Sale ongoing on Xbox Edition mechanical keyboard, offering its lowest price; nostalgic green transparency design is a popular choice
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard [Xbox Edition] is a unique accessory for gaming enthusiasts, designed to resemble the original Xbox console. With its transparent casing and vibrant arrow keys that match the ABXY buttons on the original controller, this keyboard is a nod to the past while offering modern features.
Currently available at a discounted price of $99.99 on Amazon, the keyboard boasts 87 keys, including several Function buttons and the full range of navigation keys above the keyboard, but does not have a number pad. The keys are hot-swappable, allowing for easy keycap replacement, and the keyboard features double-layered ABS keycaps and supports n-key rollover, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.
The keyboard is equipped with controls at the top left for switching between Bluetooth, Off, and 2.4GHz, adjusting volume, and customizing three super buttons. A separate device, the Dual Super Buttons, is included with two large buttons (labeled A and B) for additional controls while gaming.
The keyboard's design extends to the 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless 4K Polling Gaming Mouse [Xbox Edition], also available at a discounted price of $49.99 on Amazon. This mouse is designed to match the look of the keyboard, offering a consistent aesthetic for your gaming setup.
The keyboard can be used to set the RGB backlighting to the color preferred by the user, and it comes with a wireless dongle that can be stored magnetically beneath the keyboard. However, it's important to note that the keyboard is primarily compatible with PC and Android devices, not with the Xbox console directly.
Long-term reviews of the 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard have been generally positive. Users appreciate its reliable wireless mechanical switches, customizable RGB backlighting, and nostalgic design. The dedicated Xbox button that opens the Xbox Game Bar, as well as the dual super buttons for additional gaming controls, are also praised.
However, some reviewers find the keyboard's "vomit green" translucent color to be extremely bold or unattractive, while others acknowledge its unique style that appeals to nostalgic Xbox fans. The keyboard's lack of a full number pad may also be a drawback for some users.
On platforms like Amazon, the keyboard has an average rating around 4.5 stars, reflecting that most users appreciate its functionality and aesthetics if the design and lack of a numpad are not dealbreakers.
In summary, the 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard is a reliable, customizable wireless mechanical keyboard with a distinct Xbox-themed design appealing mostly to nostalgic gamers and PC users looking for a unique accessory. However, it's less suited for those requiring Xbox console compatibility or a full-sized keyboard layout.
Customizations to the keyboard require the use of the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, downloadable from the 8BitDo website. The 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless 4K Polling Gaming Mouse [Xbox Edition] offers 4K polling and supports DPI 26K, making it a fast and lightweight gaming mouse suitable for Xbox fans.
- The 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard's software can be updated using the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2, available for download from the 8BitDo website.
- Gaming enthusiasts can supplement their gaming setup with gadgets like the 8BitDo Retro R8 Wireless 4K Polling Gaming Mouse [Xbox Edition], designed to match the Retro 87 keyboard with its Xbox-themed appearance.
- Incorporating modern features like hot-swappable keys, n-key rollover, and customizable RGB backlighting, this gaming keyboard still delivers a nostalgic lifestyle experience for Xbox fans, echoing the original console's aesthetics.
- When shopping for up-to-date gaming accessories, the 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard stands out as a unique combination of software, gaming, and technology, as well as a gadget that blends seamlessly into a modern lifestyle setting.
