NES-inspired mechanical keyboard with matching giant A and B buttons.

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NES-inspired mechanical keyboard with matching giant A and B buttons.

There is something truly satisfying about a retro-inspired keyboard, especially with all the modern features hidden beneath its off-white 8-bit exterior.

The 87-key compact 8BitDo retro mechanical keyboard is one such amazing little find, and its impeccable NES-inspired design confirms it. n-key rollover support and a standard board with Kailh Box White Switches V2, but it's hot-swappable, which is really nice, especially for a sub-$100 keyboard (via Sweclockers).

What is really interesting here is the inclusion of two "dual super buttons" - an A button and a B button - that can be programmed in software or connected via the A, B, X, Y interface on the back of the board for instant mapping.

The keyboard itself can be connected via Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, or USB Type-C. It also works with Android devices (version 9.0 or higher).

As for the design, there are two options: the N Edition and the Fami Edition. The former has a gray and red base, while the latter has a Noctua brown base.

Both have media controls and two small clicky knobs in the upper left corner.

The board uses die-sub PBT manufacturing technology for the keycaps, so there is no shine-through. So if, like me, you often use your keyboard in the dark, you might want to find a Nintendo-themed desk lamp.

But retro gamers who like to bask in the rays of light will appreciate it best.

The board will be available on September 20 and seems quite reasonably priced at $100, given its features. The board can be pre-ordered from the 8BitDo store.

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