For everyone suggesting to use the Super Buttons as foot paddles, I don’t think they are designed with that in mind. The cable is only 4’ in length, so it’s not long enough to reach around the back of the desk and be placed on the floor at a distance close enough to comfortably step on. Additionally, while the Super Buttons feel very secure and solid, I don’t think they can withstand foot presses over extended use. But thank you for the suggestion, and it’s certainly something I considered - I should have mentioned why it wouldn’t work in that way in the video.
Since you're (the one and only) "Russ from Retro Game Corps" I really would have expected that you tested this with a few handhelds too. Android handhelds like the RG405M should be compatible but maybe it would even pair well with linux-based operating systems on Bluetooth enabled handhelds like the RG353M which is especially nice since it has video out. The reason I'm interested in this is because for certain games I prefer keyboard keys over classic gamepad buttons + d-pad. I know I'm a niche guy here but for example I prefer playing Street Fighter with WASD keys instead of a d-pad or analog stick since I can be 100% sure to press "down", "right" and "punch" while I might have false inputs with a d-pad or analog stick here. Maybe you can do a future video where you test this thing with handhelds. :)
I know this probably sounds back handed, but genuinely it's great to see a keyboard review by someone who doesn't "do" keyboard reviews. I only know a little about the deep dark rabbit hole of mechanical keyboards, but I know there's a lot of jargon that gets thrown around about something so many people engage with but very few actually consider. Your review, as ever, was direct, considered, and approachable. Good stuff.
@@cloudycolacorptbh keyboard enthusiasts lost me when they started trying different "fillers" for the inside of the keyboard. I get the concept but it's just so niche. Good for you if you like it but I just personally don't see the need.
@@cloudycolacorpThats with everything really. Once you start to be hyperfixated onto a topic, the "General Public" is starting to vanish from your Perspective. Its very, very hard to be extremely proficient and easy to understand. Take it from someone who Gets Into coding currently.
@@OffscreenkillVA I agree. In the case of mechanical keyboards, I have little interest in them, but i'm glad to know that if I ever become a mech-keyboard enthusiast, there's already masters of the craft out there. Kinda reminds me of the custom pen world - i can understand wanting a tool that is used ofen to feel 'right' and be of high quality.
@@opts9I think most of us have become so used to cheap keyboards, that they have begun to feel right. I'm sure that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will think I'm some kind of heretic, but we HAVE got the above.
FYI For anyone who is worried about the numeric key pad not being on this keyboard, they have recently added a $44 numeric key pad for anyone who would like to add that to their setup. It plugs in using another wireless dongle, but also has the very neat feature of working as a standalone calculator as it has an LCD screen built in. just figured I'd help spread that info for future viewers who see the pros/cons segment at the end and worry about that not being an option for this keyboard.
$100 for a decent wireless mechanical KB is very good. Most in that price range don't even have the same feature set either. This is probably the best value in mechanical KBs overall. Really enjoy this change of pace in reviews. Wonderful.
Just got this in the mail yesterday! Hands down my absolute favorite keyboard I've ever used. Aesthetically and functionally it's beautiful. Big W for 8Bitdo again
It sounds like an old IBM Selectric which for me is a good thing. If you want something quiet with better dampening look at the Monotech MKey Keyboard. @@tobytragen4363
I'm fairly into keyboards and normally wouldn't be interested in boards like this, but that famicon board looks INCREDBILE and I would 100% buy those keycaps separately if they were for sale.
The Famicom keyboard is gorgeous. I bought one and I'm very happy with the look. And if you want a wrist rest for it, I recommend looking at the Glorious tenkeyless wrist rest. The Golden Oak color option is a good match for the Famicom keyboard.
Love this! You’re the gold standard when it comes to retro handheld coverage and it’s great to see your skill set applied to a broader range of products.
I pre-ordered this and received it Friday and I gotta say it's a damn impressive keyboard. I've got it set up on my work computer and even just aesthetically it stands out and looks great. I've programmed the big buttons for a couple Premiere Pro hotkeys I use all the time and so far I'm loving it!
So happy you're doing this! It's on my wishlist and your seal of approval is all I need :) Also, a big thank you to everything you've taught me since I caught the retro modding/emulation bug. I'm glad you're exploring things you want to cover!
I saw an article on this today and I instantly had to buy it. This is the keyboard and mouse I want and a perfect replacement for the ones that just died on me
In macOS you can remap the modifier keys directly in the system preferences, so you could easily swap the positions of alt and cmd for this particular keyboard without 8BitDo's official software.
As someone who loves both the mech keyboard hobby and keeping up with the retro handheld scene, this was awesome to see. Well researched and executed as always, Russ!
