8BitDo Keyboard Review: Even Better Than it Looks

8BitDo have released a mechanical retro keyboard, inspired by the NES and Famicom consoles. In this deep-dive review we'll look at all of its components and see how it performs in some everyday scenarios.
Buy on here: amzn.to/3PQ36H2
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:26 specs and hardware lesson
06:30 unboxing and impressions
12:54 sound test and comparisons
15:14 typing and gaming test
16:43 hotkeys and Super Buttons
18:09 emulation testing
20:42 summary (likes and dislikes)
22:59 conclusion
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#8bitdo #mechanicalkeyboard #typing #emulation #nes

[@RetroGameCorps]

For everyone suggesting to use the Super Buttons as foot paddles, I don’t think they are designed with that in mind. The cable is only 4’ in length, so it’s not long enough to reach around the back of the desk and be placed on the floor at a distance close enough to comfortably step on. Additionally, while the Super Buttons feel very secure and solid, I don’t think they can withstand foot presses over extended use. But thank you for the suggestion, and it’s certainly something I considered - I should have mentioned why it wouldn’t work in that way in the video.

[@TarikA]

Since you're (the one and only) "Russ from Retro Game Corps" I really would have expected that you tested this with a few handhelds too. Android handhelds like the RG405M should be compatible but maybe it would even pair well with linux-based operating systems on Bluetooth enabled handhelds like the RG353M which is especially nice since it has video out. The reason I'm interested in this is because for certain games I prefer keyboard keys over classic gamepad buttons + d-pad. I know I'm a niche guy here but for example I prefer playing Street Fighter with WASD keys instead of a d-pad or analog stick since I can be 100% sure to press "down", "right" and "punch" while I might have false inputs with a d-pad or analog stick here. Maybe you can do a future video where you test this thing with handhelds. :)

[@nguyen_tr]

I suggest mount it on wall, right for make a latte and left for launch nuclear missile

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

Do a side channel with cooking

[@X862go]

perfect i love the format !

[@alexdodd5175]

Shame that they are not durable. Would be nice if the manufacturer did design those as foot pedals.

[@lockonandfire]

I know this probably sounds back handed, but genuinely it's great to see a keyboard review by someone who doesn't "do" keyboard reviews. I only know a little about the deep dark rabbit hole of mechanical keyboards, but I know there's a lot of jargon that gets thrown around about something so many people engage with but very few actually consider. Your review, as ever, was direct, considered, and approachable. Good stuff.

[@talizorahnarrayya5916]

​​@@cloudycolacorptbh keyboard enthusiasts lost me when they started trying different "fillers" for the inside of the keyboard. I get the concept but it's just so niche. Good for you if you like it but I just personally don't see the need.

[@MrEscape314]

@@talizorahnarrayya5916 what are keyboard fillers?

[@Bossfightmedia]

​@@cloudycolacorpThats with everything really. Once you start to be hyperfixated onto a topic, the "General Public" is starting to vanish from your Perspective. Its very, very hard to be extremely proficient and easy to understand. Take it from someone who Gets Into coding currently.

[@opts9]

@@Bossfightmedia I agree. In the case of mechanical keyboards, I have little interest in them, but i'm glad to know that if I ever become a mech-keyboard enthusiast, there's already masters of the craft out there. Kinda reminds me of the custom pen world - i can understand wanting a tool that is used ofen to feel 'right' and be of high quality.

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

​@@opts9I think most of us have become so used to cheap keyboards, that they have begun to feel right. I'm sure that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will think I'm some kind of heretic, but we HAVE got the above.

[@FractalShoggoth]

"I think people just really appreciate that attention to detail that I bring to reviews." Yes.

[@DowneyMax]

Yes.

[@tqanims5795]

Yes.

[@luimu]

Yes.

[@shadai7398]

Yes

[@Narding5566]

Yes. And reminding us to grab snacks

[@DaveyBabyyy]

Love this! You’re the gold standard when it comes to retro handheld coverage and it’s great to see your skill set applied to a broader range of products.

