Retro Keyboards
Welcome back to the world of technology, where we’re not only looking forward to the future, but also taking a step back to appreciate the past. In today’s article, we’ll be diving into the Retro Keyboard roundup, a collection of innovative and nostalgic keyboards that bring the classics of the 70s and 80s back into your modern workspace. So, buckle up as we delve deeper into the world of vintage tech and explore the best Retro Keyboards on the market.
The Top 10 Best Retro Keyboards
- rymek Retro Bluetooth Keyboard: A Nostalgic Typing Experience — Indulge in a nostalgic typing experience with the Rymek Retro Bluetooth Keyboard, featuring vintage design, steampunk aesthetic, superior Cherry/Gateron switches, dynamic backlit, and seamless connectivity to multiple devices.
- Retro Mechanical Wireless Keyboard with Dual Programmable Buttons and Volume Knob — The 8Bitdo 87 Keys Retro Mechanical Keyboard Bluetooth/2.4G/USB-C offers an aesthetic, functional, and versatile experience with hot-swappable PCB, dual super programmable buttons, and a volume knob compatible with Windows and Android.
- Retro Mac-Friendly Mechanical Keyboard with Included Aesthetic Keycaps — Experience ultimate comfort and style with the Zell C2 Full Size Wired Mechanical Keyboard, featuring red switches, retro color keycaps, and dedicated Siri/Cortana keys for both Mac and Windows compatibility.
- 8Bitdo Retro Gaming Keyboard for Windows — Step back in time with the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, a versatile gaming accessory with hot-swappable PCB, programmable keys, and a classic aesthetic, compatible with Windows 10 and Android 9.0 or above.
- Typewriter Style Retro Gaming Keyboard — Experience the perfect blend of retro style and modern gaming functions with this Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, featuring blue switches, white aesthetic, and adjustable RGB lighting.
- Azio Retro Compact Keyboard Limited Edition Poseidon Set — Experience premium, tactile, and stylish typing with the Azio Retro Compact Keyboard Limited Edition Set — Poseidon, featuring a durable aluminum frame, genuine leather or wood, and vibrant color options inspired by Greek mythology.
- 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Programmable Buttons — Relive the 8-bit gaming experience with the 8Bitdo Retro Keyboard, featuring a hot-swappable design, mechanical Kailh Box Switch V2 White, and customizable 87-key layout.
- Retro Aesthetic Mechanical Keyboard with Wood Color & Brown Keys — Experience a unique fusion of retro style and modern technology with our Retro Typewriter Keyboard, featuring hot swappable blue switches and customizable LED lights for enhanced productivity and a classic click feeling.
- Azio Retro Mechanical Keyboard — The Azio Mk Retro Mechanical Keyboard combines vintage design with modern functionality, offering a comfortable, ergonomic typing experience with the added convenience of shortcuts and customizable height adjustments.
- Retro RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Punk Keycaps — YSCP’s Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard boasts RGB backlit wired connectivity and blue switch retro round keycap, offering a nostalgic and immersive gaming experience for enthusiasts.
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Reviews
rymek Retro Bluetooth Keyboard: A Nostalgic Typing Experience
The Retro Mechanical Keyboard from Rymek is a delightful throwback to a time gone by. With a sleek design inspired by vintage typewriters, this keyboard adds a touch of steampunk charm to your workspace. The satisfying click of the keys as you type is a testament to its excellent build quality, while the scroll knob doubles as a volume controller and on/off switch.
One of the highlights of this keyboard is its dynamic backlit. Rarely seen in wireless keyboards, it offers a range of brightness levels and light effects, truly bringing the retro vibe to life. The keyboard also features distinguished saddle-shape keycaps and Cherry/Gateron switches, which emulate the clicky feel of old typewriters.
A versatile device, it supports Bluetooth 3.0 and is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. The dual-mode functionality allows you to switch effortlessly between Bluetooth and USB connections, while the USB connection on both sides ensures seamless compatibility with various devices.
Overall, the Retro Mechanical Keyboard from Rymek is a beautiful and functional device that stands out from the crowd of generic mechanical keyboards. Its unique blend of style, build quality, and advanced features make it a top choice for anyone looking to add a touch of retro charm to their daily routine.
Retro Mechanical Wireless Keyboard with Dual Programmable Buttons and Volume Knob
Experience retro gaming like never before with the 8Bitdo 87 Keys Mechanical Keyboard. Its 87 keys are designed with a classic aesthetic, combining n-key rollover for smooth operation and Kailh Box White Switches V2 for a touch of nostalgia. The keyboard boasts a multitude of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, wireless 2.4G, and wired, allowing you seamless connection to your devices.
