8BitDo’s Aluminum Tribute Keyboard Revives the Apple II for Its 50th Anniversary

This year marks Apple’s 50th anniversary, and 8BitDo has come out swinging with the 8Bitdo Retro 68 Keyboard – AP50th Limited Edition, a $499.99 keyboard that returns to the original machine that started everything. The design is a direct homage to the original Apple II, with beige and brown hues covering every inch of it, derived from the same color palette that characterized personal computing in 1977. Those tones may be found on the cover, keycaps, and two wireless buttons buried away in the box.

8Bitdo constructed the entire keyboard, including every individual keycaps and buttons, out of solid aluminum. For the time being, the result appears to be a rebirth of classic gear. When you pick it up, it’s a big chunk, weighing over four and a half pounds, and you can’t help but assume it was built to last. Kailh linear switches are mounted beneath the keycaps on a board that allows them to be inserted and removed as needed, with a gasket design to keep them secure. The feel is smooth and quiet, with just the proper amount of feedback to keep you going for hours, whether you’re typing or playing around in a game.

You have three alternatives for staying connected. You may connect it to a laptop or tablet via Bluetooth, or just plug in a 2.4 GHz adaptor for your desktop. If you want to play it safe, there’s always the good old USB cable. The 6500 milliamp-hour battery lasts 300 hours between charges, so you’re unlikely to use it, but it’s nice to have.


The volume control is a dedicated knob in the right upper corner that may be turned up or down on the fly. There are two extremely useful wireless buttons nearby; simply press them down to set up a shortcut, and you’ll be done in no time. For the super-enthusiasts out there, 8Bitdo has a free software that allows you to build your own routines or customize the lighting effects.


In the box, you’ll discover a protective pouch including the USB cable, wifi adapter, instruction manual, and a very attractive collector certificate proving you’re one of the lucky few who received one of these limited editions. Pre-orders have now opened at $500, and it will be available in June. Don’t be shocked if they run out quickly; there won’t be many to go around.


Anyone who still has an old Apple II or simply enjoys the history of home computing will find much to admire here. And for writers who prefer the feel of a sturdy keyboard but desire the ease of wifi, this could be the perfect complement. When most switches these days are made into the tiniest plastic boards imaginable, 8Bitdo created something quite different: something heavier, rarer, and far more memorable. This keyboard does more than just type words; it softly reminds you that the concept of the personal computer originated all those years ago.