[@therealsniffer]

Just got this in the mail yesterday! Hands down my absolute favorite keyboard I've ever used. Aesthetically and functionally it's beautiful. Big W for 8Bitdo again

[@Gunfart01]

I agree. It's wonderful!

[@sijedevos2376]

How is the dampening? Does it have spring ping or any other annoying sounds?

[@tobytragen4363]

How loud is it ?

[@Gunfart01]

It sounds like an old IBM Selectric which for me is a good thing. If you want something quiet with better dampening look at the Monotech MKey Keyboard. @@tobytragen4363

[@Dryde85]

Same

[@duckhead014]

One note about the WIN key- you can change what they keys do within the macOS settings! There used to be a little toggle for swapping them because of the prevalence of standard keyboards.

[@HoradoTerror]

More tech related reviews like this, please!

[@Boogie_the_cat]

All his reviews are tech related. And they're all in this style\depth. ? ? Not sure what u mean, and maybe it's not clear to Russ, either.

[@rylaaaaaaa]

@@Boogie_the_cat they mean videos about other technology (likely such used for gaming), not just game devices

[@quinnarmstrong5090]

So happy you're doing this! It's on my wishlist and your seal of approval is all I need :) Also, a big thank you to everything you've taught me since I caught the retro modding/emulation bug. I'm glad you're exploring things you want to cover!

[@Taodster1]

As someone who loves both the mech keyboard hobby and keeping up with the retro handheld scene, this was awesome to see. Well researched and executed as always, Russ!

[@DR-ki7ic]

As a fan of your channel and of 8Bitdo products myself, it makes a lot of sense to be reviewing this keyboard. When I saw your video I had to immediately watch it and buy one for myself. As always, thanks for all your guides - I set up my Myioo Mini and my RP3+ using them - and all the work you do, Russ. All the best!

[@podracer35]

Really great comprehensive review as usual. I love the look and concept of this keyboard, but the lack of a number pad is a deal breaker for me. I'm too used to having that easy access, but in practice, i guess i could adjust.

[@Exiled_Rouge]

$100 for a decent wireless mechanical KB is very good. Most in that price range don't even have the same feature set either. This is probably the best value in mechanical KBs overall. Really enjoy this change of pace in reviews. Wonderful.

[@Daijaga]

Yeah I got this one specifically because it was an affordable entry into higher end keyboards

[@TheBaldr]

I paid $150 for my Logi G715 wireless keyboard, it has RGB, but I know the battery life is amazing on the G715. I wonder how long the battery life is?

[@slugshotgun]

Royal Kludge might be comparable and even cheaper

[@gearsgamer7115]

@@slugshotgun Not for sound

[@keebtunes]

So happy to see this review! I saw this board on Amazon and bought it right away but haven't had the chance to play with it yet..love how it looks

[@DoubleDguitar]

Dude, more stuff like this. I trust your hh opinions so highly, seeing you dive into accessories and such would rule!

[@Properbeer]

Very decent & courteous unboxing. Great to see a YT reviewer that respects the manufacturer’s documentation and extras.

[@jonlikeswhales]

Love that you’re branching out from retro handhelds! Keep it up!

[@Playerdrew10]

Wasn’t expecting this review and I love it! Have this keyboard on my wishlist.

[@SpookySkeletonGang]

I'm fairly into keyboards and normally wouldn't be interested in boards like this, but that famicon board looks INCREDBILE and I would 100% buy those keycaps separately if they were for sale.

[@InJeffable]

The Famicom keyboard is gorgeous. I bought one and I'm very happy with the look. And if you want a wrist rest for it, I recommend looking at the Glorious tenkeyless wrist rest. The Golden Oak color option is a good match for the Famicom keyboard.

[@ChrisGorski]

I'm very supportive of you expanding your reviews. You do great work and think you have a fair perspective.

