8BitDo proclaims IBM M-inspired retro mechanical keyboard, matching keypad offered individually

In a nutshell: 8BitDo is now accepting pre-orders for its newest retro mechanical keyboard, a throwback to IBM’s legendary Mannequin M from the mid-80s. The brand new M Version technically is not new in any respect. The 87-key board is actually a reskin of 8BitDo’s present retro mechanical keyboards based mostly on the Nintendo Leisure System, the Household Pc (Famicom for brief) and the Commodore 64. If you’re a sucker for nostalgia, these can be proper up your alley.

It incorporates a hot-swappable PCB and ships with Kailh Field White Switches V2 in addition to dye-sublimation PBT keycaps. The built-in 2,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery is reportedly good for as much as 200 hours of use, and may recharge absolutely in simply 4 hours. It may be operated wirelessly through Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz, or used wired through USB.

Whereas the brand new board would not function any official IBM branding or affiliation, it’s definitely implied based mostly on the visuals (and the truth that 8BitDo strategically positioned an IBM PC and IBM floppy disks in its advertising materials).

8BitDo’s M Version retro mechanical keyboard is accessible to pre-order now over on Amazon. It’s priced at $99.79, and features a pair of programmable Tremendous Buttons. Search for it to ship on July 15, 2024.

In associated information, 8BitDo can be accepting pre-orders for its retro 18 mechanical numpad in matching M Version, N Version, Fami Version, and C64 Version colorways. Very similar to their keyboard counterparts, the numpads makes use of the identical Kailh switches with a hot-swappable PCB, and may join wirelessly if desired. In addition they assist n-key rollover, and are appropriate with Home windows 10 and above in addition to Android 9.0 and later.

The peripheral can swap between a regular PC numpad and a calculator, measures 170mm x 104mm x 45.5 mm, and weighs 300 grams. Its 1,000mAh battery is rated for as much as 160 hours of runtime between prices, with a four-hour recharge time.

It is usually scheduled to reach on July 15, and can set patrons again $44.99.