Throughout my career in the gaming industry, my desk has been graced by numerous mechanical keyboards. However, one common gripe I have with many of them is related to a specific detail: the layout.
Since the U.S. dominates the market and draws most of our focus, the majority of exciting new keyboards I receive for review sport a U.S. layout. This might seem like a minor issue, and to some extent, I agree. However, there are certain quirks about the U.S. layout that don’t sit well with me. So, once I’m done reviewing, I usually revert to a keyboard with a U.K. layout.
Fortunately, 8BitDo has come to the rescue. They’ve introduced their retro-styled mechanical keyboards with layouts that cater to a broader range of users in Europe, including a much-anticipated U.K. layout. Finally, there’s a big, comforting Enter key, all keys positioned exactly where my fingers expect them, and delightfully, the inclusion of a £ key.
This means I can immerse myself entirely in using this keyboard, allowing it to become my primary everyday tool in a matter of seconds. It isn’t flawless, nor is it for everyone, but given what it offers, it’s truly exceptional. Something extraordinary will need to come along to replace it in my setup.
Stunning Retro Design, Layouts to Suit All
For someone who’s been typing for years, my fingers have a rhythm all their own. I don’t watch the keys while typing, but switching to a U.S. layout disrupts my flow. The symbols aren’t always where I expect them, and the Enter key is just too small—who decided this was a good idea? The mistakes increase.
Now, with the U.K. version of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, those issues disappear. The core features of the keyboard are unchanged, but using it has been far more satisfying than if I had given into the U.S. layout again.
The design goes beyond aesthetics as well. The one I have takes inspiration from the old-school C64, boasting a charmingly nostalgic brown hue, and its size is just right. While it lacks a number pad—something some enthusiasts can’t live without—it includes handy buttons and dials at the top.
One dial handles volume, another switches quickly between Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless, and there are three buttons for additional features I admittedly don’t use daily.
The retro vibes go beyond just looks. True to its old-school inspiration, the keyboard is fixed at one height, boasting a gentle key slope for comfortable typing. The Kailh White switches used here are new to me, but I’ve grown to appreciate them.
The tactile response and sound hark back to the keyboards of yesteryear. It’s not exactly the clack of decades past, but there’s a delightful thunk, especially from the Spacebar and Backspace. It’s a smooth, satisfying typing experience without much effort on the keys.
Although there is some heft to the keyboard, it has a bit of a hollow feel, which might not appeal to everyone. It doesn’t feel cheap, but it might not match up to those accustomed to premium builds. However, given its price, complaints are minimal.
Interesting and Innovative Accessory Package
The U.S. layout version of 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard comes with intriguing extras. There’s an old-school joystick, which might not be my thing, as well as two chunky red buttons complete with stickers for labeling.
These buttons intrigued me the most. They offer potential accessibility benefits, connecting to ports on the back of the keyboard. Through a companion app, you can dictate what keyboard function they serve.
Dubbed "Super Buttons," although I haven’t yet found a specific use for them, their mere presence is noteworthy.
Using the software, you can assign simple actions to the buttons or create complex macros if needed.
The keyboard also boasts a hot-swappable PCB. Promotional photos depict Doubleshot ABS keycaps conveniently popping off, though I haven’t tried to remove them myself—and I’m not keen on forcing the issue.
Let’s face it, this keyboard is meant for those who love to embrace the retro brown look.
The Xbox Version is Quite Similar to This
Interestingly, there’s also a variant available, at least stateside, with an official Xbox ensemble. This version slightly diverges from the C64 model I have. It utilizes different switches and features RGB backlighting.
While the C64 keyboard I have isn’t backlit—backlights weren’t on the original after all—some might find this a downside. Personally, I find it refreshing to focus on a beautiful keyboard without distracting lights.
The Xbox-styled version does have the Super Buttons, though it loses the joystick and gains an Xbox button for quick access to the Game Bar on Windows 11.
Whether you opt for the Xbox version, this delightful C64 model, or variations inspired by the NES or a classic IBM design, you’re choosing something exceptional. For those disinclined to tenkeyless models, there are full editions or add-on number pads should you decide they’re necessary.
It’s an impressive lineup enriched by diverse localized layouts. I longed for one of these, and I’m thrilled it lived up to my expectations.