[@tlund10]

I pre-ordered this and received it Friday and I gotta say it's a damn impressive keyboard. I've got it set up on my work computer and even just aesthetically it stands out and looks great. I've programmed the big buttons for a couple Premiere Pro hotkeys I use all the time and so far I'm loving it!

[@Dryde85]

It's so incredibly beautiful. No keyboard comes close.

[@jivermesilver9925]

yes more reviews! please don't upscale to much though, I know a lot of reviewers like to ramp up the "quality" but I really enjoy this homey feel to your reviews. it's super chill, super detailed, and more personable

[@penroseinspace]

The Box White switches are quite different from the typical blues. The mechanism provides a crisper click and tactile feedback, unlike the loose rattly feel of the Blues. This tactile quality is sort of reminiscent of older keyboard mechanisms like the buckling spring switches found in IBM boards, which aligns well with the retro theme. I actually think the board would be leagues worse if it came with blue switches, so the Box Whites are a great choice (though I would have loved it if they used Box Pinks, the slightly more tactile version)

[@AmartharDrakestone]

The Pinks wouldn't really make sense if they expect to sell many units. Heavier switches are an acquired taste and not that many people like them. They also are more fatiguing to use. Going with a bog-standard switch and making it hot-swap is definitely the better option. Especially if they're going for mass market appeal, which they are.

[@penroseinspace]

@@AmartharDrakestone You're definitely right about the mass market appeal. I didn't think of pinks as heavy because I type on navies every day, but I guess they're pretty heavy lol

[@1fareast14]

jelly fish clicky are the lightest, but they have a slightly hard bottom out

[@johnmickey5017]

How is the sound level compared to Blues? I am used to blue but they are noisy AF.

[@maciejstachowski183]

The board seems to be hot-swappable, so you can replace the switches with something more tactile. I haven't tried Whites, but at 45g actuation force I think they'd be a bit wimpy to me, the keyboard begs for something closer to buckling springs with this retro design - but then again I'm the weirdo with Box Navys for my daily driver (granted, more for typing than gaming).

[@Ramadas.T.D]

Nice review. Hope to see more variety like this in the future.

[@TWKIC]

I like the branching out, I love your handheld reviews but this is welcome addition.

[@alinayossimouse]

In macOS you can remap the modifier keys directly in the system preferences, so you could easily swap the positions of alt and cmd for this particular keyboard without 8BitDo's official software.

[@chrism65]

It's pretty nice finding a keyboard review from someone other than a keyboard youtuber. Great review!

[@treyslay753]

Nice, in depth review. I'm waiting for mine to be delivered.

[@Llukario]

This was a unique video! This was very informative and clear! Nice job!

[@Kevakazii]

I think you're missing a trick with the super buttons. Use them with your feet. Have the cable running down the back of your desk with the buttons. It keeps your hands on your controller or KB&M and allows for 2 extra inputs.

[@Caterpillartears]

You're a genius

[@joshhallam2253]

I'm now thinking of a world class track meet mat with hit keys. Lol

[@viewtifuljon8105]

Probably better of just buying a pedal if you want to use your feet.

[@Dryde85]

🤯😲

[@CaptainRex332]

Literally impossible the cable is only long enough to be used near the keyboard

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

Wanted a mechanical keyboard and this keyboard (nes Version) from 8bitdo checks all my boxes. Pre-ordered it and I'm pretty sure they won't disappoint me. ☮️

[@TeamPandory]

Nailed it! 😀 Maybe you can mount those super buttons UNDER the desk ? Interesting idea for the save-states, I'd have just used them for some BISHI BASHI arcade games or something

[@charlesham9214]

this gives very star trek vibes as well, so tempting! great review as always Russ, love seeing you branch out and looking forward to more

[@bnutz3k]

Great review! I just ordered the C64 version that comes with super buttons and a joystick. Pretty excited!

[@omyguzman1796]

Magnets!! Love 8bitdo products they became a standard for my gamepads. Great review!! Looking forward for more tech reviews like this!!

