Experience the C64 Nostalgia with This Modern Mechanical Keyboard

Over the years, my work has brought a steady stream of mechanical keyboards across my desk. There’s always something nifty about them, but personally, I often find the layout isn’t quite to my liking.

Given that the U.S. market is a huge player (and a major focus of our content), almost every flashy new keyboard that lands on my desk for review comes with a U.S. layout. Now, while this isn’t a deal-breaker for many, it does tend to rub me the wrong way about 20% of the time. There are just some odd quirks with the U.S. layout that don’t gel with me. So, after the review phase is done, I usually revert back to a U.K. layout.

However, 8BitDo has come to the rescue, finally rolling out its retro-styled mechanical keyboards with layouts that cater to different regions, including, to my delight, a U.K. layout.

Finally, my giant Enter key is back right where it belongs, and everything’s positioned exactly where my fingers expect them to be, including the all-important £ key. It’s almost as if the keyboard gods smiled upon us.

And with this update, I can finally immerse myself fully into using this beauty on a daily basis—something I decided within mere seconds of trying it out. It might not be flawless or suitable for everyone, but for what it is, I’m thoroughly impressed. It’ll take something extraordinary for me to part ways with it.

When you’ve been typing as long as I have, your fingers develop a kind of muscle memory. I can type away without looking at the keys, but the U.S. layout throws me off sometimes. Some symbols aren’t where I expect them, the Enter key is too small—it baffles me why they thought that was a good choice—and I end up making more mistakes.

Thankfully, the U.K. version of the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard resolves all of that. The gear hasn’t changed otherwise, but this specific layout makes the typing experience far more enjoyable compared to if I had settled for a U.S. model.

The design isn’t all about aesthetics, either. The C64-inspired model I have sports an irresistible old-school brown finish, and the size is just right. It ditches the number pad, which, while some folks might miss it, creates a compact and tidy typing space. It also comes equipped with some handy controls—a knob for volume, a switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, and three extra buttons to manage its features, though I mostly let those be.

The keyboard’s retro charm stretches beyond its appearance. Unlike newer models, this one doesn’t offer height-adjustable feet; it’s a one-position deal. Yet, with its angled, curved key alignment, it’s comfortable for long typing sessions.

The keys rise subtly from the Spacebar, offering ergonomic support. Beneath them lies the Kailh White switches—something I hadn’t tested before but now find myself quite fond of.

Back in the day, they really knew how to make a keyboard. The keys give off a nostalgic sound, reminiscent—but not identical—to those of yesteryear, especially when it comes to the Spacebar and Backspace. It delivers a delightful thunk with minimal effort, making the typing experience undeniably satisfying.

I should note that while it bears some heft, the keyboard can feel a bit hollow. The plastic materials might not appeal to everyone, although it doesn’t feel cheap per se. Yet, for those accustomed to high-end keyboards, it could come across as a tad underwhelming. That said, given its price, there’s little to grumble about.

Among the notable features is an intriguing accessory package. As with its U.S. counterpart, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard includes some fun extras—a petite joystick and a set of two bold red buttons, plus some stickers if you’re into that sort of thing.

Those buttons piqued my interest, particularly from an accessibility standpoint. They connect via a port at the keyboard’s rear, and with the companion app, you can program them for different keyboard functions.

They’re aptly named “Super Buttons,” and while I personally haven’t found a regular use for them, their inclusion is certainly commendable.

Through the software, you can assign basic functions to these buttons, or if you’re inclined, set up detailed macros as well.

The keyboard also features a hot-swappable PCB. Though promotional materials depict the Doubleshot ABS keycaps being removable, I haven’t managed to take them off myself, nor have I tried too hard.

Let’s face it: this keyboard’s appeal lies in its classic brown style. If you’re buying it, you’re embracing that aesthetic.

In case you’re interested, there’s also an Xbox-themed version available in the U.S. This version doesn’t share the exact specs as the C64-inspired model—its switches are different, and it boasts RGB backlighting.

The C64 is unlit, much like its historical counterpart, which might be a sticking point for some, though personally, I welcome a keyboard that doesn’t flash incessantly at me.

The Xbox variant does carry the Super Buttons—sans joystick—and includes an Xbox button that opens the Game Bar on Windows 11 with ease.

Whether you opt for the Xbox version, the C64-inspired design, the NES homage, or the one echoing a famed old IBM model, you’re getting something distinctive. If Tenkeyless keyboards aren’t your thing, some designs do integrate a number pad, and 8BitDo also offers a separate one should you decide you need it later.

All in all, it’s an impressive lineup, made even better by offering diverse localized layouts. I’ve long desired a keyboard like this, and I’m thrilled it met my expectations.