Before this keyboard I was using a Razor Hunstman Tournament Edition keyboard, and before that I had a Logitech G715. Both of my old keyboards were good, quality keyboards. What I want, is a good tactile feedback, I want to know without hesitation my keystrokes are registered and I like a good amount of clicky-clacky sound, but not excessively loud so my friends don't have to hear me when I'm tying while on a call.
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard caught my attention when I was once again in the market for a new keyboard (I accidentally dropped the Razor while cleaning the room, and while it was still fully functional, just cosmetically looked janky). The look is on point, the first console I ever gamed on was an NES and the NES styling is just so clean, I'd see images of the product and feel a rush of nostalgia and just admiration for how well they nailed the look they were going for. Once it arrived, in person, it's only more impressive. There was an unexpected weight to the keyboard and solid sturdy build, it could probably (like a real NES) handle the drop I gave my old keyboard and barely get a scratch (I will not try this at home though). It stays firmly in place on my desk, it doesn't have a kickstand to prop up the back like many keyboards do, but it's designed with an incline so you don't really need it. Like I said, it stays put, it looks great, and I just like knowing it won't move while I'm gaming or furiously typing an angry e-mail.
I'm not exactly sure what type of switches it uses, but I can say it's not quite, but not loud either. I do enjoy the key feel though.
Now, for the two large buttons. It's a bit of a gimmick, the keyboard is worth it's price on it's own. The buttons are not a mouse, and they're not mandatory to use. I do find it convenient and a little funny to have them hot keyed to a few things and just slappin' a big red button to do an ult or exit a discord lobby. I like them, but if you think they look weird, don't have that stop you from getting the keyboard, the keyboard itself is a true work of the quality craftsmanship that I've come to expect from 8BitDo's products. Good work guys! :D