[@weaponizedemoticon1131]

How did I miss this video when it came out! :P Great video.

[@LuccaRPG]

You probably had the best 'Explain like I'm five' explanation of switches and keycaps I've seen. I mean this as a compliment :)

[@herogear_art]

Really happy you reviewed this. When it comes to high end mechanical keyboards, I know nothing! Yet when it comes to reading reviews, the ones I see read as if they assume the reader is already knowledgeable on this stuff! So your video explaining terminology and the differences between switches is great!

[@realwiggles]

This logic doesn't make any sense to me. The target demographic when reviewing stuff that falls into the highest-end and/or most niche category of any hobby are enthusiasts of said hobby. The number of people who are going to go out and spend $600 on parts to build their own custom mechanical keyboard without having done enough research to recognize some common jargon is extremely low. Why would a reviewer want to tailor his review for these types of people? Furthermore, when someone is trying to decide whether or not they want to purchase a high-end, expensive product is going to want to know every little detail the reviewer can provide. It's also possible they may subconsioucly perceive a review that uses jargon when applicable as being more legitimate since it will end up sounding similar to how people sound in the many forum discussions they've read or taken part in. Instead of this keyboard, imagine this were a review of only a case. The case costs $300 and anyone who buys it is going to be spending atleast another $100 at a bare minimum befoer they'll be able to build a working keyboard with it. If someone was considering purchasing it and came across this review, I can guarantee that, upon getting to the end and realizing they didn't even mention if the case was hot-swappable, they would immediatly conclude this reviewer doesn't know what they're talking about before purging any opinions they gave on the case and moving on to a different video. If you are so deep into the hobby that you know a $300 case isn't even at the upper-end of the price0-range than you're going to want to know that sort of information and expect any reputable review would discuss it, meaning you would reject any reviews that don't as being, at best, subpar, and not something that you will factor into your considerations. I live in the southwest USA. My city, despite having a population approaching 1 million, has just one ice-rink. I know nothing about hockey, could maybe name a total of 5-6 teams and possibly a handful of players if you include guys that have already retired. If I pull up a recap of a hockey game from a channel that is clearly focused exclusively on creating hockey-related content, I'm not going to go into the comments and complain because I don't understand all the terminology and wish the video would present things in a way I could understand. If someone decides they want to pick up a hobby and decides to jump straight into the deep end than they're just going to have to deal with being a bit confused for awhile. I don't really see why that's an issue.

[@muck9698]

Glad to see you branching out. Keep up the good content!

[@Midwestmikey]

Just got mine as well and I absolutely love it!! I actually ordered this because of a KZbinr as well lol(it may have been you or someone else speaking about it a month or 2 ago)

[@patricklui6834]

thank you for the review, would like to get this for my retro gaming PC

[@rayvenj12]

Man, you really did your homework for this video. I didn't think you would go into this depth yourself. 😁 Great job going outside your norm for this. If you are enjoying it, I'd recommend you build a keyboard. I built a Tofu65 with Gat Yellow Switches and aluminium top plate. Was a very fun experience.

[@BrianJones-wk8cx]

Great work outta you, this is a snazzy looking little outfit, for sure. Also, love the admission of how you play Tecmo Bowl. I have a stable of sports games in which I do the exact same thing. While not exactly retro in the way often covered here, I love firing up NBA2K16 and using my own modified Dream Team in a custom arena in my home town of St. Louis, Missouri. I have way too much fun using my overpowered 90s era GOAT team demolishing the more current computer teams. At any rate, great coverage, as always!

[@nefariou5]

I just realised that I'd watch you review anything. I havent used an external keyboard at home for about 10 years nor do I have a desk at home - so have no plans to buy a keyboard. But I watched the whole review and was interested throughout

[@bear532]

I have tried roughly 30 different mechanical switches. I find kailh whites to be among the best. So good that I ended up getting a kailh box white keyboard for typing. I have to be entirely honest though and say that although it is a fantastic keyboard, I found that I like a bit more resistance which is why I gave my keyboard to my sister who has a gentler touch and finds it perfect. Planning on getting a kaihl box jade keyboard next which provides the same tactile feeling, but with a bit more resistance.

