For those of us who game or type daily, a bright spot to the day can come from using the best retro keyboards we can find. There’s something melodic about listening to the keys click-clack away while typing out a thesis, a blog article, blasting your way through the battlefield, or speeding through the virtual streets in a video game. Having a retro keyboard that responds quickly to the touch is essential for seamless use. Let’s take a look at some options to consider when shopping for a retro keyboard or a retro gaming keyboard.
Retro Gaming Keyboards – Keying In on Value
Are Retro Keyboards Ergonomic?
Chances are that most people using a keyboard on a daily basis have to deal with the fatigue that comes in having their hands in less than comfortable positions for extended periods of time. To relieve the stress on the body, some typists recommend using an ergonomic keyboard to put the hands in a better position to type in by separating the keyboard into two typing zones. The best retro keyboards take this into consideration.
After learning to type on a standard QWERTY, switching to something that places the hands in a different position may prove to be cumbersome. However, some manufacturers have added some modern advances to the retro design to make it a better option than the one right at your fingertips.
The degree of a keyboard’s ergonomic feature depends on the particular brand and varies between key height and spacing. Options can vary from tilting the keyboard into a sloped position, making sure the individual keys are curved and raised, or curving the keyboard in such a way it fits the exact position hands are placed in for typing.
To Wire or Not To Wire
As it stands, most computers and laptops come with a keyboard attached or built-in, but having an external option that’s nicer to look at can prolong the life of your machine. Many keyboards come with the option to connect to the main computer via a USB cable. Newer models of retro keyboards come with a Bluetooth option as well, which is great when trying to type, mirror displays, and stream from smaller mobile devices.
How Does It Feel?
Many retro gaming keyboards come with raised keycaps to give them that standard 80s/90s feel which can deliver a quiet tapping to not disturb others or that signature sound reminiscent of the dawning digital age. Even some of the best retro keyboards offer the vintage typewriting noise which is soothing to many users. Also, take notice that many retro keyboards come with the signature typewriter rounded keycap. Even still, some of the best retro keyboards come with tactile feedback which feels wonderful when used.
Operating Systems
When shopping for a keyboard, some gaming setups require particular operating systems and the chosen keyboard should be able to connect to the necessary software. Some keyboards are able to toggle between Windows and MAC, but read through the specs to determine if it’s fully compatible with a MAC OS.
Today we are going to take a look at the following Best retro keyboards (In no particular order):
- Sades V2020 Wireless Keyboard
- NACODEX AK510 Retro RGB Mechanical Keyboard
- LOFREE Retro Wireless Keyboard
- Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth 5.0 (Artisan) - Wireless/USB Wired Vintage Backlit Leather Mechanical Keyboard for PC/Mac (MK-RETRO-L-03B-US)
- Hyperkin Hyper Clack
- Keychron K2 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
- E-Element Z-88 Vintage
- E-YOOSO K600 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 104 Key
- Ralon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with LED Backlit
- Retro Steampunk Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
The Top 10 Best Retro Keyboards
1. Sades V2020 Wireless Keyboard
- 2.4GHz Wireless Technology
- Suspension retro round key cap
- 1 Mbps High Speed Transmission
- 10 M transmission distance
- Miniature optical mouse with ergonomic design
With a distance connection of up to 28 feet, this wireless keyboard offers a vintage typewriter inspired design with raised keycaps to deliver a retro feel. Both the keyboard and the mouse switch into autosave mode to prolong the battery life and connect to PCs, laptops, smart TVs, and any other device able to support the Nano USB receiver.
The high-speed rate of return ensures smooth transmission without frame skipping which is critical to the gaming experience. There are also conveniently placed Hot Keys that allows users to toggle a variety of functions from playing music to providing a shortcut to emails.
2. NACODEX AK510 Retro RGB Mechanical Keyboard
- Cherry MX Red Switches
- 104 Anti-Ghosting
- Metal Key Puller
- Ergonomic Curve Design
- USB Wired Mechanical Keyboard
The NACODEX AK510 retro keyboard is suitable for any gaming setup with its Cherry MX red switches and 104 anti-ghosting features which make it easier to use with a responsive speed and a full-key flip function for responsive keyed commands. The function keys allow for macro editing to let them carry out complex commands which comes in handy when facing off against a gaming component. The key caps are higher and more suitable for typing as well.
3. LOFREE Retro Wireless Keyboard
- Sleek and beautiful retro design
- Gateron blue mechanical switches
- 4 Backlit settings & auto sleep model
The LOFREE Retro Wireless keyboard is a beautiful and sleek mechanical keyboard. It comes with erognomically shaped saddle keycaps which you don’t find on every keyboard around. Whether you are playing a video game, writing a blog post or finishing off that novel you’ve been working the Gateron blue mechanical switches that come standard in this keyboard will give you wonderful tactile feedback on button presses.
