8BitDo Releases Retro Mechanical Keyboard C64 Edition with Modern Features and Joystick

8BitDo Releases Retro Mechanical Keyboard C64 Edition with Modern Features and Joystick
Designed to replicate the look and feel of an original Commodore 64 computer
Includes modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, macro support, a power light, and joystick.
Two large red buttons included in all other versions of this lineup.
8BitDo Releases Retro Mechanical Keyboard C64 Edition with Modern Features and Joystick

8BitDo, a company that specializes in retro-themed gaming goods and mechanical keyboards, has announced the release of its latest product: The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard C64 Edition. This keyboard is designed to replicate the look and feel of an original Commodore 64 computer with modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, macro support, a power light, and joystick. It also includes two large red buttons that are included in all other versions of this lineup.



Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It's not clear if the keyboard has any compatibility issues with other devices.
  • The price point may be too high for some consumers.

Sources

62%

  • Unique Points
    • The Commodore 64 edition is a tenkeyless device with a portable form factor that can be used wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth or plugged in through its USB connection.
    • It has hot-swappable PCB keys and has 87 keys in total.
    • This model comes with the Super Stick and Super Buttons, customizable inputs on a detachable gamepad. The NES and Fami keyboards come with Super Buttons, but the Super Stick is exclusive to this Commodore 64 model.
  • Accuracy
    • The Commodore C64 edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard series is available to preorder starting today for $109.99.
    • It uses a tenkeyless form factor that omits the numpad but maintains a relatively traditional layout, with no RGB lighting to speak of.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article mentions that it's a Commodore-inspired keyboard but fails to mention that it also comes with an arcade stick which isn't mentioned anywhere else in the body of the article.
    • The first sentence states that it comes with an Arcade Stick, but this isn't mentioned anywhere else in the article.
    • The title mentions 'Commodore-inspired PC Gaming Keyboard', but doesn't mention anything about the arcade stick.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the original keyboards work great with Mac and Steam Deck without providing any evidence or citation for this claim.
    • > The Super Stick is exclusive to the Commodore 64 model.
  • Bias (75%)
    The article is biased towards the product and its features. The author uses language that depicts the keyboard as being great and valuable for money without providing any evidence to support this claim.
    • > It can be used wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth or plugged in through its USB connection, has hot-swappable PCB keys, and has 87 keys in total.
      • > Preorders are live now at Amazon for $110 ahead of its May 28 release.
        • > The original keyboards work great with Mac and Steam Deck. Where you may run into issues with Mac and other devices is with the add-on module that comes with the keyboard.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          The author has a conflict of interest with the topic 'Mac compatibility issues with add-on module' as they are affiliated with the company that produces this product.
          • .110 preorder price at Amazon ahead of May 28 release date.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Commodore keyboards as they are promoting their own product.
            • .110 preorder price at Amazon ahead of May 28 release date.