With its compatibility extending across Windows and Android platforms, the keyboard offers a versatile gaming experience tailored to your needs. The dual super programmable buttons and volume knob provide large, programmable keys, allowing you to customize your gaming input on the fly, without having to resort to any software.
The 2000mAh Li-on battery powers this dynamic keyboard, supporting up to 200 hours of usage, with a fast 4-hour recharge time. Additionally, the hot-swappable PCB, top-mounted key switches, PBT key caps, and support for power status LEDs round out a comprehensive package, perfect for gaming enthusiasts seeking a retro-inspired keyboard that’s also functionally superior.
Retro Mac-Friendly Mechanical Keyboard with Included Aesthetic Keycaps
The Zell C2 Full Size Wired Mechanical Keyboard, with its sleek and stylish design, offers a seamless typing experience. Compatible with both Mac and Windows, this keyboard boasts a range of impressive features. Its red switch is perfect for gaming enthusiasts, while ABS retro color keycaps give it a touch of personality.
With 104 keys and a reliable USB-C wired connection, the C2 ensures a constant power supply for optimal performance. Users will appreciate the layout optimized for Mac, complete with multimedia and function keys, as well as the compatibility with Windows.
Extra keycaps for both operating systems are included, making this keyboard a versatile choice. The inclined bottom frame and adjustable feet provide added comfort, making the C2 a top choice for light gaming and home use.
8Bitdo Retro Gaming Keyboard for Windows
Get ready to game in style with the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard. This vintage-inspired keyboard transports you back to the golden era of gaming, all while keeping you connected to your device with Bluetooth or USB-C compatibility.
The 87 keys are top-mounted, offering a smooth typing experience that every gamer deserves. With programmable keys, dual super buttons, and super stick, every action is at your fingertips. The double-shot ABS keycaps not only offer durability but also that classic feel reminiscent of good old fashioned gaming.
This keyboard might be small, but it’s mighty — hot-swappable PCB, n-key rollover, and even software support for custom keyboard mapping. It’s a retro delight that packs a modern punch.
Typewriter Style Retro Gaming Keyboard
I recently got the chance to try out this Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, and I must say, it was a refreshing change from the typical office keyboards we’ve grown accustomed to. The white retro punk design with blue backlighting brought a cool pop of color to my work setup, making it a fun and unique addition to the room.
What stood out to me were the blue switches, which offered medium resistance, an audible click sound, and tactile feedback that made typing a joy. It was like going back in time to the old school typewriter days, where every keystroke felt significant.
As for the light control feature, it was easy to navigate with just a few presses of the Fn key. I appreciated the customizability of choosing different light modes and adjusting the brightness and speed to my liking.
What’s even better is that this keyboard isn’t just for gaming — it’s perfect for office use, too. With 26 anti-ghosting keys and adjustable rear feet, it has good performance in both settings. The keycaps are sturdy and durable, thanks to the two-color injection molding process used in their construction.
One thing to note is that this keyboard requires a USB plug, which might not be the best option for some — but it’s easy to set up and works with multiple systems, including Windows and Mac. Overall, I’m quite happy with the Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, and I think it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a colorful, tactile, and fun addition to their work setup.
Azio Retro Compact Keyboard Limited Edition Poseidon Set
The Azio Retro Compact Keyboard Limited Edition Set (RCK) Poseidon is a stunning addition to any workspace. It comes with a tactile, clicky, backlit keyboard that will remind you of vintage typewriters. The premium design features genuine leather or wood and a durable aluminum frame, making it a beautiful centerpiece.
The keyboard is compatible with both Mac and PC and comes with an extra set of swappable PC keycaps. With a built-in high-capacity 5,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery, you’ll have months of usage time.
The dual Bluetooth and USB interface allow you to connect up to three devices at once. The Retro Compact Keyboard is the perfect amalgamation of past, present, and future, with a limited edition colorway inspired by the Greek God of the Ocean, Poseidon, and the Greek God of Nature, Gaia. This compact keyboard is perfect for a creative tool, both for a traveling and stationary lifestyle.
8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Programmable Buttons
As a long-time fan of retro gaming, I recently got my hands on the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard. I was immediately drawn to its classic design, reminiscent of the keyboards from my childhood. The first thing I noticed was the Kailh Box Switch V2 White, which offered a satisfying tactile feedback, perfect for those late-night gaming sessions.
The Dye-sub PBT keycaps were another standout feature. Not only did they look great with their vibrant color, but they also felt incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. I also appreciated the top mount style, which made for a more comfortable typing experience.