It’s also important to note that this keyboard has multi device capabiltiy. you can connect up to 3 different divices at the same time which includes any computer, tablet or smartphone. So no matter what you’re using this is a great keyboard!
4. Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth 5.0 (Artisan) - Wireless/USB Wired Vintage Backlit Leather Mechanical Keyboard for PC/Mac (MK-RETRO-L-03B-US)
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or Wired USB connection
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Backlit keys
- Adjustable keyboard height
This luxury retro keyboard comes with a leather or wood top plate accented with a metal alloy to give the keyboard its high-end design. The feet stands which accompany the board can be twisted to adjust the height making it easier to use. The rechargeable battery can last a year without the backlit key function before needing to be charged again and between 1 to 2 months with the backlit in use. The board is fully compatible with Windows and MAC operating systems, and also comes with replaceable key caps for each software version.
5. Hyperkin Hyper Clack
- Wired USB connectivity
- Blue LED backlight
- Cherry MX-compatible key caps
Built as a retro gaming keyboard, the color scheme and design of the Hyperkin brings a nostalgic feeling to its users with colors reminiscent of the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). While the keyboard can be plugged into both Windows and MAC systems, there are certain Mac-specific commands and hot key functions that won’t be available for MAC users. The base is lit with a soft LED that can toggle between pulsing, a constant flow, or turning it off completely. There’s also a reference card that gives users the codes to toggles quick functions of the keyboard. Keep it close by.
6. Keychron K2 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
- Connects up to three devices
- 6 degree angle with curve profiled key caps
- Illuminated backboard
This retro gaming keyboard has an impressive 50 million keystroke lifespan with a tactile responsiveness. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 72 hours of typing or a week with standard 8-hour workdays. This particular keyboard is MAC-friendly with MAC function keys. It can be used with Windows as well and comes with extra key caps for both software systems. The Bluetooth connectivity feature allows it to be used in multiple devices with an option to toggle between them seamlessly. There is also a wired USB option.
7. E-Element Z-88 Vintage
- Anti-ghosting 104 keys
- RGB backlighting
- Outemu Blue Switches
- Ergonomic design
The E-Element Z-88 was designed with functionality and gaming in mind. The RGB backlighting is programmable to the users desired lighting effect whether it be a single pulse of a single color or flashing between various hues and shades. There’s no driver necessary to program it either. The blue switches provide durability and a responsiveness necessary for gaming with a tested 50 million keystroke lifespan. Independent switches control each key and the hot keys make it easy to access multiple functions of the keyboard. The ergonomic design offers a slope to lessen the fatigue hands succumb to after hours of typing.
8. E-YOOSO K600 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 104 Key
- Preset backlit keyboard with 9 modes
- Outemu Blue Switches
- Wired USB Connectivity
The E-YOOSO K600 takes the design of an antique typewriter into consideration with its floating key and round key cap design. It’s durable with an industry average lifespan of 50 million keystrokes. When it comes to high-grade gaming, the anti-ghosting 104 keys and N-key rollover allow for fast response where multiple keys can function simultaneously. The backlit LED lights can be toggled to the user’s preference. The board can be used with several versions of the Windows operating systems and MAC OS X.
9. Ralon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with LED Backlit
- Removable key caps & metal panel
- PC gaming board compatibility
- Wired USB connectivity
- Anti-ghosting retro gaming keyboard
This gaming keyboard has a vintage typewriter steampunk design. The RGB backlit keys have 13 preset modes that can be programmed to follow six different themes while allowing the brightness and speed to be adjusted. The keys offer an audible click sound with sensitive responsiveness, tactile feedback, and a comfortable typing feeling. Its wired connectivity allows for use with Windows systems dating back to VISTA, and MAC OS X. There are 12 multifunction keys that are easy to reach and are optimal for MOBA, RTF, and CF high-grade games.
10. Retro Steampunk Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
- AULA Mechanical switches
- Multimedia knob
- Ergonomic design
- Wired USB Connectivity
This USB-wired keyboard with a hand rest and multimedia knob make it functional for office and personal use. If using it for gaming, it’s equipped with professional black switches to execute commands at a swift speed. The ergonomic design coupled with anti-ghosting features prevent hand fatigue and increase typing accuracy while letting multiple keys to be pressed and operate commands simultaneously.
The multimedia knob can adjust the volume or mute any program in use. While there are 22 lighting effects that can be accessed through the knob, the M1, M2, and M3 buttons can be programmed for a customized effect.
The aluminum- metal panel make use of nano-anode technology to prevent static and the accompanying hand rest allow for comfortable use on a daily basis.
