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For messaging on an Xbox console, choose a controller-mounted Xbox Chatpad—provided you can find one confirmed for your controller. It was designed to keep a backlit keypad, headset controls and thumb-accessible keys attached to the gamepad. The 8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition is a conventional 87-key mechanical keyboard whose official compatibility list names Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) and Android 9.0 or later, not Xbox consoles. That makes it the more versatile desk keyboard, but not a console-messaging purchase you should make on Xbox branding alone.
Quick verdict
| Question | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I want to reply from the couch without putting down my controller. | Xbox Chatpad | It attaches to the controller and places a backlit keypad and headset controls at your fingertips. |
| I play on a Windows PC and want a normal mechanical keyboard. | 8BitDo Retro 87 | It has a conventional 87-key layout, programmable buttons and three connection methods. |
| I want a keyboard that the official specifications explicitly list for Xbox consoles. | Neither is confirmed by the supplied specifications | The 8BitDo page lists Windows and Android; the Chatpad’s Xbox compatibility statement dates from its 2015 launch and does not establish support for every later Xbox device. |
| I need the lowest historically announced price. | Chatpad, historically | Xbox announced an expected US price of $34.99 in 2015. That is not a current market quote. |
The compatibility issue that decides this comparison
The 8BitDo Retro 87 carries Xbox-related branding, but its official product specification is the controlling evidence for supported systems. It lists Windows 10 (1903 and above) and Android 9.0 and above. Xbox consoles are not listed. Therefore, you should not assume that pairing it with an Xbox console will provide text entry merely because the keyboard is sold as an Xbox Edition.
That distinction matters more than the switch type or the number of keys. A Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz connection can be technically available while the console still does not accept the device for messaging, or while a particular game ignores keyboard input. Xbox console support must be confirmed for your exact console, firmware, connection mode and intended app before buying.
The Xbox One Chatpad has the opposite evidence profile. In its August 5, 2015 announcement, Xbox described it as plugging into the Xbox One wireless controller, with a backlit keypad and headset audio controls at the player’s fingertips. The announcement said it was compatible with all Xbox One controllers and worked with Xbox One and Windows 10. Those statements describe the product at launch; they are not a current guarantee of stock, support on every newer Xbox device, or compatibility with every controller revision.
#1 Best Overall
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- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
If you own a later-generation Xbox console or a third-party controller, treat compatibility as an open question. Check the accessory listing and your controller model before relying on a Chatpad for a time-sensitive communication setup.
What each device is built to do
8BitDo Retro 87 Xbox Edition
The Retro 87 is a desktop keyboard with 87 mechanical keys. Its layout is intended for ordinary computer typing rather than for a keypad mounted behind a controller. The specification lists programmable Dual Super Buttons, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless and wired USB connectivity. That combination makes it suitable for a desk, a laptop, an Android device or a multi-device setup where the operating system supports it.
The product family also includes a Forest Wonder version described by Xbox in a September 2026 Designed for Xbox article as available with a control panel, RGB backlight, programmable super buttons and Kailh tactile switches. Those feature descriptions identify the version’s hardware; they do not add Xbox-console compatibility to the official operating-system list.
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The Chatpad is an accessory for an Xbox One controller, not a standalone full-size keyboard. The controller remains in your hands while the keypad sits in the center of the gamepad. Xbox positioned it for typing to friends and entering codes, and the announced package included a chat/mono headset. Its backlight is useful in a dim living room, while integrated headset controls avoid reaching for a separate audio control.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Its layout is necessarily compact. You gain immediate thumb access and lose the spacing, number-row reach and key travel of a desktop keyboard. That trade-off is deliberate: the Chatpad is optimized for short console messages while you continue holding the controller.
Feature and form-factor comparison
| Characteristic | 8BitDo Retro 87 | Xbox One Chatpad |
|---|---|---|
| Primary form | 87-key mechanical desktop keyboard | Keypad that attaches to an Xbox One wireless controller |
| Officially stated systems | Windows 10 version 1903 or later; Android 9.0 or later | At the 2015 announcement: all Xbox One controllers, Xbox One and Windows 10 |
| Connection or attachment | Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless or wired USB | Direct controller attachment |
| Messaging position | Placed on a desk or other surface | Held with the controller for couch use |
| Special controls | Programmable Dual Super Buttons; some versions add a control panel and RGB lighting | Backlit keys, headset audio controls and two programmable keys |
| Typing style | Conventional mechanical-keyboard typing | Compact, thumb-oriented controller typing |
| Documented price evidence | $119.99 US and £99.99 UK retail; an $89.99 US sale was reported in an October 2026 Windows Central review | $34.99 expected US price announced in 2015 |
The table separates documented specifications from practical inferences. A full-size layout is naturally easier to use at a desk, while a controller-mounted keypad is naturally easier to reach without setting down the gamepad. No controlled, side-by-side typing-speed or comfort test establishes that one is universally faster.
Typing comfort: desk accuracy versus thumb access
Why the 8BitDo can feel better at a desk
An 87-key layout preserves familiar letter placement, punctuation keys and modifier positions. If you already type on a mechanical keyboard, you can use the same muscle memory for longer messages, search fields, party names and account credentials. The keyboard can remain in a comfortable position while the controller sits nearby.
Mechanical switches, key spacing and a stable desktop position can reduce the awkwardness of composing a paragraph. Those benefits matter for PC gaming, streaming-chat replies and any task that involves more than a short response. They do not prove a particular typing speed, because speed depends on the typist, switch preference, posture, software and connection.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why the Chatpad can feel better on a sofa
The Chatpad keeps the keys at your fingertips while both hands stay on the controller. Xbox’s launch description emphasized that placement, and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Chatpad manual described the earlier keypad as optimized for fast, thumbs-only typing. The Xbox 360 manual concerns a separate older product, but it explains the design goal shared by controller-mounted chatpads.
