8BitDo has announced a new version of its mechanical keyboard, with a design inspired by the transparent green edition of Microsoft’s original Xbox console. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard – Xbox Edition features a transparent green casing and matching console-like keys. However, unlike previous versions of the keyboard, this is the first keyboard from 8BitDo to include RGB backlighting.
The Xbox Edition Mechanical Keyboard is now available for pre-order via Amazon for $119.99, with shipping scheduled to begin on January 16, 2025. 8BitDo also announced the matching 8BitDo Retro R8 mouse along with the keyboard, which is also available on Amazon, but not is available for pre-order now.
The keyboard includes programmable dual 8BitDo super buttons. Image: 8BitDo
The keyboard has a keyless layout and includes 87 keys, including a row with full functions, a Windows key, and an additional Xbox logo button in the upper right corner that serves as a shortcut to the Windows Game Bar. It combines dual-layer ABS keycaps with a matte UV coating for durability with Kailh Jellyfish X switches, and the keyboard is compatible with 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, allowing you to customize its mapping and create macros.
Like other mechanical keyboards, the 8BitDo includes a pair of large super buttons that can be programmed to trigger macros or other functions.
RGB backlighting offers eight different modes, including animated waves of rainbow colors or individual key backlighting. 8BitDo claims that the keyboard’s built-in 2,000 mAh battery can last up to 200 hours, but doesn’t specify whether this is with the backlight on or when connecting to the device via Bluetooth or using the included 2.4 GHz dongle. Even if the battery is dead, the keyboard can still be connected to devices using a USB-C cable.
8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox version fits the keyboard and has four customizable buttons, two on each side. Image: 8BitDo
The 8BitDo Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox Edition has a transparent green keyboard-like housing, as well as four programmable side buttons (two on each side) that match the colors of the action buttons on the original Xbox controllers. It uses a PAW 3395 optical sensor with six selectable sensitivity levels ranging from 50 DPI to 26,000 DPI. The polling rate of the Retro R8 mouse can also be adjusted via the 8BitDo Ultimate software from 125 Hz to 8000 Hz. The main mouse buttons use Kailh Sword GM X microswitches, which 8BitDo says are “designed to withstand up to 100 million clicks.”
The mouse’s 450 mAh battery can power the mouse for up to 100 hours when using a Bluetooth connection, but with a low-latency 2.4 GHz connection, battery life ranges from 26 to 105 hours depending on polling frequency. To streamline charging, the Retro R8 mouse includes a matching charging dock that also includes a “signal extension function” that 8BitDo says “ensures solid and uninterrupted connectivity.”
Credit : www.theverge.com