[@SikSlayer]

A fellow Commodore 64 guy! No wonder I like your channel 😅 Excellent video as always, can't wait for mine to come in on the 6th! Sadly, I'll be on vacation, so I'll have to wait even longer.

[@NoBodysGamer]

The big keys are used as pedals, just put it below the desk

[@psyk]

This was awesome. You nailed every aspect of what a keyboard enthusiast would want to know about a keyboard. Keep it up!

[@realwiggles]

I mean, he didn't even mention that its hot-swappable...that's a pretty important thing that a keyboard enthusiast would want to know. I was actually thinking the opposite, that it's not the type of review a keyboard enthusiast would find very useful, but its great for someone who has likely heard of mechanical keyboards but knows very little about any specifics, yet would still be interested in owning one if they came across one they liked enough. He goes over the stuff this type of person would likely focus on during their first few days of ownership, while avoiding going into detail on things like stabilizers, filler, custimazation, etc. that an enthusiast would care more about.

[@Gashdal]

@@realwiggles yeah. it's clear he kind of has no idea what he's talking about really. which is fine, not everybody needs to be a keyboard freak. but a review of this keyboard by an actual keyboard freak would look completely different

[@guybrush3000]

man this keyboard looks great. i love kaihl box whites, i have them on my gmmk pro after trying a ton of other switches. love the giant A B buttons

[@johnnyholiday1150]

Definitely the top 3 best and solid reviews on a keyboard mate cheers!!

[@theonlyerec]

Pre ordered mine and it arrived Friday. I am very pleased with it. Not sure how I plan to use the super buttons if at all. But I’ll figure it out. Just waiting for the software to drop to customize this thing further.

[@joaquinangelito]

thank you for the review!🎉

[@zu_1455]

Great Review! I've always loved my 8BitDo controller for emulating and I didn't really think I'd want another mechanical keeb. You've got me seriously considering this one, though. Also a Niners fan, but maybe I'd play Tecmo the good ol fashion way...even if it means I lose some times. :P

[@bits2646]

Those big super buttons look like those accessibility gaming peripherals or maybe leg buttons :D I do really like that keyboard and I think 99 is a great price for the quality, also 8bitdo products are in general very competitively priced for the quality it offer, especially in last 2,3 years when their quality bumped waaay up, they really are on top of the game atm

[@spyghetti]

Sweet review, maybe 3d printing a stand at 30 degree angle for the AB hotkey button with cable storage or wrap to clean it up would work.

[@biggie01taws6]

Nice change up video Russ! So how about another change up video of say maybe a tour of your whole gaming environment/set-up and the area you edit your videos etc? I think it would be interesting and that your fans would love to see something like that👍

[@MechaFenris]

I bought the Famicom edition, for no reason whatsoever (it was a tossup) about two weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier. I am a Linux user, so I map my A and B to desktop switching. The Big buttons are my "activity" switch and my pulldown terminal. :) Love the keyboard. Great review...

[@Typhon888]

I’ve had 3 8bitdo controllers and they were amazing. I had the old SNES controller for 5 years and still worked and held a charge. Love the packaging and looks and feel of the plastic they use.

[@Zinkolo]

I saw an article on this today and I instantly had to buy it. This is the keyboard and mouse I want and a perfect replacement for the ones that just died on me

[@omegamog]

I really like this keyboard, thanks for this review. I might pick it up.

[@kevinkite3418]

20:20 You could try to tie the excess cable to keep your desk tidy. I really like this keyboard and your review of it!

[@5GRobo]

What a review. You totally nailed it with this one.

