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8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard $149 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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Usually ~$180 I noticed the drop to $149. Then I see them on sale at a few places. Amazon only have the Fami version discounted.

Mwave $139 plus post - Checked and don't get pickup as an option
Fami: https://www.mwave.com.au/product/8bitdo-retro-wireless-mecha…
N: https://www.mwave.com.au/product/8bitdo-retro-wireless-mecha…

JB $149 plus post - Looks to be online only
Fami: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/8bitdo-retro-mechanical-k…
N: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/8bitdo-retro-mechanical-k…

8bitDo Product Page

About this item:
Inspired by the classics. Compatible with Windows 10(1903) or above, and Android 9.0 or above.
Connnect via Bluetooth, wireless 2.4G, or wired.
87-key layout. Kailh Box Switch V2 White. Dye-sub PBT keycaps.
Top mount style. Hot-swappable PCB. Support n-key rollover.
Dual Super Buttons - offer large, programmable keys. Map anything to the Super Buttons instantly without using software.
Classic power status LED, with independent control panel.
Supports 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for custom keyboard mapping. (Release in September 2023)

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • Brilliant keyboard. I got NES version upon release.

  • +5

    I will probably HODL for the N version.

    • N difference, only colour/ back lit? Amazon don't show much on the difference.

      • Is the N version backlit? Amazon says so but nowhere else does and haven't seen any pics showing it.

        • +2

          No backlight on either

          • @kogi: Thanks, this is all I wanted to know.

          • @kogi: oh what, no backlight? damn… thats a dealbreaker for me… i wouldnt mind just basic white backlight though…

  • +17

    If only it had a number pad

      • +93

        … not for ergonomics of entering numbers lol

          • +20

            @PainToad: i value the numb pad a lot as a programmer/stock trader/excel user

            cant really live without a numb pad imo

          • +24

            @PainToad: Engineers, project managers, coders, procurement, virtually anything involving money, the list really does go on

              • @PainToad: might have just voted down rather than comment and say - we dont agree with you?

              • @PainToad: I agree with you, balanced your neg :)

              • +1

                @PainToad: I am one too and I wouldn't buy a keyboard without a numpad. When you have 2 factor authentication and have to type the 2nd password (usually a 6 digit number using the authenticator), numpad is quite handy.

            • @DiscountForThee: i'm a coder, my primary use for a numpad is entering passwords/pins.

          • +4

            @PainToad: I see plenty of people who never use one, and there are plenty of roles in front of a computer that rarely type numbers. I myself have worked various roles having touchpoints across retail, hospitality, IT, data, digital, marketing, design, events, sales, finance and helpdesk and I've entered numbers using a numpad into a computer for each.

            When I was about 6 I saw someone tallying up receipts on a numpad in a restaurant faster than I could see and I was inspired ever since.

            It perplexes me when I see people entering numbers from the top row when the numpad is right there!

            (try it, it's faster and more satisfying)

            btw - I'm each to their own stance!

            • -5

              @rakeycakey:

              (try it, it's faster and more satisfying)

              I know it's much faster.

              I do sometimes miss having one.

              But not enough to sacrifice the desk space and ergonomics.

              I guess I was thinking automation would have taken away most tasks that require manually entering large amounts of numbers. Guess not.

            • @rakeycakey: Counterpoint, it's faster because you're used to doing it and practiced with a numpad.

              I've used a 60% keyboard for the last 5 years in IT / Engineering (including 3D design), and while you can sometimes lack shortcuts (ie, having 'Numpad 3' as a different function as '3'), for pure number input I find it's faster, because you can use two hands on the top row just like regular typing.

              But agree, each to their own. :)

              • @5thQuarter: Pure numbers 0-9, maybe, but then you don't have easy access to all of the other numpad features which are also great benefits

              • @5thQuarter: It has NEVER occurred to me to use two hands to input numbers!!

                I'm a proficient touch typist but whenever I have to input numbers I end up hunching over the keyboard, squinting over the numbers and pecking at them with one finger.

                But thank you, I will try the two hand technique!

            • +1

              @rakeycakey: Wait until you discover southpaw keyboards like the Hex.6C.

            • @rakeycakey: You clearly haven't worked in data much if you think you don't need a numpad.

          • @PainToad: I need a numeric pad to work out my OzBargain savings

            • @mousie: Finally, a valid reason ;)

            • @mousie: EMOTIONAL DAMAGE! Calculator is for wimps. Use Abacus or just your brain. :)

          • @PainToad: Y…Yes?

