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To connect an 8BitDo keyboard or Retro R8 mouse, first confirm the exact model, then choose USB, the included 2.4G receiver, or Bluetooth where available. The key Xbox caveat: 8BitDo explicitly says the Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard does not work with Xbox consoles. Its Xbox button is for Windows Game Bar, and the official compatibility information names Windows and Android—not Xbox—for the keyboard.
Before connecting: identify the model and the host
The steps below cover the Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard, Retro R8 Mouse, and, briefly, the full-layout Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard. Do not assume another 8BitDo keyboard or mouse uses the same controls or supports the same devices; check the exact model’s manual.
For the Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard, 8BitDo lists Windows 10 (1903 or later) and Android 9.0 or later. Its manual describes hosts with Bluetooth LE or USB. Those specifications do not establish compatibility with every computer, phone, tablet, console, or other USB/Bluetooth device. See the official Retro 87 product page and Retro 87 manual.
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#1 Best Overall
- Inspired by the classics. Compatible with Windows 10(1903) or above, and Android 9.0 or above.
- 87-key layout. Kailh Box Switch V2 White. Dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Top mount style. Hot-swappable PCB. Support n-key rollover.
- Dual Super Buttons - offer large, programmable keys. Map anything to the Super Buttons instantly without using software.
- Classic power status LED, with independent control panel.
Set up the Retro 87 keyboard
Connect by USB
- Move the keyboard’s mode switch to OFF.
- Connect the keyboard to the host’s USB port.
- Wait for the host to recognize it, then type.
Connect with the 2.4G receiver
- Set the mode switch to 2.4.
- Insert the included 2.4G adapter into a USB port on the host.
- Wait for the connection indicator to stay solid for about eight seconds and then turn off; the manual identifies this as successful connection.
If the keyboard and receiver need to be paired again, set the switch to 2.4 and hold Pair for three seconds, until the indicator blinks rapidly. Then connect the receiver. A solid indicator for about eight seconds followed by lights-off indicates success.
Connect by Bluetooth
- Set the mode switch to BT.
- Hold Pair for three seconds, until the connection indicator blinks rapidly.
- Open the host’s Bluetooth device list, select the keyboard, and complete pairing as prompted.
The keyboard connects to one Bluetooth device at a time. To use a different host, pair it with that host again.
Rank #2
- Inspired by the Classics. A seamless match for your Retro Keyboard.
- Built with PAW 3395 Sensor.
- Charging dock as signal extension.
- Kailh Sword GM X Micro Switches - Engineered for up to 100 million clicks.
- Customizable control - Programmable buttons, left/right-hand mode switching, DPI adjustment with 6 levels, and polling rate adjustment via Ultimate Software V2.
Set up the Retro R8 Mouse
The R8 manual lists Windows 10 (1903 or later) and Android 9.0 or later, with Bluetooth LE or USB hosts. It also describes wired, 2.4G, and Bluetooth connections. Use the official Retro R8 manual for its Bluetooth pairing controls; they are not necessarily the same as the keyboard’s.
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- Set the mouse’s mode switch to OFF.
- Connect the mouse to the host’s USB port.
- Wait for the host to recognize it.
Connect with the 2.4G receiver
- Set the mouse’s mode switch to 2.4G.
- Insert the receiver into a USB port on the host.
- Wait for the status indicator to stay solid for about six seconds and then turn off, indicating a connection.
Connect by Bluetooth
Use the Bluetooth pairing procedure in the R8 manual for the exact button controls and host-side steps. Do not copy the keyboard’s Pair-button sequence unless the mouse manual specifies it.
Rank #3
- 8BITDO RETRO 87-KEY WIRELESS RGB MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD - XBOX EDITION
Does an 8BitDo keyboard or mouse work on Xbox?
Retro 87 Xbox Edition keyboard
No. The product’s “Xbox Edition” name does not mean the keyboard connects to Xbox consoles. 8BitDo’s Retro 87 support FAQ answers “Can I use it on the XBOX consoles?” with “No.” The company describes the keyboard as designed with Xbox, while its listed compatible systems are Windows and Android. On a PC, the integrated Xbox button activates Windows Game Bar with Win+G; that is not Xbox-console support.
Retro R8 Mouse
The R8 manual reviewed here specifies Windows and Android system requirements but does not establish Xbox-console support. Do not infer console compatibility from “Xbox Edition” in the mouse’s name. Check 8BitDo’s current documentation for the specific console and use case before relying on it.
Rank #4
- Inspired by the classics. Compatible with Windows 10(1903) or above, and Android 9.0 or above.
- 108-key full layout. Integrated numpad and function key shortcuts.
- Kailh Box White Switches V2. Dye-sub PBT keycaps. Top mount style. Hot-swappable PCB. Support n-key rollover.
- Dye-sublimation PBT keycaps with MDA-like height.
- Fast-mapping on programmable buttons (no software needed).
Use 8BitDo software and resolve common issues
Choose software for the exact product
8BitDo’s Ultimate Software page says V2 is the latest version for most new devices and advises choosing software by product model. Its desktop software listing includes the Retro 87 Xbox keyboard and Retro R8 Xbox mouse. For R8 configuration, connect by USB or 2.4G: the R8 FAQ says Ultimate Software V2 cannot configure the mouse over Bluetooth.
The same FAQ lists Bluetooth polling at 125 Hz and other modes at a 500 Hz default, adjustable in the software. It cautions that rates above 2000 Hz may increase battery use and system load. These are manufacturer-provided settings and cautions, not independent performance measurements.
Best Value
- Product 1: Inspired by the classics. Compatible with Windows 10(1903) or above, and Android 9.0 or above.
- Product 1: Connnect via Bluetooth, wireless 2.4G, or wired.
- Product 1: 87-key layout. Kailh Box Switch V2 White. Dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Product 1: Top mount style. Hot-swappable PCB. Support n-key rollover.
- Product 2: Nes design style
Fix Retro 87 lighting control on Windows 11
If the Retro 87 Xbox keyboard’s lighting behaves incorrectly on Windows 11, 8BitDo’s support FAQ recommends setting the lighting control mode to 8BitDo RGB in Ultimate Software V2 and disabling Windows Dynamic Lighting’s control options. Do not install that keyboard’s firmware on a different keyboard: the FAQ says it is not compatible with other keyboards.
What about the Retro 108 keyboard?
The Retro 108 is 8BitDo’s full-layout option. Its official product page lists Windows 10 (1903 or later) and Android 9.0 or later, and Bluetooth Low Energy, 2.4G wireless, and wired USB connections. Use its own manual for exact switch positions and pairing controls rather than assuming the Retro 87 procedure applies.
Quick Recap
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