Really great comprehensive review as usual. I love the look and concept of this keyboard, but the lack of a number pad is a deal breaker for me. I'm too used to having that easy access, but in practice, i guess i could adjust.
Okay, so, things to know about keyswitches: "clicky" switches weren't designed to be clicky, they were designed to be hysteretic - that is, exhibiting hysteresis, a discrepancy between actuation position and reset position; they were designed to reset only after you released the key back past the activation point, thus reducing accidental re-inputs. This makes them especially good for typing up an essay or novel, but less preferable for gaming since you can't just flutter the key on and off with a feather touch and barely any movement. Reds are at the opposite end of the spectrum where you just have no frelling clue what the key is doing until you see it on-screen and that counts double for keys you didn't even realize you clipped because they yield absolutely no tactile or audible feedback when actuated. I find them physically painful to type on because my hands are constantly tense from struggling not to clip extra keys.
Nailed it! 😀 Maybe you can mount those super buttons UNDER the desk ? Interesting idea for the save-states, I'd have just used them for some BISHI BASHI arcade games or something
One note about the WIN key- you can change what they keys do within the macOS settings! There used to be a little toggle for swapping them because of the prevalence of standard keyboards.
yes more reviews! please don't upscale to much though, I know a lot of reviewers like to ramp up the "quality" but I really enjoy this homey feel to your reviews. it's super chill, super detailed, and more personable
I mean, he didn't even mention that its hot-swappable...that's a pretty important thing that a keyboard enthusiast would want to know. I was actually thinking the opposite, that it's not the type of review a keyboard enthusiast would find very useful, but its great for someone who has likely heard of mechanical keyboards but knows very little about any specifics, yet would still be interested in owning one if they came across one they liked enough. He goes over the stuff this type of person would likely focus on during their first few days of ownership, while avoiding going into detail on things like stabilizers, filler, custimazation, etc. that an enthusiast would care more about.
@@realwiggles yeah. it's clear he kind of has no idea what he's talking about really. which is fine, not everybody needs to be a keyboard freak. but a review of this keyboard by an actual keyboard freak would look completely different
Really happy you reviewed this. When it comes to high end mechanical keyboards, I know nothing! Yet when it comes to reading reviews, the ones I see read as if they assume the reader is already knowledgeable on this stuff! So your video explaining terminology and the differences between switches is great!
This logic doesn't make any sense to me. The target demographic when reviewing stuff that falls into the highest-end and/or most niche category of any hobby are enthusiasts of said hobby. The number of people who are going to go out and spend $600 on parts to build their own custom mechanical keyboard without having done enough research to recognize some common jargon is extremely low. Why would a reviewer want to tailor his review for these types of people? Furthermore, when someone is trying to decide whether or not they want to purchase a high-end, expensive product is going to want to know every little detail the reviewer can provide. It's also possible they may subconsioucly perceive a review that uses jargon when applicable as being more legitimate since it will end up sounding similar to how people sound in the many forum discussions they've read or taken part in. Instead of this keyboard, imagine this were a review of only a case. The case costs $300 and anyone who buys it is going to be spending atleast another $100 at a bare minimum befoer they'll be able to build a working keyboard with it. If someone was considering purchasing it and came across this review, I can guarantee that, upon getting to the end and realizing they didn't even mention if the case was hot-swappable, they would immediatly conclude this reviewer doesn't know what they're talking about before purging any opinions they gave on the case and moving on to a different video. If you are so deep into the hobby that you know a $300 case isn't even at the upper-end of the price0-range than you're going to want to know that sort of information and expect any reputable review would discuss it, meaning you would reject any reviews that don't as being, at best, subpar, and not something that you will factor into your considerations. I live in the southwest USA. My city, despite having a population approaching 1 million, has just one ice-rink. I know nothing about hockey, could maybe name a total of 5-6 teams and possibly a handful of players if you include guys that have already retired. If I pull up a recap of a hockey game from a channel that is clearly focused exclusively on creating hockey-related content, I'm not going to go into the comments and complain because I don't understand all the terminology and wish the video would present things in a way I could understand. If someone decides they want to pick up a hobby and decides to jump straight into the deep end than they're just going to have to deal with being a bit confused for awhile. I don't really see why that's an issue.
Just got mine as well and I absolutely love it!! I actually ordered this because of a RU-vidr as well lol(it may have been you or someone else speaking about it a month or 2 ago)
I bought the Famicom edition, for no reason whatsoever (it was a tossup) about two weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier. I am a Linux user, so I map my A and B to desktop switching. The Big buttons are my "activity" switch and my pulldown terminal. :) Love the keyboard. Great review...
