The 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition brings together a unique blend of nostalgia and utility, presenting itself as more than just a mechanical keyboard. It’s been designed with a distinct retro aesthetic that instantly calls back to the iconic original Xbox era, while offering enough modern features to suit both gamers and everyday users. Over the past week, it’s been a staple at my desk, and there’s quite a lot to unpack.
From the moment it was set up, the Retro 87 felt familiar in a refreshing way. It doesn’t just look the part—it’s built to perform, offering multiple connection types, dedicated Xbox controls, and highly tactile mechanical switches. These features make it a standout option for those who appreciate form and function working seamlessly together.
It’s not just about looks or branding either; this keyboard has clearly been built with serious use in mind. Whether it’s productivity tasks or intensive gaming sessions, it handled everything thrown at it with confidence. The Xbox-inspired design is simply the icing on a very well-engineered cake.
Design and Functionality
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition immediately stands out with its bold visual throwback to the early Xbox era, showcasing a matte green finish and transparent housing that feels both playful and premium. The colour accents and build quality together strike a satisfying balance between retro appeal and modern craftsmanship.
Despite its compact TKL form factor, the keyboard offers a generous layout that never feels cramped during use. Each key is spaced and sized for comfortable typing, while the sculpted keycaps make it easy to maintain natural hand placement.
A unique feature of this keyboard is the inclusion of the Xbox Nexus button, seamlessly built into the top row without disrupting the keyboard’s overall aesthetic. The surrounding controls are cleverly arranged, including function shortcuts and Xbox Game Bar support, adding to the keyboard’s hybrid identity.
Two dials sit neatly in the top-right corner: one for switching connectivity modes and another for controlling volume. The volume knob offers tactile feedback and can be fine-tuned in the software for precise control, although its sensitivity out of the box may take some adjusting.
While many mechanical keyboards come with flip-out feet for angle adjustment, the Retro 87 opts for a fixed design. Surprisingly, its built-in incline and height offer a comfortable typing angle that works well for both short sessions and extended use.
The chassis itself feels dense and sturdy, giving it a reassuring weight that keeps it planted on the desk. Combined with the smooth double-layered ABS keycaps, the entire setup gives off a premium feel that belies its playful appearance.
Key Features
One of the defining aspects of the Retro 87 Xbox Edition is its use of Kailh Jellyfish X clicky switches, which deliver an incredibly tactile and audible typing experience. Every keypress feels deliberate, making it a dream for users who enjoy responsive feedback and pronounced actuation.
The keyboard includes full support for hot-swappable switches, allowing users to swap out switches without soldering. This opens the door for customisation and experimentation, giving users more control over their typing or gaming experience.
Included with the keyboard are 8BitDo’s Dual Super Buttons, which can be mounted at the rear and mapped using the brand’s Ultimate Software V2. These buttons offer fast activation for specific actions and can be programmed for shortcuts, macros, or repeated inputs.
RGB lighting runs throughout the board, with support for dynamic effects and brightness control directly from the keyboard or through software. Although the translucent shell diffuses light in some environments, once properly adjusted, the lighting brings a unique vibrancy to the keyboard’s overall design.
Connectivity is another strong suit, offering wireless support via Bluetooth 5.0, a 2.4GHz dongle, and a direct USB-C wired connection. Switching between these modes is quick and effortless, making the keyboard ideal for multi-device setups or on-the-go use.
The keyboard’s built-in macro support can be managed directly from the keys or through 8BitDo’s software, which also controls volume increments, lighting profiles, and function key remapping. The ability to create and store multiple profiles adds versatility across gaming genres or workflows.
A dedicated Xbox Game Bar shortcut is integrated into the layout, along with media controls and a microphone toggle. These are especially handy for Xbox app users on PC or streamers who need quick access to key functions mid-session.
Supporting n-key rollover ensures that every input registers without conflict, which is particularly important during fast-paced gaming. Combined with the keyboard’s robust build and responsive switches, this feature enhances precision and reliability during intense play.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Using the 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition immediately feels satisfying thanks to its bold keystroke response. Each click from the Jellyfish X switches produces a crisp sound that brings both feedback and enjoyment to daily typing and gaming.
Typing on this keyboard for extended periods never caused strain or fatigue. The sculpted MDA-like keycap height feels natural under the fingers, helping maintain steady rhythm and accuracy.
Gaming performance was equally impressive, particularly in genres that benefit from tactile input like strategy and platforming titles. The fast actuation and responsive travel time helped keep commands sharp and consistent throughout gameplay.
In fast-paced shooters, the keyboard’s rollover capability made sure every keypress registered correctly, even during frantic moments. Switching weapons, activating skills, or issuing commands felt instantaneous and reliable.
The included volume knob added a convenient layer of control without needing to reach for software sliders or OS shortcuts. While the default step size felt large at first, adjusting it through the software brought it in line with personal preferences.
The RGB lighting created a lively visual theme once set up properly, especially with effects like strobe and wave. Though the translucent shell occasionally diffused light oddly in daylight, it looked striking in darker environments.
Connecting the keyboard across different devices was straightforward, and switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes proved smooth and responsive. Even when swapping between a PC and an Android tablet, connection stability held strong.
The Super Buttons at the rear added a fun and practical customisation layer, particularly for gaming macros and shortcuts. Assigning these through the software was intuitive, and their responsiveness in action gave them a valuable edge during play.
The 8BitDo software offered a broad range of customisation options from macro recording to profile management. Once configured, profiles could be switched instantly using the Star button, streamlining transitions between gaming and productivity.
Even with the loud switches, the typing experience remained enjoyable thanks to the switch quality and overall layout. It may not be ideal for shared or quiet spaces, but for solo use, the sound profile adds to the retro charm.
Battery life exceeded expectations, comfortably lasting several days on a single charge even under mixed-use conditions. The charging time was reasonable, and USB-C support ensured wide compatibility with existing cables.
Adjusting lighting, macros, and other settings directly from the keyboard was convenient, especially when away from the software. This level of onboard control helped keep everything accessible without always needing the companion app.
The build quality was consistently noticeable during use, from the solid chassis to the wobble-free key stabilisers. Whether typing out documents or hammering through a rhythm game, the board never felt out of place or under-equipped.
Overall, the Retro 87 Xbox Edition left a strong impression as both a capable input device and a nostalgic homage. Its unique styling is more than just surface-deep, backing it up with robust performance across a wide range of tasks.
Conclusion
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition manages to strike a rare balance between playful design and serious functionality. It delivers a mechanical keyboard experience that feels as nostalgic as it is capable.
Its clicky switches, hot-swappable support, and multi-platform connectivity make it a strong contender for both gamers and typists alike. The Xbox-themed extras enhance its appeal without compromising usability for non-console users.
Features like programmable Super Buttons, reliable wireless modes, and comprehensive software customisation give this keyboard a wide reach in both performance and personalisation. Every aspect has been designed with the user in mind, right down to its visual flair.
For anyone looking to bring a bit of classic gaming personality into their setup without giving up modern essentials, this keyboard delivers. It’s a confident and unique offering that holds its own in a crowded market.
