8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard vs Unicomp Classic (Model M)
The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard and the Unicomp Classic (Model M) are close alternatives. The main differences: the Unicomp Classic (Model M) is the cheaper of the two at $104 versus $120; the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard is hot-swap while the Unicomp Classic (Model M) is soldered; the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard runs wireless where the Unicomp Classic (Model M) is wired-only.
- Lower priceUnicomp Classic (Model M)$104 versus $120
- Easier to mod8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboardhot-swap sockets
- More ways to connect8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard3 connection modes versus 1
4.8344 ratings· Amazon
Choose the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
- you need wireless.
Choose the Unicomp Classic (Model M) if
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for office.
- you want to spend less ($104).
8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard vs Unicomp Classic (Model M), spec by spec
| 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard | Unicomp Classic (Model M) | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | full | full |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with NES/Famicom-themed legends | Dye-sublimated PBT |
| Case | n/a | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Gasket | Other |
| Backlight | White / none | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $120 | $104 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | Clicky and crisp, typical of Kailh Box White V2 switches. | clicky buckling spring |
| Released | 2025 | n/a |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
47% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard; 38% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Unicomp Classic (Model M).
Where to buy the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard
Where to buy the Unicomp Classic (Model M)
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