In a nutshell: 8BitDo is now accepting pre-orders for its latest retro mechanical keyboard, a throwback to IBM’s legendary Model M from the mid-80s. The new M Edition technically isn’t new at all. The 87-key board is essentially a reskin of 8BitDo’s existing retro mechanical keyboards based on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Family Computer (Famicom for short) and the Commodore 64. If you are a sucker for nostalgia, these will be right up your alley.
It features a hot-swappable PCB and ships with Kailh Box White Switches V2 as well as dye-sublimation PBT keycaps. The integrated 2,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery is reportedly good for up to 200 hours of use, and can recharge fully in just four hours. It can be operated wirelessly via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz, or used wired via USB.
While the new board doesn’t feature any official IBM branding or affiliation, it is certainly implied based on the visuals (and the fact that 8BitDo strategically placed an IBM PC and IBM floppy disks in its marketing material).
8BitDo’s M Edition retro mechanical keyboard is available to pre-order now over on Amazon. It is priced at $99.79, and includes a pair of programmable Super Buttons. Look for it to ship on July 15, 2024.
In related news, 8BitDo is also accepting pre-orders for its retro 18 mechanical numpad in matching M Edition, N Edition, Fami Edition, and C64 Edition colorways. Much like their keyboard counterparts, the numpads uses the same Kailh switches with a hot-swappable PCB, and can connect wirelessly if desired. They also support n-key rollover, and are compatible with Windows 10 and above as well as Android 9.0 and later.
The peripheral can switch between a standard PC numpad and a calculator, measures 170mm x 104mm x 45.5 mm, and weighs 300 grams. Its 1,000mAh battery is rated for up to 160 hours of runtime between charges, with a four-hour recharge time.
It is also scheduled to arrive on July 15, and will set buyers back $44.99.