        • +5

          100% the reason I picked up the Keychron K4 - TKL size, includes numpad.

        • As a middle ground, you could consider a separate numpad. For example, the Keychron Q0.

          I use a 65% but I do have a macropad that could double as a numpad and still have my full-sized keyboard if I do ever need something that is number heavy.

        • +1

          I ended up splashng for this when it was on sale: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/713271 and it's absolutely fantastic. I just latch the numpad to the LHS, which is the best of both worlds. A numpad at all times, but ergonomically better! I detach it everynow and then for desk space also…

          My only fault for the numpad being on the left is that it doesn't have a delete/backspace key nearby in numlock mode which I'd like to use every now and then.

        • Gaming keyboards don't need numpads, so you're in the wrong market.

          • @magic8ballgag: Plenty of games offer numpad use, as well as allowing custom hotkeys, control binds, etc.
            Personal preference, and I guess but then what does a gamer even "need"?

        • +2

          In my opinion, tenkeyless (no numpad) keyboards are better for ergonomics (mouse arm sits more naturally in front of you rather than off to the right). I think we got keyboard designs wrong from the start though, in that the numpad and arrow keys should have been on the left side, not the right. If they were on the left, you could still operate the mouse while keeping your left hand at the numpad or arrow keys. This is what I do. Nuphy Air75 as my keyboard, bluetooth numpad on the left of that. It's the best of both worlds and I do recommend trying it.

          • +3

            @Demarque: I can absolutely see the argument for numpad on the left and there are a few keyboards that offer that. Years of habit have me used to it on the right but go back 30 years it'd have been nicer to be standardised differently haha

          • +2

            @Demarque: If you're using excel with a mouse, it's time to step up your game. The numpad is exactly where it needs to be.

        • +1

          my lord, right? this is why i have a tkl and a full size.

          some days you just need the num pad. and i'm not working with money or engineering or coding. (profanity) doing lots of number typing with the tkl.

      • I was wondering how it can be more ergonomic, so I looked it up and its because the mouse can be closer to the centre of the typing location. So the more you use a mouse, the more you want TKL Barely use the mouse? Then a full size keyboard is more beneficial.

      • +2

        Numpads should be on the left.
        Fight me.

        • +2

          I thought I was the only Milhouse!
          Couldn't agree more

          • @Demarque: Microsoft had a keyboard where you could move the numpad to the left. The Sidewinder X6 I believe.

      • I agree. But I also have a seperate Bluetooth numpad as I can't live without a numpad. It lives to the right of my mouse so I can swap between quickly. Secondary advantage, when I do multi-page scanning on my flatbed scanner on the other side of my home office, i can take the numpad over to the scanner and press return to do the next page.

    • +2

      Definitely feels like a missed opportunity for them to include separate numpad, since it would please people who like tkl and people who like having numpad.

    • I use a wireless numpad with tkl that has the same key switch feel. I actually then put the numpad further to the right ie TKL-mouse-numpad that feels more ergonomic for me

  • +3

    Looks pretty rad!

  • +1

    Whoa! Didn’t realise these were available locally. Thanks OP!

    • +1

      EB Games has them also for $179.95.

  • supercool design

  • Was just looking at this on Amazon the other day, nice!

    Just ordered through Mwave.. pickup option was available for me.

    Their controller seemed to be discounted too.

  • +1

    What’s the noise level be like? I like mechanical keyboard however most of them are just too loud

    • +3

      like an IBM

    • agree.. though might be impossible, if they are silent, it would be perfect..
      even for mouse I am using silent click and silent scroll for "research" purpose

      • I see you are also a man of science.

    • +3

      You'd need to select an appropriate switch. You can get 'silent' mechanical switches and they are pretty darn quiet. However, they 'feel' very different to a standard linear type of switch. There's a huge rabbit hole for you to jump in if you choose haha!

    • +2

      I'm on the same level as you, I bought several pre-built mechanical keyboards and hated all the standard / stock switches and even the premium switches until I played with silent switches.

      Get a hotswap-able mechanical keyboard and look at lubed silent switches.

      Recommend: 'Durock Shrimp Silent' or 'Boba U4 Silent Tactile'

  • Do these have layers, as in a whole different layer of keys when a special key is pressed?

    I know most of 70, 60, 40% have them, but not familiar with TKL keyboards.

    • TKL is just a form factor. The macro software you use would determine it, and I'd assume this would have it too.

  • -1

    I love mine. Best tactile keyboard to type on.

  • +3

    Anyone know if the switches on these are swappable? Have some Akkos that I would want to swap in.