Thumb entry is convenient for a sentence, code or quick party reply. It is less suitable when you need to compose a long message, enter many symbols or switch repeatedly between text and game controls. The compact arrangement also requires learning the accessory’s key positions rather than relying on a standard desktop reach.
Choose by where you play
Xbox console in the living room
Start with compatibility, not price. If a current listing and your controller model confirm Chatpad support, its attached form is the purpose-built option for messaging while playing. You can keep the controller in hand, use the backlight in a dark room and operate the headset controls without moving to a desk.
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Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Windows PC
The 8BitDo is the better fit when the computer is the primary destination. Its Windows 10 (1903+) listing, conventional layout and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and USB options give you more placement flexibility than a controller accessory. You can use it for game chat, ordinary desktop work and other text entry without adapting to a thumb keypad.
A Chatpad can also have historical Windows 10 support, but its compact controller-dependent design makes less sense as your only PC keyboard unless you specifically want to type while holding an Xbox controller.
Android device
The 8BitDo specification lists Android 9.0 and above, making it the only device in this comparison with an explicit Android requirement in the supplied product information. Confirm your phone or tablet’s Bluetooth behavior and keyboard-layout settings before relying on it for a particular app.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsXbox One versus newer Xbox hardware
The Chatpad’s compatibility statement was made for Xbox One in 2015. It should not be silently generalized to every subsequent console generation, controller, accessory port or operating-system update. Current stock and newer-console compatibility were not established here, so verify both before purchase.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Prices and availability: read the dates attached to each number
Windows Central’s October 2026 review reported a US retail price of $119.99 and a UK retail price of £99.99 for the 8BitDo Retro 87, along with an $89.99 Amazon US sale price at the time of writing. A sale price is temporary, and retailer prices can change by region, stock and date.
Xbox announced an expected US price of $34.99 for the Chatpad in 2015. That figure is a historical launch announcement, not evidence of what a used, old-stock or current listing costs now. Chatpad availability, condition and included accessories may vary substantially, so inspect the listing for the keypad, controller fit and headset contents rather than using the old price as a budget target.
How to decide in five questions
- Where will you type? Choose the Chatpad for controller-in-hand console use; choose the 8BitDo for a desk-based PC or Android setup.
- Is your exact Xbox setup confirmed? Require a current compatibility statement for the console, controller and game or app. The 8BitDo’s official list does not provide that confirmation.
- How long are your messages? Short replies favor the Chatpad’s thumb access. Long messages, credentials and frequent editing favor a conventional keyboard.
- Do you need headset controls? The Chatpad announcement specifically included headset audio controls. The 8BitDo specification describes keyboard connections and programmable buttons, not integrated Xbox headset control.
- Will you use it away from Xbox? Windows and Android support, plus three connection modes, make the 8BitDo more reusable outside a console. A Chatpad’s value is concentrated in its controller-mounted use.
Setup and verification
Before buying a Chatpad
- Identify the exact Xbox controller model and console generation.
- Read the current listing for explicit compatibility rather than relying on the word “Xbox” in the title.
- Confirm whether the package includes the headset and any required adapter or connector.
- Check return terms in case the keypad is not recognized by your console or controller.
Before buying the 8BitDo
- Match your computer or Android device to the listed requirements: Windows 10 version 1903 or later, or Android 9.0 or later.
- If your goal is Xbox-console messaging, obtain confirmation for that exact console and connection method from the seller or platform documentation before ordering.
- Choose Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz or USB according to your device’s available ports and wireless requirements.
- Allow for a separate desk or lap surface; the 87-key board is not shaped to attach to a controller.
If a keyboard is not entering text
- Test the keyboard in the device’s ordinary text field, not only inside one game.
- Confirm that it is connected through the intended mode and that its battery or USB connection is working.
- Check whether the app accepts hardware-keyboard input; a device can be connected while a game restricts chat entry.
- On Xbox, remove the assumption that Xbox branding equals console support and recheck the accessory’s stated compatibility.
Do not confuse the Xbox 360 Chatpad with the Xbox One model
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Chatpad manual describes an accessory that attaches to a wired or wireless Xbox 360 controller for text messaging and other text entry. It calls that keypad optimized for fast, thumbs-only typing. This is a separate older product and should not be used as proof that an Xbox 360 accessory fits an Xbox One controller or a current Xbox console.
Bottom line for common buyers
- Console-first, couch-first buyer: Select a Chatpad if a current listing confirms it fits your controller and works with your console. Its physical design directly addresses the messaging problem.
- PC gamer or multi-device user: Select the 8BitDo Retro 87 for the familiar 87-key layout, programmable controls and Windows/Android versatility.
- Buyer attracted by Xbox styling: Treat the 8BitDo’s branding as styling and product positioning, not as proof of Xbox-console messaging support.
- Buyer comparing prices: Use the 8BitDo figures as an October 2026 snapshot and the Chatpad figure as a 2015 launch price only; neither is a guaranteed price today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assume the 8BitDo Retro 87 works with my Xbox because it is the Xbox Edition?
No. Its official specification lists Windows 10 version 1903 or later and Android 9.0 or later, but does not list Xbox consoles. Verify support for your exact console and connection method before buying.
Is a Chatpad faster than the 8BitDo?
There is no controlled side-by-side typing-speed result in the available evidence. The Chatpad is optimized for thumb access, while the 8BitDo uses a conventional 87-key layout; which feels faster depends on the task and typist.
Does the Xbox One Chatpad work with every newer Xbox console?
That is not established. Xbox’s compatibility statement dates from the 2015 Xbox One launch announcement. Check current compatibility for your console and controller.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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