[@dstinnettmusic]

I would definitely watch more keyboard reviews. I’m kind of in a weird middle ground with mechanical keyboards. I know what I like (clicks keys, either high profile or low profile. Don’t like the “normal” or “ medium” profile…the standard non high-profile keyboards from Drop like the Shift, Ctrl, or Alt are what I mean by “normal”/“medium” profile. I also don’t really care for tenkey-less layouts. I either want a full size keyboard with a numpad or a 60% super small keyboard. Being “in the middle” like this is a worst of both worlds solution. It takes up space on your desk but doesn’t justify it with functionality you get from a full-size or 1800 layout. I tend to default towards smaller, but a numpad honestly is super satisfying when you need to work with numbers.) but the enthusiasts tend to lose me when they get into gasket mount vs case mount vs pcb mount or with things like foam in the case. A cool idea would be to compare layouts and profiles. The company Keychron might be a good choice for this, as they have keyboards of every imaginable layout in both high and low profile variants, so you could get one of each and compare them with it worrying about variances in quality based on company production standards. For the super buttons, those look like Jade switches. They are “clicky”, if I recall correctly. Clicky switches are a sub-variety of tactile switches. Tactile switches tend to “thok” while clicky switches sound like mouse clicks. Linear switches tend to be best for gaming as they require less force to actuate and don’t offer distractions from sounds. A quick note on switches. White switches tend to be pretty quiet. The reds are going to be most similar to the whites but require a little more force. Browns are the standard “middle ground” and are tactile but not too loud. Blues are going to be your standard “clicky” switches and require the most force because you need the little extra force to work the mechanism that makes them click. On my Drop Alt High Profile, I tend to use Box Navy switches. Super heavy and clicky. But I recently got a Keychron K1 with Mint switches and I may switch to this one as my “main” keyboard…if I decide I want to stick with low-profile, I may upgrade to a Keychron K13 (if you want to try it, the main thing the pro variants offer is hot swappable switches, meaning you can take the switches out and put different ones in, as opposed to them being soldered in place…there are pros and cons to each option. My experience with hot swappable switches is that eventually, one of the connection pieces will eventually come desoldered so not ideal but a nice option to have for mixing switches (like linear WASD but tactile/clicky for everything else), and the option for RGB. I don’t personally care for RGB, and I know what switches I like, so I’m fine with the “standard” version, which has a white backlight with plenty of animation options. Keychron comes with Mac keys on the board but also comes with Windows keys. On a shorter note, if you like a clean desk setup, you should try a 60% keyboard. It takes a bit to get into the flow of using the Fn layers to get the function keys (60% doesn’t have a function row. They are mapped to the 2nd layer of the number row)…but it is super sleek without the shock of trying something like ortho-linear.

[@mechashadow]

I for one appreciate they included the Limited Edition Divekick controller!

[@dinierto]

Russ, I've only recently come across your (excellent) channel, if you're looking for retro gaming topics for future videos that don't involve handhelds, perhaps you might want to check out the MiSTer FPGA project. Awesome video!

[@jbasher94]

Great video I’ve been on the fence about picking this up and now I really want it lol. The four remappable buttons have a lot of potential I didn’t even realize. You could make them emulator function keys, full screen, save/load state, menu, rewind or fast forward, etc. or even an Alt Ctrl Del button or something. I wonder if you could macro a full word? So to have a key mapped to instantly type a single word or catchphrase seems pretty cool for online games. Also, might I ask what parts you used to get a 8BitDo Ultimate Controller to have that colour scheme? I have a white one that I’d love in that famicom colour style.

[@EXDC]

Been watching this keyboard since it was announced, cant wait to get my hands on one in Canada in the coming months!

[@meropolis]

That right there "I just know when I like something but I don't really understand why" is such an awesome feeling! I like opening these kinds of things in the mornings too for some reason. I tend to stare at my toys for while too just examining 😂

[@1fareast14]

The deep sound of the super button with mx green really illustrates how caps and housing change the sound.

[@erato1]

I bought this as a pre-order and am very satisfied with it. Love the look.

