8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad vs Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard
The 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad and the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard are close alternatives. The main differences: the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad is the cheaper of the two at $45 versus $104.99; the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad is hot-swap while the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard is soldered; the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad runs wireless where the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard is wired-only.
- Lower price8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad$45 versus $104.99
- Easier to mod8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpadhot-swap sockets
- More ways to connect8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad3 connection modes versus 1
Choose the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad if
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you want to spend less ($45).
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
- you need wireless.
Choose the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard if
- you mainly want it for typing.
8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad vs Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard, spec by spec
| 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad | Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | numpad | numpad |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps | Dye-sub PBT |
| Case | n/a | n/a |
| Mount | n/a | Other (Topre electro-capacitive dome mount) |
| Backlight | n/a | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $45 (stronger spec) | $104.99 |
| Sound (stock) | Clicky, typical of Kailh Box White V2 switches. | n/a |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
2% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad; 39% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard.
Where to buy the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad
Where to buy the Realforce RT1 Numpad Keyboard
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
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