8BitDo's latest piece of keyboard art took its design inspiration from the 1980s computer, the Commodore 64, which is considered by many to have the most recognizable design to this day. Dubbed the Retro Mechanical Keyboard, the new keyboard is available for pre-order and is priced at just over $100. It's currently only available across the pond, so ordering it to Europe would cost you quite a bit more than the price of the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beneath its lovely thick brown keycaps (ABS plastic) and rainbow Commodore-style logo, this is essentially the same peripheral as the previous NES 8BitDo keyboard. It comes standard with Kailh Box White V2 click switches, but these can be swapped out if you want something less loud. It can be connected to devices via USB, Bluetooth or with a 2.4 GHz USB stick, and a volume button is also built into the top left of the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to the NES keyboard, they've added programmable "Super Buttons," which still look like the A and B buttons on the NES controller. This time, they're joined by a small joystick called the "Super Stick." If the design of this keyboard is the same as the previous one, expect both accessories to be wired and connect to the top of the keyboard via 3.5mm jacks. The entire keyboard uses a "tenkeyless" form factor, meaning it doesn't have a number pad, but otherwise maintains a relatively traditional layout and thankfully, there's no mention of RGB lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interestingly, the original Commodore 64 has that chunky look you'd normally associate with mechanical keyboards, but it was actually equipped with Mitsumi hybrid switches, which are a cross between a rubber dome and a mechanical switch.<\/p>\n