[@kirloi]

Really digged the video. Just a "the more you know moment" for future reference: we designers, are nerds too, and for me as one who also have 3D in his life, numeric keyboard is really amazing to work with 3D since it gives you a way to have 1) more buttons 2) dedicated view shortcuts. I have a glorious GMMK2 96 compact and its the best of both worlds. Although for me the script should go like so: "would be appreciated if they'd have a independant numeric keyboard that could connect to the 3.5mm jack giving options for those in need of it". Thats what I would want in this keyboard. (thinking of buying it so i dont have to swap between my win and mac machine)

[@MANGOM1LK]

i tend to find that the numpad on my current keyboard gets in the way quite a lot so i'm actually very happy to see this

[@RazzRG]

No joke this is a better review then most dedicated keyboard yt reviewers out there.

[@Ramadas.T.D]

Just a thought; will we see dedicated game review/commentary videos in the future as you branch out more?I would love to see those if you make them.

[@tyroneweb]

I’m definitely going to pick the nes version of this keyboard up. Thank you for the review.

[@bean420man]

This might be something that I buy around Christmas. I really love that the switches are hot-swappable; lets me try out a whole lot of different switches.

[@SixOThree]

TKL is my favorite keyboard layout. I use the home, end, page up/down keys in combination with shift and control so much throughout the day. Laptops need to start providing a TKL layout.

[@glassroom135]

Russ, you never fail to get me obsessed with getting something I never knew I wanted😂

[@piplup10203854]

"I think people just really appreciate that attention to detail that I bring to reviews." ☺ *nods in agreement* Honestly, it is very refreshing to hear and see the details be laid out in the manner of which you present it. It's not just the attention to detail, it's how those details are presented. Being able to relate those details to wide audience is the key.

[@Maraxiform]

100 dollars? Man, that's a budget option and I love it

[@InJeffable]

I bought the Fami version of this keyboard just because I really like the color scheme. I don't look at it as a Famicom-themed keyboard. I love the way typing feels on this thing. The Kailh Box V2 White switches strike a wonderful balance between smooth typing and tactile feedback. And they're clicky but not obnoxiously so. These don't sound like Cherry MX Blue switches. They have a dull click versus the Cherry MX Blue's high-pitched click. I like typing on it so much that I've already decided that I don't want to use any other keyboard, and this is coming from someone who previously used a keyboard with the excellent Cherry MX Red switches. If you're getting the Fami version of this keyboard and want a wrist rest for it, I recommend looking at the Golden Oak version of the Glorious tenkeyless wrist rest. It's a pretty good color match for the Fami keyboard.

[@BigJoker]

I may have missed it, but in regards to connectivity, can it be quickly swapped? Like can I have it 2.4 ghz to my PC and bluetooth to my android and be able to quickly swap between inputs?

[@RetroGameCorps]

Yep, you just have to turn the dial to go between the two.

[@m2ljay]

Got the fami edition and it’s perfect. The start and end of my keyboard hobby came pretty quick😂

[@tomweeks286]

please do more videos like these ‼️

[@det.bullock4461]

I recently went back into the rabbit hole because I had to buy a new keyboard and the Kailh Box white v2 ended up being my choice for it, it's nice to see them on a pre-assembled board out of the box instead of the usual cherry/gateron/otemu blue (which don't sound quite as nice because they use the classic cherry "clickjacket" clicker that tends to sound rattly, kailh box use a click bar for click and tactility which feels and sounds better) or some random cherry brown or red clone. The sound however depends a lot on the materials and thickness of board and keycaps as well, PBT makes the clicks sound somewhat lower pitched while the plastic case makes it resonate ore (especially if it's roomy like old keyboards). Frankly I think linears for playing games are a bit of a snake oil, yes they are less noisy (especially the silent variety with rubber inserts inside the switch) which can be nice if you play multiplayer with voice chat but in the end people played games just fine on old IBM boards with buckling springs. If that's an original cherry switch under the big button it's a cherry green which is their heaviest clicky switch, though frankly given the board uses Kailh I'd have used the heavier kailh box navy which are probably the heaviest clicky switch I've ever tried.

