8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard vs Epomaker Shadow-X
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard and the Epomaker Shadow-X are close alternatives. The main differences: the Epomaker Shadow-X is the cheaper of the two at $80 versus $90; the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a TKL layout and the Epomaker Shadow-X is a numpadless-other; stock, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard sounds loud and clicky and the Epomaker Shadow-X muted, poppy.
- Lower priceEpomaker Shadow-X$80 versus $90
- Bigger batteryEpomaker Shadow-X3000 mAh versus 2000 mAh
4.82,500 ratings· Amazon
Choose the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard if
- you mainly want it for typing.
Choose the Epomaker Shadow-X if
- you want to spend less ($80).
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard vs Epomaker Shadow-X, spec by spec
| 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard | Epomaker Shadow-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | numpadless-other |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | dye-sub PBT, MDA-like profile | PBT double-shot |
| Case | n/a | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Top | Gasket |
| Backlight | White / none | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | 2000 mAh | 3000 mAh (stronger spec) |
| Typical price | $90 | $80 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | loud and clicky | muted, poppy |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
26% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard; 18% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Epomaker Shadow-X.
7% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard; 19% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Epomaker Shadow-X.
Where to buy the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Where to buy the Epomaker Shadow-X
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