5 hours and acts as a signal extender. 8BitDo claims that the mouse can achieve between 26 and 105 hours of use from its 450 mAh Li-ion battery in wireless mode, depending on the polling rate and connectivity mode.



As for the rest of the Retro R8 Mouse's technical specifications, 8BitDo is using Kailh Sword GM X Micro switches, which have an actuation force of around 60 gf, a release force of 25 gf, and a 100,000,000-click quoted lifespan. It also uses the PAW 3395 optical sensor, and users can use the DPI button on the top of the mouse to switch between six DPI settings. Like many other modern gaming mice, the 8BitDo Retro R8 has an 8 kHz polling rate in wired mode, with 2.4 GHz dropping that down to up to 4 kHz, and Bluetooth dropping that further to 125 Hz. The Retro R8 mouse uses a USB type-A 2.4 GHz receiver, which can be stowed in the bottom of the mouse when not in use.

Unlike previous 8BitDo keyboards, the Xbox Retro 87 actually has per-key RGB backlighting, with 8 RGB modes, to accent the transparent keycaps. It also retains the mode selector knob and volume knob in the top left corner of the keyboard, and the keyboard's lighting, key maps, profiles, macros, and lighting can be configured in the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, which is exclusive to Windows.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[King Mustard]

Still no ISO-UK version.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Still no ISO-UK version.

Correction, European version, since we all use IOS keyboards.

 

[sepheronx]

almost perfect.

But where the flying F is the numpad?

 

[Scrizz]

almost perfect.

But where the flying F is the numpad?

You'll just have to buy it separately if they decide to make a limited edition one.
Otherwise, you might just have to settle for the 8BitDo Retro Numpad.

imagine getting less keyboard for a higher price

 

[lexluthermiester]

@ 8BitDo
Guys, your keyboards are excellent quality, but they're missing something, something some(A LOT) of us use daily and will not be without. It's a deal breaker. What do you all think that something is? Hmm?

I'd love to get one of these as well as the NES themed model, but I'm not paying those prices for an incomplete keyboard.

 

[silapakorn]

$200 for a plastic keyboard is steep. It would be a different story if the mouse is a free bundle.

 

[regs]

Cheap ABS keycaps

 

[erocker]

Price on Amazon is showing $119 for the keyboard.

 

[ymdhis]

$200 for a keyboard that's missing keys.

What will they do next, release a piano with no black keys?

 

[TSiAhmat]

It's 119,99 $ for me as well.

Also: is a missing numpad a running gag on this website? Like there are no people who aren't using it?

 

[Onasi]

Also: is a missing numpad a running gag on this website? Like there are no people who aren't using it?

It’s a personal preference. I went for a TKL more than a decade ago and haven’t missed a NumPad at all. For some people, however, it’s vital, either professionally or for a day to day. Especially, I would guess, Americans who have to calculate and file their own taxes. RIP doing that without one, I suppose.

 

[chstamos]

Again annoying clicky switches. What's with 8bitdo's insistence on only releasing clicky mechanicals? I know there is a market segment that likes their mechanical keyboards clicky, but most people I know can't stand them.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Again annoying clicky switches. What's with 8bitdo's insistence on only releasing clicky mechanicals? I know there is a market segment that likes their mechanical keyboards clicky, but most people I know can't stand them.

The key switches can be replaced with browns or reds. Not a huge a problem for custom keyboards but your point is understandable.

 

[Frick]

@ 8BitDo
Guys, your keyboards are excellent quality, but they're missing something, something some(A LOT) of us use daily and will not be without. It's a deal breaker. What do you all think that something is? Hmm?

I'd love to get one of these as well as the NES themed model, but I'm not paying those prices for an incomplete keyboard.

Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard | 8BitDo

The Retro Mechanical Keyboard in full layout. Compatible with Windows and Android. Available in N and Fami editions.

www.8bitdo.com

Unless you want even more buttons. FWIW I get why people get by without numpads. Tons of laptops don't have them. I know people who type in a lot of numbers and still use the number row because that is what you're used to and is faster at. I was without a numpad for a good while actually, and it's manageble, but getting back to that chunky old Dell keyboard with a proper numpad was like coming home.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard | 8BitDo

The Retro Mechanical Keyboard in full layout. Compatible with Windows and Android. Available in N and Fami editions.

www.8bitdo.com

Unless you want even more buttons. FWIW I get why people get by without numpads. Tons of laptops don't have them. I know people who type in a lot of numbers and still use the number row because that is what you're used to and is faster at. I was without a numpad for a good while actually, and it's manageble, but getting back to that chunky old Dell keyboard with a proper numpad was like coming home.