[@tanjianhuakelly3876]

Thanks for the review. Just a suggestion, when doing a sound test, it would be better if you place the keyboard on your desk instead of holding them. 😊

[@TVsBen]

On macOS if you go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys, you can swap Command and Option. No need for 8bitdo software to remap. I use Windows-focused mechanical keyboards all the time because they tend to be cheaper than Mac-specific, and the muscle memory can remain.

[@nafion112]

Thanks for the great review! :) I'm curious if those buttons connect through that 8th inch jack via some kind of serial, or if it's literally 2 switches direct in. If it's the latter, one could make just about anything into a macro key with a trip to Radiosh...ahm, Amazon and some elementary level engineering...

[@gumbyx84]

Did not know the keyboard came with a profile button. I didn't pick this up because I'm primarily a MacOS user. I have ended up getting a Logitech MX Mechanical Full size Wireless Mechanical keyboard with brown Switches. It's biggest selling point to me was the Logi+ software that automatically swaps the Alt and Windows/Command/Super key based on what OS it is installed on. I hope that the Keyboards Ultimate software comes to MacOS and offers a similar feature. The built-in profile switching is a good alternative for now.

[@svcross-do]

The Logitech software is awesome.

[@thehorsefromGOTs8]

You can game on some clicky switches, it's just that because a lot of them use a click jacket like found on cherry MX Blue, which causes the activation point and deactivation points to be a different points of the key stroke, also known as hysteresis, where as tactile and linear have them both at the same point of the keystroke. I think that those box white switches don't have a click jacket but instead a click bar which doesn't suffer from the same hysteresis problem.

[@ZAX27171527]

FYI you can change the command and option keys in MacOS in the keyboard shortcut settings. I have a Mac for work and Windows machine all setup on the same keyboard and mouse so it’s nice to fix the key placement in the os.

[@MacPhal1]

I would say the 100 to 150 is the higher end of the budget mechanical keyboards. I'm rocking a Keychom K2 Pro and i'm loving it. Going from a cheap Red Dragon mechanical to this was worlds apart. So 100 for the 8bitdo looks like a very solid buy. I would love switch options as I want Linear switches m'self.

[@QuietMisdreavus]

When i saw this, i thought it was really interesting, especially with the Super Buttons. I already have a fancy mechanical keyboard of my own (ZSA Moonlander that i've upgraded with Kailh Box Navy switches, think clicky like these whites but really stiff and satisfying to type on) but i could totally see getting into this if i was just starting out. Great review!

[@hayden7525]

Got the Famicom edition, and it has replaced my old keyboard, even got a retro style coiled cable for more of the old school look

[@Ghost1069X]

I can’t wait till mine arrives this week! It will go great with my Loki and it’s lack of usb availability.

[@vnizzz]

Amazing review. As far as Mac OS goes - you can easily remap the modifiers (alt/win) via Mac OS itself. Just go to System Preferences-Keyboard-Keyboard Shortcuts..-Modifier Keys. Select the keyboard from the dropdown and reassign the keys. I do it on all my Windows keyboards ;)

[@GrimYak]

Yeah, I really dont get it why people make a big fuss about Windows or MAC compatible. all keyboards are compatible with mac or windows. Heck you can eve karabiner to fully customize it.

[@MUCKLEECH]

Yep, more reviews like this!!

[@sinnermac6338]

8bitdo products are so underated, I have the arcade stick and controller, they are so well made, will be picking up this keyboard, great review.

[@665Iron]

Glad you're teaming up with 8bitdo! Does it work with consoles? I know it says pc and android but some games could work with consoles too

[@I4get42]

Hi Russ! Once the software comes out for it, I'm wondering if it would make a good video editing keyboard.

[@IghorWho]

I'm wondering if the 2.4g connection would work with the same dongle for their controllers, if I could plug in just 1 dongle and use both the keyboard and a controller or if I would have to plug 2 dongles in