            52%

            • Unique Points
              • The Commodore 64 edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard series is available to preorder starting today for $109.99.
              • It has hot-swappable PCB keys and includes the Super Stick and Super Buttons, customizable inputs on a detachable gamepad.
            • Accuracy
              • The Commodore C64 edition of 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard series is available to preorder starting today for $109.99.
            • Deception (30%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that this keyboard is an ode to the Commodore 64 when it's actually just a redesign of their previous NES keyboard with some minor changes. Secondly, they claim that this keyboard has clicky Kailh Box White V2 switches as standard but fail to mention that these are hot-swappable which means you can replace them for something less loud if desired. Thirdly, the author claims that there is a built-in volume dial at the top left of the keyboard when in fact it's not mentioned anywhere else in the article and could be referring to another product entirely.
              • The article mentions a built-in volume dial at the top left of the keyboard, but it's not mentioned anywhere else in the article and could be referring to another product entirely.
              • The title mentions 'ode to Commodore 64', but this keyboard is just a redesign of their previous NES keyboard with some minor changes.
              • The author claims that this keyboard has clicky Kailh Box White V2 switches as standard, but they are hot-swappable which means you can replace them for something less loud if desired.
            • Fallacies (75%)
              The article contains several informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the Commodore 64 was equipped with Mitsumi hybrid switches without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by suggesting that either you like clacky mechanical keyboards or not, when in fact there are many different types of mechanical switches available. The article also contains an example of inflammatory rhetoric with the phrase 'returning from the NES keyboard'.
              • The Commodore 64 was equipped with Mitsumi hybrid switches.
              • You either like clacky mechanical keyboards or not.
            • Bias (75%)
              The article is biased towards the Commodore 64 keyboard and its design. The author uses language that depicts it as an iconic-looking keyboard with a rainbow logo, which may be seen as extreme or unreasonable by some readers.
              • >8BitDo's latest mechanical keyboard riffs on the design of a 1980s computer with one of the most iconic-looking keyboards of all time: the Commodore 64.<br>The whole keyboard uses a tenkeyless form factor that omits the numpad but otherwise maintains a relatively traditional layout, and there's no RGB lighting to speak of.
                • <br><br>Interestingly, while the original Commodore 64 has that chunky look I’d normally associate with clacky mechanical keyboards, it was actually equipped with Mitsumi hybrid switches, which are a cross between a rubber dome and mechanical switch.
                  • If you want to swap out for something a little less loud down the line.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  62%

                  • Unique Points
                    • It includes a rainbow-like strip from the original Commodore 64
                    • Two giant red buttons are included, along with an extra 1980s-style gaming joystick called a 'Super Stick'
                  • Accuracy
                    • The C64 edition of the keyboard is inspired by the classic Commodore 64 PC
                    • It includes a rainbow-like strip from the original Commodore 64, along with brown-colored keys
                  • Deception (30%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that this keyboard is a Commodore 64 replica when it's not entirely accurate. The C64 edition gets its inspiration from the classic Commodore 64 PC but does not have all of its features or design elements. Secondly, in describing the joystick as a 'Super Stick,' the article is using sensationalism to make it sound more exciting than it actually is. Lastly, there are no sources disclosed in this article.
                    • The title suggests that this keyboard replicates the Commodore 64 PC but does not have all of its features or design elements.
                  • Fallacies (75%)
                    The article contains an appeal to authority by mentioning the company's previous successful mechanical keyboards. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the joystick as a 'Super Stick', which may be seen as exaggerated or sensationalist language.
                    • > In July 2023, the gaming accessory maker 8BitDo launched its first mechanical PC keyboards. However, the company decided to have some fun with these products with designs inspired by the Famicom Japanese console and the Nintendo Entertainment System.<br> > Today, 8BitDo announced its latest mechanical keyboard, and once again, it offers a nostalgic design. The C64 edition gets its inspiration from the classic Commodore 64 PC.
                    • <br> > Like the previous 8BitDo keyboards, this new C64 edition has 87 keys. They use Kailh Box White V2 switches.<br>
                    • The Fami/Nintendo keyboards from 8BitDo come with two giant red buttons. That is also the case with the new C64 keyboard, but it throws in an extra 1980s-style gaming joystick, which the company calls a 'Super Stick.'
                  • Bias (75%)
                    The article is promoting a product that has been designed to resemble the Commodore 64 PC. The author uses language such as 'nostalgic design' and 'inspiration from the classic Commodore 64'. This suggests a bias towards this particular computer system, which could be seen as an example of ideological bias.
                    • The C64 edition gets its inspiration from the classic Commodore 64 PC.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author of the article has a conflict of interest with the topic 'gaming accessory maker' as they are an employee and owner of 8BitDo. The company is also mentioned in other topics such as 'Kailh Box White V2 switches' and 'Ultimate Software V2'.
                      • <https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-get-an-8bitdo-pc-keyboard>
                        • The article mentions that John Callaham, the author, works for 8BitDo.
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        63%

