Best 8Bitdo Keyboards in 2026: 3 Picks Compared
The 8BitDo Retro 108 is our top pick for a full-size wireless mechanical keyboard, with Bluetooth, 2.4G and USB-C options and hot-swappable switches. We compared all three 8Bitdo keyboards currently listed, focusing on layout, connectivity, and switch features. Prices are live and read from the store listing at display time.
3 picks from 6 keyboards that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Each price below is read live and stamped with the time it was read.
The short list
| # | Pick | Keyboard | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | 8Bitdo Retro 108 Mechanical Wireless Keyboard for PC & Android | $119.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details) |
| 2 | Best for compact desks | 8Bitdo 87 Keys Mechanical Keyboard for PC and Android | $119.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details) |
| 3 | Best dedicated numpad | 8Bitdo 18 Keys Retro Mechanical Numpad for Windows & Android | $44.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details) |
Who each pick suits
- For full-size wireless work: The Retro 108 offers a complete layout with numpad and wireless, ideal for a desktop that needs everything. See pick 1
- For compact desks: The 87 Keys TKL saves space while keeping the core typing area, perfect for limited setups. See pick 2
- For a dedicated numpad: The 18 Keys numpad adds numeric entry next to a compact keyboard, useful for data work. See pick 3
The 3 picks, one by one
1 Best overall
8Bitdo Retro 108 Mechanical Wireless Keyboard for PC & Android
- Size
- Full size
- Connection
- Wireless
- Switches
- Mechanical
- Hot-swappable
- Yes
$119.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details)
The only full-size model in this list, with an integrated numpad, wireless via Bluetooth and 2.4G, plus USB-C. It is also the only pick with hot-swappable switches, which makes it the most flexible for switch customisation.
Pros
- Full-size layout with integrated numpad
- Hot-swappable switches
- Wireless via Bluetooth and 2.4G, plus USB-C
- Mechanical switch type
Cons
- Backlighting not stated by the seller
- Keycap material not stated
- Full-size footprint requires more desk space
Good fit if
- Users who want a complete keyboard with numpad
- Those who need wireless and hot-swap for switch customisation
Skip if
- Limited desk space
- Users who prefer a compact layout
Verdict: The Retro 108 is the most feature-rich 8Bitdo keyboard, with full layout, wireless and hot-swap.
2 Best for compact desks
8Bitdo 87 Keys Mechanical Keyboard for PC and Android
- Size
- TKL (80%)
- Switches
- Mechanical
$119.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details)
The TKL layout drops the numpad and function row to save space, while keeping the core typing area and arrow keys. It is the only non-full-size keyboard in this list, making it the best fit for smaller desks.
Pros
- TKL (80%) layout saves desk space
- Mechanical switches
- Listed for PC and Android compatibility
Cons
- No hot-swap support stated by the seller
- No wireless connection specified in the specs
- No dedicated numpad
Good fit if
- Users with limited desk space
- Gamers who want a compact mechanical keyboard
Skip if
- You need a numpad for data entry
- You want wireless connectivity
Verdict: A compact mechanical TKL that frees up desk space, but without wireless or hot-swap.
3 Best dedicated numpad
8Bitdo 18 Keys Retro Mechanical Numpad for Windows & Android
- Connection
- Wireless
- Switches
- Mechanical
- Hot-swappable
- Yes
$44.99 (as of 10/26/2026 22:37 PDT - Details)
This is the only numpad-only device in the list, with 18 mechanical keys. It is designed for Windows and Android, making it a useful companion for quick numeric input.
Pros
- 18 mechanical keys
- Retro design
- Specifically for Windows and Android
Cons
- Not a full keyboard
- No connectivity details stated by the seller
- Only covers numeric entry
Good fit if
- Users who need a numeric pad next to a smaller keyboard
- Nostalgic retro designs
Skip if
- You need a complete typing keyboard
- You require wireless or hot-swap features
Verdict: A compact numpad for numeric entry, but limited in scope.
