8BitDo Retro C64 Edition specifications and in-depth review

8BitDo Retro C64 Edition

Manufacturer: 8bitdo

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for gaming with a unique retro style. Featuring RGB lighting and Kailh Box White V2 switches, it combines performance with an aesthetic inspired by the classic C64 design.

This keyboard supports both wireless and wired connectivity and has a polling rate of 1000 Hz. With a battery life of up to 200 hours, it also includes a detachable cable, adjustable feet, and a rotary dial, making it versatile for various user preferences.

Pros
  • Supports both wireless and wired connectivity options, offering flexibility for different setups.
  • Features hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily customize their typing experience.
  • Has dedicated media keys and a rotary dial for convenient media control during use.
  • Includes RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, enhancing visual appeal and functionality.
  • Compatible with Mac, making it a good choice for users in the Apple ecosystem.
Cons
  • Does not include a wrist rest, which may affect comfort during extended use.
  • Lacks support for advanced features like QMK, ZMK, or VIA, limiting customization options.
  • Does not have USB passthrough or a display, which may be important for some users seeking additional connectivity or features.
Who is this for?

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition is ideal for gamers who prefer a tenkeyless layout with a mechanical switch feel, offering hot-swappable switches for customization. Its long battery life of up to 200 hours and wireless connectivity options make it suitable for users who need portability and flexibility, while its compatibility with Mac ensures it's a good fit for Apple users. The inclusion of dedicated media keys and a rotary dial adds convenience for media control during extended gaming or work sessions.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be suitable for users who require advanced customization features such as QMK or VIA support, as these are not included. Additionally, it lacks a wrist rest, which could be a downside for those who prioritize comfort during long typing or gaming sessions. It also may not meet the needs of users seeking a more feature-rich setup, as it does not support USB passthrough or a display.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical, Standard
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type USB, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
polling rate 1000 Hz
Mount type Top mount
Battery life 200 hours
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 169.6 mm
width 376.6 mm
thickness 46.8 mm
weight 1050 g
Bluetooth version 5
release date May 2025
warranty period 1 years

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition offers a tenkeyless layout, designed for gaming with a polling rate of 1000 Hz and wired and wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth 5. It features a detachable cable, a battery life of up to 200 hours, and is compatible with Mac, making it a versatile choice for different setups. The keyboard has a top mount design, and its dimensions include a height of 169.6 mm, width of 376.6 mm, and a thickness of 46.8 mm, with a weight of 1050 g. The product comes with a 1-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting
Has a backlit keyboard
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Gray, Silver, White
has adjustable feet
includes a wrist rest

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition features a sleek design with a combination of plastic and aluminum for its case and plate materials. It comes with RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, enhancing its visual appeal. The keyboard's case is available in Gray, Silver, and White colors, and it includes adjustable feet for customizable ergonomics, though it does not come with a wrist rest.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name Kailh Box White Switches V2
Actuation distance (min) 1.8 mm
Actuation distance (max) 1.8 mm
Actuation force 45 g
Total travel distance 3.6 mm

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition is equipped with Kailh Box White Switches V2, offering a linear switch feel and a total travel distance of 3.6 mm. With an actuation force of 45 g and a minimal actuation distance of 1.8 mm, these mechanical switches provide a responsive typing experience. The keyboard also features hotswappable switches, allowing users to easily replace the switches for a customized feel.

Features:

has analog input
has rapid trigger
has dual actuation
has adjustable actuation
has NKRO
has USB passthrough
Has a display
has QMK support
has ZMK support
has VIA support

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition features NKRO (N-Key Rollover), allowing for simultaneous key presses without any interference. However, it does not include features like analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation. The keyboard also lacks USB passthrough, display, and support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA, focusing on the core functionality without advanced customization options.

Keys & layout:

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

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition features a standard ANSI (United States) keyboard layout with PBT, Double-shot keycaps and an OEM keycap profile. It also includes dedicated media keys and a rotary dial, offering enhanced functionality for media control. The keyboard maintains a conventional layout, ensuring ease of use for most users.

Final Verdict

The 8BitDo Retro C64 Edition is a solid mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and Mac users who appreciate a customizable, compact layout. Its hot-swappable switches and long battery life make it a practical choice for extended gaming sessions or work, while its wireless and wired connectivity options provide flexibility. Although it lacks certain advanced features like QMK support or a wrist rest, its core performance and functionality make it a reliable choice for users seeking a well-rounded, retro-styled keyboard.