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8bitdo Retro 87 specifications and in-depth review

8bitdo Retro 87

Manufacturer: 8bitdo

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard built for gaming use, offering both wireless and wired operation through USB, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth 5 connections. Its standard profile layout sits on a top-mount construction with an aluminum plate, and the board ships with hot-swappable Kailh Jellyfish X switches, making it straightforward to change switches without soldering. RGB backlighting, adjustable feet, and a rotary dial round out its feature set, while the plastic housing keeps the overall design familiar and practical.

On the technical side, the Retro 87 runs at an 8000 Hz polling rate and supports N-key rollover alongside a USB passthrough port. The clicky Kailh Jellyfish X switches actuate at 1.8 mm with a 50 g actuation force and a total travel distance of 3.6 mm. Battery life is rated at 300 hours over wireless, and the detachable cable adds flexibility for wired use. Keycaps are double-shot ABS in an OEM profile on a standard ANSI layout, and dedicated media keys are included. The board measures 376.6 × 169.6 × 46.8 mm and weighs 1100 g, with a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow switch replacement without soldering, making it easy to change the typing feel over time
  • Supports USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, offering flexible options for different setups
  • Rated battery life of 300 hours over wireless, reducing how often the keyboard needs to be recharged
  • 8000 Hz polling rate ensures highly responsive input registration during use
  • N-key rollover guarantees that all simultaneous keypresses are accurately detected
  • Includes a rotary dial and dedicated media keys for direct hardware control without relying on function-layer shortcuts
Cons
  • Plastic case construction may feel less rigid compared to full-metal housings
  • No wrist rest included, requiring a separate purchase for users who prefer wrist support
  • ABS keycaps are prone to developing shine with extended use over time
  • Not designed for Mac, limiting out-of-the-box compatibility for macOS users
  • Warranty period is limited to one year
  • At 1100 g, the weight may be a consideration for users who frequently transport the keyboard
Who is this for?

This keyboard suits users who want flexibility in how they connect to their devices, as support for USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5 covers a wide range of desk setups and multi-device workflows. The 8000 Hz polling rate combined with N-key rollover makes it a reasonable fit for competitive or enthusiast gamers who prioritize responsive and accurate input. The hot-swappable Kailh Jellyfish X switches also appeal to users who enjoy experimenting with different switch types without committing to a soldering setup, and the tenkeyless form factor works well for those who prefer a more compact desk footprint.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require a silent or tactile typing experience will find the clicky switch feel unsuitable, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments such as offices or libraries. The keyboard is not designed for Mac, making it a poor fit for macOS users who need native key labeling and layout compatibility out of the box. Additionally, those who rely on analog input or adjustable actuation for specialized gaming applications will find these features absent, limiting its appeal for that specific use case.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type USB, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Top mount
Battery life 300 hours
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 169.6 mm
width 376.6 mm
thickness 46.8 mm
weight 1100 g
Bluetooth version 5
warranty period 1 years

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a gaming mechanical keyboard in a tenkeyless (80%) layout with a standard profile and top-mount construction, measuring 376.6 × 169.6 × 46.8 mm and weighing 1100 g. It supports wireless and wired connectivity through USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5, with a detachable cable for added flexibility. The keyboard operates at an 8000 Hz polling rate and delivers up to 300 hours of battery life over wireless connections. It is not designed specifically for Mac, and comes with a one-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic
Plate material Aluminum
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕

The keyboard features a plastic case paired with an aluminum plate, combining a lightweight outer shell with a more rigid internal mounting surface. It includes RGB backlighting, allowing per-key illumination customization, and comes with adjustable feet to modify the typing angle. A wrist rest is not included in the package.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Clicky
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Kailh Jellyfish X
Actuation distance (min) 1.8 mm
Actuation distance (max) 1.8 mm
Actuation force 50 g
Total travel distance 3.6 mm

The keyboard uses Kailh Jellyfish X mechanical switches with a clicky feel, actuating at 1.8 mm with a 50 g actuation force and a total travel distance of 3.6 mm. The switches are hot-swappable, meaning they can be replaced without soldering directly on the board.

Features:

has analog input ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✓
Has a display ✕

The keyboard supports N-key rollover (NKRO), ensuring every simultaneous keypress is registered without conflict, and includes a USB passthrough port for connecting peripherals directly through the board. It does not offer analog input, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, or an onboard display.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type ABS, Double-shot
Keycap profile OEM
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Dedicated media keys
has a rotary dial ✓

The keyboard uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement, and the keycaps are double-shot ABS in an OEM profile, which helps maintain legibility over time. Dedicated media keys are present alongside a rotary dial, providing direct hardware controls for media functions without relying on function-layer shortcuts.

Final Verdict

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that covers a solid range of practical needs, from versatile tri-mode connectivity to a hot-swappable switch setup with an 8000 Hz polling rate, making it a well-rounded option for gaming-focused users who value both flexibility and input responsiveness. The 300-hour wireless battery life and dedicated media controls with a rotary dial add genuine day-to-day convenience, though users sensitive to clicky switch noise or those on macOS should weigh those limitations carefully before committing. Overall, the Retro 87 lands as a feature-complete tenkeyless board that serves its intended audience well within clearly defined boundaries.