Setting up the keyboard was a breeze, thanks to the support for both Bluetooth and wired connections. However, I did experience some occasional connectivity issues with the 2.4G wireless connection, which was a bit frustrating.
One of my favorite aspects of the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard was the dual Super Buttons. These large, programmable keys allowed me to customize my gaming experience to perfection, without the need for any extra software. The classic power status LED, along with the independent control panel, added a nice touch of retro charm to the keyboard.
Overall, the 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard met my expectations in terms of its retro design and high-quality components. While there were a few minor drawbacks, like the occasional connection issues, the pros far outweighed the cons. If you’re looking for a high-quality, customizable keyboard with a classic vibe, this one might just be what you’ve been searching for.
Retro Aesthetic Mechanical Keyboard with Wood Color & Brown Keys
Step back in time with this Retro Typewriter Keyboard that delivers a modern touch to the classic ambiance of a mechanical typewriter. Enjoy the convenience of a wireless USB keyboard with up to 10 meters of connectivity range. Easily switch between devices with a Bluetooth 5.0 connection, eliminating the need for endless device swapping. Control the adjustable white LED lights and volume/brightness settings for a unique experience during your work sessions. The keyboard features a premium hot swappable blue switch for fast typing and a satisfying “click” feeling.
Embrace the retro aesthetic with aluminum alloy metal electroplated wood grain panels, black pull rods, and rollers. The round keycaps add a modern touch to the classic typewriter design, perfect for enhancing the ambiance of your workspace. The Retro Typewriter Keyboard is compatible with various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones running on Android, Windows 10, iOS, and OS systems. The package includes only the keyboard, so make sure to check compatibility with other products you plan to use it with. Overall, this keyboard is a great choice for those seeking a stylish and efficient typing experience.
Azio Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Introducing the Azio Mk-Retro-01, a trendy and efficient mechanical keyboard that brings you a nostalgic typewriting experience. Featuring chrome-accented, circular keys on top of blue mechanical switches, this keyboard offers a satisfying click and tactile feedback with every keystroke. The Mk-Retro-01 connects seamlessly to your Windows computer via a 6' cotton-twill USB cable and boasts N-Key rollover, eliminating conflicts from overlapping key presses.
With its visually alluring, high-contrast glossy finish and sinuous chrome trim, the Mk-Retro-01 is a sight to behold. Moreover, it features adjustable pillar feet that enable users to achieve the perfect wrist position. Despite this, some users might find the keyboard uncomfortable unless the included wrist rest is utilized, and the craftsmanship might come off as somewhat inferior compared to its price point.
In conclusion, the Azio Mk-Retro-01 is a well-built, ergonomic, and captivating keyboard that delivers an authentic vintage typing experience. It is essential to acknowledge that it might take some time to adapt to its feel, and its construction might not quite match up to more exorbitant alternatives.
Retro RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Punk Keycaps
The YSCP mechanical gaming keyboard offers a unique Typewriter style design, perfectly capturing a punk retro classic aesthetic. With a wired connection, this keyboard delivers fast and safe reliability with a USB port, ensuring no damage occurs from friction. Each key is fully customizable, allowing the RGB technology to react to game actions, audio, and screen colors according to your preference. The keyboard’s slim design, durability, and sturdy construction make for an immersive gaming experience.
Equipped with a dedicated scroll wheel and media keys, convenience is just a click away. The 104-key gaming keyboard is meticulously crafted from Solid Aircraft-grade Aluminium and ABS, offering a robust build that can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. The keyboard’s ergonomic design and versatile features make it a top choice for gamers who desire a high-quality, responsive gaming experience.
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing a retro keyboard, there are several factors to consider. These keyboards can bring a touch of nostalgia to your workspace, while also offering unique features and designs. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss important features, considerations, and general advice for retro keyboards to help you make the best purchase.
Important Features
- Mechanical Switches: Retro keyboards often come with mechanical switches, which provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Make sure the keyboard you choose has the switch type you prefer (e. g. , Cherry MX, Alps, or Topre). The switch’s weight and sound profile will also impact your typing experience.
Considerations
- Size and Layout: Retro keyboards often have different sizes and layouts compared to modern keyboards. Consider whether you prefer a full-size keyboard, a compact 60%, 65%, or 75% layout, or something in between. Pay attention to the placement of keys, especially if you use function keys frequently or require specialized keys for specific tasks.
