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Relive the glory days with this N64-inspired keyboard—8BitDo’s Retro 87 blends nostalgia and modern features for every millennial keyboard aficionado.
Translucent Nostalgia: The Clear Blue Comeback
There’s something magical about translucent plastic. If you grew up in the late ‘90s, the sight of a see-through N64 or its matching controller probably triggers a whole flood of memories—Mario Kart marathons, that weirdly shaped controller, and the ice blue “Funtastic” edition that looked like it had arrived straight from an arctic future. Even after all these years, that transparent blue aesthetic still feels fresh, not gimmicky.
8BitDo’s Retro 87 Keyboard in Clear Blue is more than just a nod to those days. It’s a direct homage, launched to celebrate the Nintendo 64’s 30th anniversary, and it borrows that iconic ice blue right down to its core. The attention to detail is impressive: not only is the case translucent blue, but the keycaps themselves echo the original N64’s palette—yellow arrow keys channel the C-buttons, blue and green A/B keys, and a red left Ctrl for the unmistakable Start button. Anyone who spent time clutching that controller will decode the color scheme in a heartbeat.
Engineering Meets Memory Lane: The Details Beneath the Shell
Let’s dive under the hood—because in a translucent case, you can’t help but peek.
This Clear Blue edition is built on 8BitDo’s own Cloud Gray Linear mechanical switches, co-developed with HUANO. I’ll admit, I assumed these would just be a re-skin of their other switches, but they’re actually unique to this model—not the Kailh Box Whites from their Fami or N keyboards. The keycaps are a thoughtful mix too: dye-sublimation PBT and ABS+PC double-shot, topped with a matte UV coating. That means the colors pop, the legends last, and fingerprints or glossiness aren’t a problem—a smart move for a shell that begs to be shown off.
There’s a hot-swappable PCB set up in a top mount configuration—a choice that’s more than cosmetic. This design usually delivers a softer, slightly bouncier typing experience, something I’ve come to appreciate after years of clacky, stiff boards. Sometimes, though, that softness can border on too squishy if you prefer a more tactile response, but here it feels just about right.
Lightshow and Longevity: The Modern Touches
Here’s where old school meets new tech.
The board features per-key RGB backlighting that turns the translucent shell into a glowing tribute after dark. The light show is lively, though I did find myself occasionally distracted by the sheer amount of glow—sometimes you want to game, not host a rave. Still, it’s hard to argue with how good those colors look through the case. N-key rollover is here too, so even the fastest typists (or the sloppiest combo-button mashers) won’t drop a keystroke.
Battery life is nothing to sneeze at either: 200 hours on a 2,000 mAh battery in 2.4 GHz wireless mode. That’s not a typo. I was skeptical at first—so many boards promise huge numbers, only to fall short—but this one holds up under regular use. The 2.4 GHz adapter is included in the box, which feels like a small but meaningful win.
Connectivity Without Compromise
Consistency is key when swapping between setups.
The Retro 87 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB wired modes, so switching from a desktop to a laptop (or even a tablet) is seamless. No drama, no headaches. There are even two programmable Super Buttons, finished in matching Clear Blue, which attach outside the typing area. Using 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, you can remap them for macros, media controls, or even in-game commands. I do wish the software interface was a bit less fussy—sometimes mapping felt more convoluted than it needed to be, but the potential is huge once you get the hang of it.
A Layout That Doesn’t Pick Sides
A keyboard shouldn’t force you to choose between gaming or work.
The 87-key tenkeyless layout ditches the number pad but keeps the navigation cluster—a practical move for most setups. It’s compact enough to share space with a mouse or gamepad, but still functional for productivity. At first, I missed the numpad for spreadsheets, but after a week, the tradeoff felt worth it for the extra desk space and cleaner look. The layout doesn’t lean too hard into being “just” a gaming keyboard or “just” an office tool; it lives comfortably in both worlds, which is fitting for a piece of hardware that straddles decades.
No Apologies: Wearing Nostalgia Proudly
There’s a bold honesty to this approach.
This isn’t a keyboard trying to blend in. The Clear Blue colorway is an explicit tribute, not a coy wink, to the era of see-through consoles and wild colorways. You can see the PCB and all the internal bits right through the shell, echoing the same design logic as those ‘90s consoles: if the insides look cool, why hide them? At first, I worried this might come off as too much—too self-aware, maybe even a little costume-y. But as the days went on, it just felt right. This is a keyboard for people who want their nostalgia on display.
Conclusion
The 8BitDo Retro 87 Keyboard in Clear Blue isn’t for everyone—and that’s what makes it so great. It’s a piece of functional fan service, a rare example of nostalgia executed with both reverence and practicality. It nails the “Funtastic” feeling without sacrificing modern performance. Sure, the lighting can be a bit much, and the software takes some getting used to, but those are small prices to pay for a slice of gaming history that actually works in a contemporary setup. If you grew up with the N64, this is one keyboard that doesn’t just look back—it invites you to bring those memories forward, every time you sit down to type.
FAQ
- What is the core inspiration behind the 8BitDo Retro 87 Keyboard?
The keyboard draws directly from the translucent “Funtastic” N64 era, especially the iconic ice blue variant, both in color and design accents. - What kind of switches does the Clear Blue edition use?
It features Cloud Gray Linear mechanical switches, unique to this model and co-developed with HUANO, delivering a soft yet responsive typing feel. - How long does the battery last in wireless mode?
The wireless battery life clocks in at up to 200 hours on its 2,000 mAh battery when using the included 2.4 GHz adapter. - Are the Super Buttons customizable?
Yes, the two Super Buttons can be programmed for different functions via 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2, fitting your workflow or gaming needs. - Does the keyboard support multiple devices?
Absolutely. It connects via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, or wired USB, making it easy to swap between various setups.
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