Hey hey! Didn't know about that! They listened! Nice. Thank you for the link!
EDIT:
Here's the Amazon link for those interested;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKXH5WCD

Also The KB in the article above isn't $200 after all, only $120, which much more palatable.
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlight-Bluetooth-Swappable-Wireless/dp/B0DMTLLSBN

 

[erocker]

I like the Nintendo version! Oh my, they sell the keycaps separate! https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-retro-keycaps

 

[Synthwave]

You'll just have to buy it separately if they decide to make a limited edition one.
Otherwise, you might just have to settle for the 8BitDo Retro Numpad.

imagine getting less keyboard for a higher price

Imagine keyboard prices working like that, lol...

​

chstamos:
Again annoying clicky switches. What's with 8bitdo's insistence on only releasing clicky mechanicals? I know there is a market segment that likes their mechanical keyboards clicky, but most people I know can't stand them.

Simple. Vintage stuff is notorious for clicky Alps switches and buckling springs (with plastic cases). Most people who buy 8BitDo keyboards WANT clicky switches.

 

[FPS over Resolution]

I wish they released a smaller version of this keyboard (especially the N version, my favorite), TKL is somewhat acceptable, but 65% or 60% would be my idea size. I like my switches heavy & clicky, the keyboard itself small. This is a no-numpads-allowed household.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Most people who buy 8BitDo keyboards WANT clicky switches.

Says who? I sure as hell don't. I'll take Browns or Reds over Blues all day ANY day.. Clicky Blues are just too damned loud. Ask me how I know. Browns are a nice balance between key actuation "click" and not being too load.

 

[Solaris17]

Says who? I sure as hell don't.

I dont think he means most people in the general sense, just 8bitduo people specifically; because thats the kind of brand reputation they have from what I know. They kind of built there entire portfolio on heavy and clicky, minus controllers of course. People that dont like those things arent really the general audience they cater there gear towards.

On topic it does look nostalgic, I almost wish it came with a free copy of halo.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I dont think he means most people in the general sense, just 8bitduo people specifically

Maybe. My hunch is that most 8BitDo enthusiasts still prefer something less noisy.

On topic it does look nostalgic, I almost wish it came with a free copy of halo.

THAT would be most excellent! The OG PC version with the Custom Edition thrown in for giggles? Hell yes!

 

[Synthwave]

I dont think he means most people in the general sense, just 8bitduo people specifically; because thats the kind of brand reputation they have from what I know. They kind of built there entire portfolio on heavy and clicky, minus controllers of course. People that dont like those things arent really the general audience they cater there gear towards.

On topic it does look nostalgic, I almost wish it came with a free copy of halo.

Precisely.

Not to mention it's hot swap, so you put whatever you want in there. It's just switches.

lexluthermiester:

I'll take Browns or Reds over Blues all day ANY day..

I get what you want to say, but I'm just leaving out there that there're literally thousands of switches out in the wild, and 'Red'/'Brown'/'Blue' doesn't necessarily mean linear/tactile/clicky. You wanted to say you don't like clicky.

For me, it depends. Not a huge fan, I'm more of a loud glassy/marbly clack guy, but it's nice to have some clicky action with a decent board from time to time. I can confirm stock Cherry MX1A Blue/MX2A Blue (or MX Red/MX Brown too, for that matter) or some old Outemu Blues and such are indeed pretty crap, both feel- and sound-wise, but a Kailh BOX White/Jade/Navy, Gateron Melodic or Zeal Clickiez (oh, yes, gimme) is really not. Especially those Clickiez, they are divine stuff in plastic cases with rigid plates and zero foams, so the inside of the keyboard can properly work as a resonance chamber.

So it also much depends on the keyboard, its materials and its configuration. You won't really get too nice of a sound with cheap stuff, just standardised and boring deep thock at best (or some mushy silent shit), by overstacking foams and lubing your plate mount stabs. If that. On the other hand, I bet that those Clickiez would sound pretty effin awesome in this 8BitDo board.

 

[lexluthermiester]

'Red'/'Brown'/'Blue' doesn't necessarily mean linear/tactile/clicky.

Yeah it does. It's a well known general rule of thumb that everyone follows.

For me, it depends. Not a huge fan, I'm more of a loud glassy/marbly clack guy, but it's nice to have some clicky action with a decent board from time to time. I can confirm stock Cherry MX1A Blue/MX2A Blue (or MX Red/MX Brown too, for that matter)

And that's fair, personal preference is always a thing. You're not "wrong" if you like Blues and someone else isn't "wrong" for liking Reds.

 

[Synthwave]

lexluthermiester:

You're not "wrong" if you like Blues and someone else isn't "wrong" for liking Reds

You are not following.

Yeah it does. It's a well known general rule of thumb that everyone follows.

Everyone, who's barely into mechanical keyboards. Nobody, who knows their shit, will say it like that. Bro, I'm telling you that's not true for all red/brown/blue switches. According to you, an Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro for example should be clicky, which it's not. It's a light tactile switch with long pole. Or a Kailh BOX White should be...I don't know, you tell me. It's a clicky switch.

etc.

The mechanical characteristic types are the following:

• linear
• tactile
• clicky (which is also tactile at the same time)
• analogue (which is also linear)
• silent linear
• silent tacticle
• silent clicky
• silent analogue