If you’re a fan of retro gaming aesthetics but still want modern performance from your peripherals, the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard offers a compelling fusion of both worlds. Designed with a full-size layout and nods to classic console styling, this keyboard brings personality to the desk while delivering reliable functionality. It’s a rare blend of playful design and serious performance potential that feels right at home in any setup.
The keyboard is available in two distinct editions inspired by vintage consoles, giving it a unique visual appeal that immediately stands out. Whether you’re typing out documents or jumping into fast-paced games, the Retro 108 aims to provide a consistent and enjoyable experience. This is not just a novelty item—it’s a fully capable piece of hardware built with purpose.
Over the past several weeks, this keyboard has been put to the test in a range of scenarios, from workday typing to extended gaming sessions. What emerged is a device that not only looks great but also performs with a surprising level of precision and comfort. It’s a refreshing take on the mechanical keyboard that feels both familiar and new at the same time.
Design and Functionality
The 8BitDo Retro 108 immediately captures attention with its classic console-inspired look, available in two nostalgic colour schemes. From the keycap font to the accent colours, every detail feels thoughtfully designed to pay tribute to gaming history.
Despite its playful appearance, the keyboard is solidly built with a high-quality plastic shell and a metal top plate that reinforces its overall structure. It feels dense and stable on the desk, with no flex or creaking during use.
A full-sized layout has been adopted for this model, making it more versatile for productivity and gaming compared to its tenkeyless predecessor. The numpad is fully integrated into the design and styled to match the rest of the keyboard seamlessly.
The keycaps are made from durable PBT with dye-sublimated legends, ensuring they won’t wear down over time. Their MDA-inspired profile gives the keyboard a slightly sculpted feel that promotes comfortable typing for long sessions.
You’ll also find a control knob and toggle switches that further reinforce the retro theme while offering practical functionality. These physical controls make adjusting volume and switching connection modes fast and intuitive.
One standout design element is the inclusion of the large red Super Buttons, which sit on a separate unit. They’re designed to plug directly into the keyboard and can be mapped to almost any input, adding a touch of arcade-style flair to the setup.
Key Features
One of the highlights of the Retro 108 is its versatile connectivity, offering wireless options via Bluetooth and 2.4G, along with a wired USB mode. Switching between devices is quick and easy thanks to a physical toggle that makes transitions feel seamless.
The keyboard includes a full set of 108 keys, giving users everything they need for both gaming and productivity. It also brings added value by including a numpad, something the previous version required as a separate add-on.
Under the keycaps are Kailh Box White V2 mechanical switches, known for their crisp tactile feedback and reliable actuation. These switches are hot-swappable, allowing users to change them out without soldering.
Each key supports full n-key rollover, so every keystroke is registered even when multiple keys are pressed at once. This makes the keyboard suitable for fast-paced gaming where input precision is critical.
The keyboard also supports macro programming through 8BitDo’s software, letting users remap keys or assign complex commands. For added convenience, the Super Buttons can be assigned functions without needing software at all.
Function shortcuts are built into the layout for quick access to tools like calculator, screen lock, and volume control. This simplifies multitasking without the need for remembering complex combinations.
Battery life is another strong point, with up to 200 hours of use on a single charge. The built-in 2000mAh battery can be recharged via USB and requires only a few hours to fully power up.
Finally, the keyboard’s top-mount structure provides a more refined feel during typing, distributing pressure evenly across the plate for a smooth and consistent experience. This design choice enhances both comfort and acoustics.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
From the first moment using the Retro 108, the typing feel stands out as crisp and satisfying. The Kailh Box White V2 switches deliver a tactile click that’s responsive without being overly noisy.
Typing long documents felt natural, with the sculpted keycap shape promoting comfort even after hours of use. The slight texture on the PBT caps added grip, which reduced typing fatigue.
The keyboard remained firmly in place during both work and play, thanks to its weight and well-placed rubber feet. There was no wobble or shift even when pressing the larger keys or using the Super Buttons.
Switching between Bluetooth, 2.4G, and USB modes worked flawlessly across multiple devices. The dedicated toggle switch made it easy to connect to a laptop, tablet, or gaming PC with minimal fuss.
In gaming tests, key registration was accurate and immediate with no noticeable latency on either wireless mode. N-key rollover functioned as expected, handling rapid multi-key inputs without error.
The Super Buttons added an enjoyable element of customisation, especially in action games where quick access to specific commands proved useful. Assigning macros to these large buttons was simple and didn’t require software.
The keyboard also performed well in everyday productivity tasks, from spreadsheet work to creative writing. The numpad was especially handy during tasks that required numerical input.
Battery life proved more than adequate, with the keyboard lasting for days without needing a recharge. When it came time to top up, the USB-C cable made the process quick and unobtrusive.
The onboard control knob and switches offered a tactile alternative to software-based adjustments. Volume changes, profile switching, and device toggling were all done with a turn or flick.
Key stabilisation was noticeably well implemented, particularly on the spacebar, enter, and shift keys. This contributed to a smooth and consistent feel across the board.
There was no noticeable flex when pressing down firmly, showing the frame and mounting design are built to withstand heavy use. This stability added confidence during competitive play sessions.
The software interface for key mapping was intuitive, though most features worked well out of the box without needing much configuration. Custom profiles could be saved easily and accessed later.
Using the keyboard in low-light environments wasn’t an issue despite the absence of backlighting. The contrasting legends on the keycaps remained visible in ambient lighting conditions.
Over the course of daily use, the Retro 108 proved to be more than just a nostalgic showpiece. Its practical features, thoughtful design, and consistent performance made it a reliable companion for a wide range of tasks.
Conclusion
The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard successfully combines retro aesthetics with a modern feature set. It offers a unique experience that appeals to both gamers and those who appreciate a distinctive desktop setup.
Its solid construction, full key layout, and thoughtful touches like the Super Buttons and control knob make it a functional and enjoyable keyboard to use. Everything feels deliberate, from the clicky switches to the tactile volume controls.
With support for multiple platforms and reliable wireless connectivity, it adapts well to a range of environments. Whether you’re working across devices or deep in a game, it performs with consistency.
This keyboard is more than just a visual throwback—it’s a well-engineered tool that holds up under daily use. For those seeking personality without sacrificing performance, the Retro 108 is a standout choice.