I bought the Fami version of this keyboard just because I really like the color scheme. I don't look at it as a Famicom-themed keyboard. I love the way typing feels on this thing. The Kailh Box V2 White switches strike a wonderful balance between smooth typing and tactile feedback. And they're clicky but not obnoxiously so. These don't sound like Cherry MX Blue switches. They have a dull click versus the Cherry MX Blue's high-pitched click. I like typing on it so much that I've already decided that I don't want to use any other keyboard, and this is coming from someone who previously used a keyboard with the excellent Cherry MX Red switches. If you're getting the Fami version of this keyboard and want a wrist rest for it, I recommend looking at the Golden Oak version of the Glorious tenkeyless wrist rest. It's a pretty good color match for the Fami keyboard.
Actually looks really nice! Not for me as I prefer a full keyboard, I use the numpad and macro keys frequently. But if it was full size I’d seriously consider it. The Famicom one is beautiful.
@@SpeccyyyRSI, besides space, is a reason tkl became more popular. A full size keyboard and mouse often means bad ergonomics. If you use a trackball, then you can keep the fullsize, but trackball are really expensive and even the good ones have some pretty fatal flaws. I love trackballs, but it's a shame. I'm one of those people who treats my stuff nice, but my Elecom and my industrial monster, both busted the scroll wheel/button. . It's not like you can't buy a separate ten key, if you really want this.
@@Speccyyy Because people that want a numpad can just buy a dedicated numpad whereas people that don't can't exactly just chop the numpads off their keyboards and call it a day
I’ve had 3 8bitdo controllers and they were amazing. I had the old SNES controller for 5 years and still worked and held a charge. Love the packaging and looks and feel of the plastic they use.
Just received mine, it's an absolute joy to type on. I had never tried these kind of switches before, and I really like the ones on the 8Bitdo. But the thing that a lot of keyboard manufacturers get wrong is the quality of the stabilizers. They are absolutely flawless here including the spacebar, so much that I stopped using my Keychron Q1 Max and now almost hate it for its rattly and clicky spacebar.
A fellow Commodore 64 guy! No wonder I like your channel 😅 Excellent video as always, can't wait for mine to come in on the 6th! Sadly, I'll be on vacation, so I'll have to wait even longer.
Really digged the video. Just a "the more you know moment" for future reference: we designers, are nerds too, and for me as one who also have 3D in his life, numeric keyboard is really amazing to work with 3D since it gives you a way to have 1) more buttons 2) dedicated view shortcuts. I have a glorious GMMK2 96 compact and its the best of both worlds. Although for me the script should go like so: "would be appreciated if they'd have a independant numeric keyboard that could connect to the 3.5mm jack giving options for those in need of it". Thats what I would want in this keyboard. (thinking of buying it so i dont have to swap between my win and mac machine)
Nice change up video Russ! So how about another change up video of say maybe a tour of your whole gaming environment/set-up and the area you edit your videos etc? I think it would be interesting and that your fans would love to see something like that👍
Did not know the keyboard came with a profile button. I didn't pick this up because I'm primarily a MacOS user. I have ended up getting a Logitech MX Mechanical Full size Wireless Mechanical keyboard with brown Switches. It's biggest selling point to me was the Logi+ software that automatically swaps the Alt and Windows/Command/Super key based on what OS it is installed on. I hope that the Keyboards Ultimate software comes to MacOS and offers a similar feature. The built-in profile switching is a good alternative for now.
Man, you really did your homework for this video. I didn't think you would go into this depth yourself. 😁 Great job going outside your norm for this. If you are enjoying it, I'd recommend you build a keyboard. I built a Tofu65 with Gat Yellow Switches and aluminium top plate. Was a very fun experience.
The Super Buttons have the one problem I have with my 8BitDo Bluetooth controller: the buttons are loud. For all the obsessive work that they put into this -- I'm saying as a compliment -- you'd think their buttons would be less clicks sounding. I don't think even NES controllers sounded that loud when playing, but let me emphasize that I'm nitpicking here. This isn't that big of a deal, I just wish they'd do something about that in future models. Frankly, I'd kinda just like to get the Super Buttons. That looks really cool, the way you used it with save and load states.
I actually really like your reviews, but have little interest in actually getting a retro handheld. So I am all for branching out to other things like this!
For me, as long-term Windows user, the position of Command key on mac was a reveling experience. On Windows, you mostly use Control for hotkeys, but you don't even realize how awkward it is until you try the alternative. Mac has all the hotkeys mapped on Command key, and as soon as you start using them, you don't want to switch back. So much so, that I would actually remap my Alt key to mimic Control. It is simply more natural for me that way.
TKL is my favorite keyboard layout. I use the home, end, page up/down keys in combination with shift and control so much throughout the day. Laptops need to start providing a TKL layout.