Comparison table
| # | Keyboard | Size | Connection | Switches | Mouse included | Hot-swappable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8Bitdo Retro 108 Mechanical Wireless Keyboard for PC & Android | Full size | Wireless | Mechanical | not stated | Yes |
| 2 | 8Bitdo 87 Keys Mechanical Keyboard for PC and Android | TKL (80%) | not stated | Mechanical | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | 8Bitdo 18 Keys Retro Mechanical Numpad for Windows & Android | not stated | Wireless | Mechanical | not stated | Yes |
How this list was made
The pool for this guide included 3 8Bitdo keyboards from the catalogue. Each model's stated layout, switch type, connectivity, and hot-swap support were taken from the seller's listed specifications. The shortlist considered the following: full-size layout for productivity, tenkeyless for compact desks, and a dedicated numpad for numeric entry. We then evaluated how each model fit those use cases, prioritizing wireless options and hot-swap flexibility. The final picks cover the entire current 8Bitdo keyboard range. All conclusions derive from the published specifications and the pool data. Prices are shown live and read from the store listing at the moment the page was generated.
Choosing the right one
Layout: full size, TKL or numpad
A full-size keyboard keeps the numpad and function row, while a tenkeyless (TKL) layout drops the numpad to save desk space. A dedicated numpad like the 18 Keys model provides only numeric entry. Choose based on how much room you have and whether you enter numbers frequently.
Wireless vs wired connectivity
The Retro 108 offers Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless options, plus USB-C for a wired connection. Bluetooth works with phones, tablets and laptops, while a 2.4G dongle is often more reliable for gaming. For a keyboard with no wireless stated, you may need to rely on a wired connection, but check the seller's listing for details.
The Bluetooth technology overview explains that Classic and LE radios have different profiles; verify which is supported for your devices.
Hot-swappable switches
Hot-swap means you can change the mechanical switches without soldering. The Retro 108 is the only model here with hot-swap listed, letting you replace switches for different feel or sound. If you plan to customise, this is the key feature.
Switch type: mechanical
All three models in this guide use mechanical switches. Mechanical switches are known for tactile feedback and durability, though the exact switch brand and actuation force are not detailed in the provided specifications. If you need a specific switch feel, look for additional product documentation.
Compatibility with Windows and Android
All three list Windows compatibility, and the Numpad and 87 Keys specifically mention Android. If you use multiple operating systems, verify that the keyboard's driver or connection method works with your devices. The Bluetooth overview notes that Bluetooth LE and Classic have different power and data profiles, so check which is supported.
Questions
Are all 8Bitdo keyboards mechanical?
Yes, the three listed models all have mechanical switches. The Retro 108, 87 Keys and 18 Keys numpad each state 'Mechanical' as their switch type. There is no membrane model in the current catalogue.
Does the Retro 108 support both Bluetooth and 2.4G?
Yes, the listing says it supports Bluetooth, 2.4G and USB-C. That gives you a choice between a direct wireless connection and a wired hookup. The Bluetooth radio can pair with phones and laptops, while 2.4G often offers a more stable connection for gaming.
What does hot-swappable mean?
Hot-swappable means you can remove and replace the mechanical switches without soldering. The Retro 108 is the only model in this list with that feature, so if you want to customise the feel of each key, that's the one to choose.
Which 8Bitdo keyboard is best for a small desk?
The 87 Keys TKL is the best choice for a compact setup. It omits the numpad and function row, keeping the typing area and arrows while taking up less space. If you need a numpad but want to save space, consider pairing the TKL with the separate 18 Keys numpad.
Do these keyboards work with Android?
The 18 Keys numpad and the 87 Keys are specifically listed for Windows and Android. The Retro 108 does not mention Android in its spec, but Bluetooth keyboards generally work with Android devices if they support standard HID. Check the maker's documentation for exact compatibility.
What changed
- : First published.