General Advice
- Backlighting: While retro keyboards typically have a sleek, vintage look, some models may come with backlighting options. If you require this feature, look for keyboards with customizable backlighting or dedicated function keys to adjust the settings easily. Alternatively, consider purchasing a separate USB-powered LED stripe or neon sign to add a retro touch to your workspace.
Finding the Right Retro Keyboard
- Research: Before making a purchase, research various retro keyboard models, reading reviews and checking ratings for user feedback on build quality, typing experience, and overall satisfaction. Look for keyboards that offer a warranty or free return policy to minimize the risk of buyer’s remorse.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a retro keyboard?
Retro keyboards offer several benefits, including a tactile feel, satisfying clickity-clack, and classic aesthetic. They often provide a more accurate typing experience and improve productivity by reducing typing errors. These keyboards have built-in features that can enhance the overall look and feel of a workspace, making them a preferred choice for various professionals and hobbyists.
Additionally, retro keyboards provide an escape from the modern, minimalistic designs that often lack tactile feedback. By providing a more customizable experience through switch types and keycap options, retro keyboards offer a unique selling point for those seeking a return to the good old typing days.
What are some popular types of retro keyboards?
Some popular retro keyboard designs include the Cherry MX Green, Topre Realforce 55G, and Alps SKCL switches. These switches offer different tactile sensations, making typing on each keyboard a unique experience. Cherry MX Green switches, for instance, provide a crisp, audible click that’s perfect for both working and gaming enthusiasts. On the other hand, Topre Realforce 55G and Alps SKCL switches offer a more subtle yet satisfying tactile bump, making them popular alternatives for those looking for a softer touch.
Retro keyboards also come in various form factors, such as tenkeyless, 60%, or 75% layouts. These layouts allow for more compact keyboards with fewer keys, thereby maximizing workspace efficiency and reducing potential clutter. The variety in retro keyboard designs ensures that there’s a keyboard for every user preference.
Are retro keyboards suitable for gaming?
Absolutely! Many retro keyboards, particularly those featuring mechanical switches, boast excellent performance and functionality for gaming. Mechanical keyboards come in various switch types — tactile, linear, and clicky — which can cater to various gaming preferences. For example, Cherry MX Blue and Cherry MX Brown switches are ideal for gamers seeking a more tactile and audible experience.
These keyboards offer quicker keystrokes, allowing for better response times and more accurate control when gaming. Additionally, retro keyboards’ more substantial build quality and sturdy construction make them durable and long-lasting. Furthermore, the high-quality keycaps of these keyboards enhance the overall gaming experience, making retro keyboards a great choice for dedicated gamers.
Is it difficult to find retro keyboards with specific keycap sets?
Not at all! Retro keyboards are available in a variety of keycap sets and configurations. Many retro keyboard manufacturers cater to different needs and preferences, which means there is a wide range of keycap sets available. For instance, double-shot, dye-sublimated PBT, and ABS keycaps are common options, each with its unique look and feel.
Some manufacturers also offer custom keycap sets for retro keyboards. For those interested in designing their sets, the process of selecting and sourcing keycaps is relatively straightforward. There are many online resources offering keycap sets in different layouts, colors, and materials. While the process may involve some trial and error, it ultimately results in a keyboard tailored to the user’s preferences.
What are some retro keyboard alternatives to consider if I’m not ready for a full-sized keyboard?
If you’re looking for a retro keyboard but prefer a smaller form factor, there are several alternatives to choose from. Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards, for example, are a popular choice. The TKL design eliminates the numeric keypad, resulting in a more compact and portable keyboard without sacrificing functionality.
Another alternative is the 60% or 65% keyboard layout, which further reduces the size of the keyboard. These keyboards only include the essential keys needed for effective typing, with minimalist designs that make them perfect for those with limited desk space. Companies like Kinesis, Joyce, and others offer retro alternatives in these smaller form factors, ensuring you can still find your favorite style and features.
Can I customize the color and layout of my retro keyboard?
Yes, retro keyboards can be customized in terms of color and layout to fit the user’s preferences. Many retro keyboard manufacturers offer customization options when purchasing their products. These options can range from simple color choices to more complex layout customizations. Keyboard enthusiasts can choose from different switch types, keycap sets, and case materials to create a keyboard that best aligns with their aesthetic and typing preferences.
In addition, some retro keyboard vendors, such as Kinesis, Meeko, or Novatouch, provide customization tools on their websites. By using these tools, users can pick their preferred switch type, keycap set, and layout to design their ideal retro keyboard. Customization services can, in some cases, even offer personalized branding opportunities for businesses or individuals looking to create a unique and visually appealing keyboard.
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