Note about the caps: im not sure how they relate to doubleshot in terms of durability. I believe they are worse (again, not sure). Definitely worth thinking about / mentioning
I just wish that they released an updated version of the mouse they made a few years ago, because that one only has 2.4GHZ connectivity through its Wifi Dongle, while this keyboard has both the dongle connectivity and Bluetooth as well.
This is like my ideal keyboard. It looks retro, it has a volume knob, its mechanical, it has hot swappable switches and has great retro colors. The dual super buttons connections are great as well, but unexpected.
Pre ordered mine and it arrived Friday. I am very pleased with it. Not sure how I plan to use the super buttons if at all. But I’ll figure it out. Just waiting for the software to drop to customize this thing further.
while not really relating to the videos you normally make, I think it would make for an interesting video if you go through you shelf in the background.
Russ, I've only recently come across your (excellent) channel, if you're looking for retro gaming topics for future videos that don't involve handhelds, perhaps you might want to check out the MiSTer FPGA project. Awesome video!
I bought one after using a "gamer" keyboard for years and getting fed up with it not being hotswappable, key wobble, and squeaky/sticky keys. So far I'm happy with it, the only thing is with the base switches it's harder to press the space key than I'm used to. I love the sound and look, and the attention to all of the retro nods is a really nice detail. I got the M edition (does someone know what console it's colorway is based on? I'm not suuuper familiar with old consoles) because I feel like the white and grey will go better with other keycap sets if I decide to switch them out. I don't have any use for the big buttons, but I know a lot of people would. I also got the separate numpad and a great little detail is that both the keyboard and numpad have magnets to attract them and keep them from sliding around. I'm used to having RGB to see the keys at night so that might be an adjustment but for the pricepoint, quality, and aesthetic I really can't complain. Thanks for the review :]
If it reminds you of the Commodore 64 kb, then ur LOVE the c64 edition coming out in a couple weeks! (I alrdy preordered! And it comes with a joy stick too!!)
Looks really good... but for emulation it's a bit of a pity not to have numpad... some A500 games used the numpad for directional control (that was before wasd became a thing).
There appear to be 3.5mm socket at the back. What are they for? Does that mean you can purchase additional super buttons and have 4 of them (8 buttons)....so that you can program them for street fighters?
Linear just means there isn't that tactile bump. The reds are a lighter spring. Black require more force, but are also linear. The tactile bump lets a typist, with practice, type faster by merely activating key, instead of full travel to bottom or the key. Also by only using the necessary force, which is lighter than common rubber domes, you put less stress on your fingers and hands. It's more for gaming, because gamers tend to be key mashing bottom out, in that gaming frenzy, therefore feeling the activation of the key (tactile) is out necessary.
Amazing review. As far as Mac OS goes - you can easily remap the modifiers (alt/win) via Mac OS itself. Just go to System Preferences-Keyboard-Keyboard Shortcuts..-Modifier Keys. Select the keyboard from the dropdown and reassign the keys. I do it on all my Windows keyboards ;)
Yeah, I really dont get it why people make a big fuss about Windows or MAC compatible. all keyboards are compatible with mac or windows. Heck you can eve karabiner to fully customize it.
oof, as a keyboard nerd this was something else... Welcome to the hobby buddy :) 100 for a hotswappable MK really isn't very exensive ;p If can make a suggestion: do some typing in the sound tests, don't just mash keys :o
Been looking for a wireless keyboard for awhile, I just ordered one. Unfortunately it’s $173 with shipping for me in Canada oof. But I think it’ll be worth it.
I personally like "full-size" keyboards, that include a numpad, but the hot thing in keyboards right now is to have fewer keys for a smaller, sleeker setup. I would've much preferred that they had made it a full-size, but I'm honestly just happy that 8bitdo at least went with this formfactor. If you check out 65% keyboards (which are the most popular right now), you'll see what I mean.
If this had a numpad I would have bought it right away! As a 3D artist I use the numpad constantly. I could see myself using the super buttons as 'pedals'. Having ctrl and shift on my feet would rest my hand when modelling xD
You can game on some clicky switches, it's just that because a lot of them use a click jacket like found on cherry MX Blue, which causes the activation point and deactivation points to be a different points of the key stroke, also known as hysteresis, where as tactile and linear have them both at the same point of the keystroke. I think that those box white switches don't have a click jacket but instead a click bar which doesn't suffer from the same hysteresis problem.
I won't be surprised if 8bitdo makes Mac themed replacement keys available for separate purchase on their website post-launch. It's what they did to offer people, like me, who wanted Xbox style layout buttons for the Ultimate Bluetooth controller.
