8bitdo Retro 87 specifications and in-depth review

8bitdo Retro 87

Manufacturer: 8bitdo

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a mechanical gaming keyboard with a tenkeyless (80%) layout, offering both wired and wireless connectivity options. With its classic design, the keyboard features Kailh Jellyfish X switches and customizable actuation, making it ideal for gamers seeking a responsive and tactile typing experience.

This keyboard offers a variety of technical features, including a high 8000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and dedicated media keys. It also boasts adjustable feet for added comfort and a detachable cable for flexibility. Additionally, the Retro 87 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and provides up to 300 hours of battery life when used wirelessly.

Pros
  • The keyboard supports both wired and wireless connectivity options (USB, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth), providing flexibility in how it's used.
  • The Kailh Jellyfish X switches offer a clicky feel with a 1.8mm actuation distance, making for a responsive and tactile typing experience.
  • The keyboard features a detachable cable, which enhances portability and ease of storage.
  • With a high 8000Hz polling rate, the keyboard offers fast and accurate input, ideal for gaming and high-speed typing.
  • The inclusion of a rotary dial adds extra functionality, allowing for quick adjustments to settings or media control.
Cons
  • The keyboard does not come with a wrist rest, which may affect long-term comfort during extended use.
  • It does not support Mac-specific keys, making it less ideal for Mac users.
  • There is no display feature, limiting its visual customization options beyond the basic RGB lighting.
  • While the keyboard has RGB lighting, it lacks advanced customization options like analog input, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation.
Who is this for?

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is well-suited for gamers or professionals seeking a responsive, customizable typing experience. Its 8000Hz polling rate and Kailh Jellyfish X switches with a clicky feel make it ideal for fast-paced gaming, where precision and speed are critical. Additionally, the wireless connectivity options (USB, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth) and long battery life of up to 300 hours make it great for those who need flexibility and extended use without frequent recharging.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be ideal for Mac users, as it does not support Mac-specific keys. Additionally, the lack of a wrist rest and advanced ergonomic features such as adjustable actuation may make it less comfortable for long, extended typing or gaming sessions. It also does not feature a display or highly customizable RGB options, which may be a drawback for users looking for more personalization or display-centric setups.

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
release date June 2025
warranty period 1 years

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a mechanical gaming keyboard with a tenkeyless layout and a standard profile. It offers both wired and wireless connectivity, with support for USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connections. The keyboard features a high 8000Hz polling rate and a long-lasting 300 hours of battery life when used wirelessly. It also includes a detachable cable for convenience, and its dimensions are 169.6mm in height, 376.6mm in width, and 46.8mm in thickness. The Retro 87 is not designed for Mac users, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

Design:

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

The 8bitdo Retro 87 features both RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, allowing for a customizable and visually striking experience. The keyboard's case is made from durable plastic, while the plate is crafted from aluminum for a sturdy build. It also includes adjustable feet for ergonomic customization, although it does not come with a wrist rest for added support.

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 8bitdo Retro 87 is equipped with mechanical switches, specifically the Kailh Jellyfish X switches, which provide a clicky feel and an actuation force of 50g. These switches offer a precise actuation distance of 1.8mm and a total travel distance of 3.6mm. Additionally, the keyboard supports hotswappable switches, allowing for easy customization of key switches without soldering.

Features:

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

The 8bitdo Retro 87 offers several notable features, including NKRO (N-Key Rollover) for simultaneous key presses without ghosting, and a USB passthrough for easy connection of additional peripherals. However, it does not support analog input, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation. Additionally, the keyboard does not include a display feature.

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 8bitdo Retro 87 uses an ANSI (United States) keyboard layout with ABS, double-shot keycaps and an OEM keycap profile. It features dedicated media keys for convenient control and a rotary dial for additional functionality. The keyboard follows a standard keycap layout, ensuring familiarity and ease of use for most users.

Final Verdict

The 8bitdo Retro 87 is a solid mechanical gaming keyboard that offers high performance with its 8000Hz polling rate and responsive Kailh Jellyfish X switches, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming and typing. Its wireless connectivity options and long battery life further enhance its flexibility, while the inclusion of a rotary dial adds useful functionality. However, it may not be ideal for Mac users and lacks some ergonomic features like a wrist rest. Overall, the Retro 87 is a strong contender for gamers seeking a versatile and customizable keyboard.