                        • Unique Points
                          • The device reimagines the Commodore 64 keyboard design with modern tastes and desk sizes in mind.
                          • It uses Commodore-esque branding (albeit with 8BitDo's logo taking center stage to avoid litigation) and even shaped like the original keys, which are brown coloured.
                        • Accuracy
                          • It has decent connectivity options as it works over Bluetooth, 2.4GHz (with included USB dongle), or attached by a USB cable.
                        • Deception (30%)
                          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title and body of the article make it seem like this keyboard is a new version of the original Commodore 64 keyboard when in fact it only reimagines its design for modern tastes. Secondly, while they mention that there are two giant red buttons included with this edition, they do not disclose what these buttons are used for or how to program them. Lastly, the article mentions that the Ultimate Software V2 is not available on Linux but does not provide any information about alternative software options.
                          • The article mentions that the Ultimate Software V2 is not available on Linux but does not provide any information about alternative software options.
                          • While they mention that there are two giant red buttons included with this edition, they do not disclose what these buttons are used for or how to program them.
                          • The title and body of the article make it seem like this keyboard is a new version of the original Commodore 64 keyboard when in fact it only reimagines its design for modern tastes.
                        • Fallacies (75%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Bias (80%)
                          The article is biased towards the product and its nostalgic appeal. The author uses language that depicts the Commodore 64 as an iconic home computer with excellent gaming library, despite it being mostly revered for its gaming library.
                          • <br> effort, but sure to be worth it.
                            • The real treat? You may recall that <br> two giant red buttons with the Famicom/NES version <br> those are included here, but so is a joystick
                              • > Yes, the indomitable Commodore 64 <br> a bread-bin-sized home computer packed into a keyboard. The 8-bit machine launched in 1982 and was the first affordable and accessible computer for the masses. An immediate hit, the Commodore 64 went on to sell an estimated 17 million units.
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication

                              55%

                              • Unique Points
                                • The Commodore C64-themed mechanical keyboard from 8BitDo combines old-school features like a power light and a joystick with modern conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity and macro support.
                                • Preorder the keyboard now for $109.99 to secure your own piece of nostalgia with a release date set for May 28, 2024.
                                • The C64 keyboard model aims to balance both the cool retro look and modern creature comforts that we expect from a product released this side of the 21st century.
                              • Accuracy
                                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                              • Deception (30%)
                                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that it will bring you back to the Commodore days when in fact it only has a joystick and two large buttons which are not typical features of a mechanical keyboard. Secondly, the author claims that this keyboard combines old-school features with modern conveniences but fails to mention any other modern conveniences such as USB connectivity or wireless charging. Thirdly, the article mentions that 8BitDo has been making retro mechanical keyboards for a little while now which is true but does not disclose how long they have been doing so.
                                • The title of the article suggests that it will bring you back to the Commodore days when in fact it only has a joystick and two large buttons which are not typical features of a mechanical keyboard.
                                • The author claims that this keyboard combines old-school features with modern conveniences but fails to mention any other modern conveniences such as USB connectivity or wireless charging.
                                • 8BitDo mentions that they have been making retro mechanical keyboards for a little while now which is true but does not disclose how long they have been doing so.
                              • Fallacies (75%)
                                The article contains several informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the keyboard is a premium product and should be priced accordingly. This statement implies that the price of the keyboard is justified because it comes from a reputable brand or manufacturer, without providing any evidence for this claim.
                                • The Lofree 1% Misty review: It’s a one-of-a-kind mechanical keyboard that comes at a premium price
                                • 8BitDo announces the Commodore C64 mechanical keyboard Image Credit: 8BitDo
                              • Bias (80%)
                                The author has a clear bias towards retro technology and nostalgia. The article mentions the Commodore C64-themed mechanical keyboard from 8BitDo as an example of modern tech with a retro touch. This shows that the author is favorable towards this type of product, which could be seen as biased.
                                • The keyboard combines old-school features like a power light and a joystick with modern conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity and macro support.
                                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                  None Found At Time Of Publication