    Edit: missed the part in thr description where it says hot swappable pcb

    • Literally second line of the deal.

      Mwave $139 plus post - Checked and don't get pickup as an option

      After postage it's not cheaper for me.

  • look so cute, what's those 2 big AB buttons for?

    • +3

      Dual Super Buttons - offer large, programmable keys. Map anything to the Super Buttons instantly without using software.

      Whatever you want them to be for

    • it would be better if they were smaller 25 keys or something. So, they can be used as num keys or other macro keys.

    • Seems good, no software required to setup the 2 big red buttons!

      setup guide:
      1) Push mapping button at top (Star) until it blinks
      2) Hold down the keys you want to program as a shortcut
      3) Press one of the big red buttons to assign shortcut. Done!
      Tutorial: https://youtu.be/2icHGkdm-4k?&t=126

      Now, where to find more red buttons since it supports 4 sets.

      • Ive seen them for sale separately. eBay probably also has people selling their excess large buttons lol

  • There's now a 10% off coupon on the Nintendo version on Amazon, bringing it down to $161.

    • not for me, must be targeted

  • Thanks OP I got one if it was $60

    • so you didn't get one?

  • Give me Honeywell 101 Switchable and we have a deal

    • What kind of mechanism did they use? I do like those old keyboards with interesting mechanism (I have one with Alps White)

  • NO THANKS!

    After experiencing back-lit RGB mechanical keyboards I would NEVER go back to "classic" varieties.

  • +1

    WOT?

    Over $130 for an UGLY "retro" keyboard without a numeric keypad or backlighting?

    Is this a joke post?

    • +2

      Lol why you need RGB+numpad what are you a gamer playing accountant simulator?

  • Wake me up when they make a Commodore 64 version in the style of the old "breadbin" or the later C version (which I had)

  • Thx op. Bought the N version via jbhifi with $7 delivery, $156

  • Just bought it,

    My second thoughts:

    Company is from Hong Kong, there has been a regime change so just… be careful. China loves having apps that mine data on a level Zuckerberg wished he did. https://grizzlyreports.com/we-believe-pdd-is-a-dying-fraudul…

    App runs like shit. It's a "portable" style application no install needed. It does not run if I block outbound connections from the app through my firewall.

    The volume dial is already iffy. If you turn it lightly enough, it often won't register. This is unacceptable. If i turn the knob a discrete notch, it must ALWAYS register it. I'm gonna apply for replacement or refund.

    • +1

      "App runs like shit. It's a "portable" style application no install needed. It does not run if I block outbound connections from the app through my firewall."

      It looks like it's running fine even with the outbound connections blocked after a restart but it did take a bit longer to load up.

    • +1

      If you're having issues with the volume dial not working here's a speedrun.

      I believe the design of it is a rotary switch and it misses inputs even if you hit notches on the dial no matter how fast or slow you turn it.

      I have tested this keyboard on two Windows machines one, on Windows 11 with Wired and 2.4Ghz mode and the other on Windows 10 with just Bluetooth mode and they still have the same issue so I believe there is a defect the with volume knob detecting input.

      • Got a replacement keyboard, same issue. At this point I think it's a just a product defect. Can anyone reply to me that they have this problem?

        • Fair enough and thanks for your assessment, but perhaps your expectation is higher than the product? Is it documented to work with clicks… or more 'analog' roatry knob encoding?

          • @Thiefsie: I mean that's the question right? I would be okay if all units had a scratchy volume dial that squeaked but it was very consistent at changing the volume.
            I would never be okay if I bought a $20 keyboard and the space bar didnt always register or the caps lock light didn't always turn on.
            I think I'm well in my consumer rights under ACCC to get a model that isn't defective. What's the difference between a defective volume knob and a defective key?

            Would you say I couldn't find a keyboard at $149 with a volume knob that doesnt have this issue?

        • I ended up ordering from JB with their extra 10% off the other night. It arrived today. Same issue, it doesn't register for each notch each time. When it does, each step adjusts the volume by 4. Possibly fixed by firmware sometime maybe.

          Not a drama for me though.

          • @303-Acid: The Volume adjustment by 4 is intended. If you use the software, you can set the ticks as low as 2 or much higher.

            Given I've tried 2 different keyboards and 2 different platforms albeit both with manufacture date as September 2023 which incidentally is the date of this product release, and I've been through support flashing multiple firmware versions, I'm starting to think it's a hardware issue. It was the small card in the box with Chinese on it with a YYYYMM number on it next to "Manufacture Date" in Chinese. Curious what yours says.

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