If you're going to spend over $100 on a keyboard that looks like it came straight out of the 80s, you're probably looking at a retro mechanical keyboard. And while these devices may seem "vintage" at first glance, they're capable of what no modern membrane keyboards can do.

I've always been on the side of technology. But I won't say that vintage touches in my space didn't appeal to me. In my opinion, modern, minimalist designs lose personality. Everyone creates something flat and unexpressive, with neutral colors, and tries to compensate for the lack of charm with stuffing.

And that's why, when you want to "liven up" your desktop setup, or separate it from "trendy" trends, the first thing you should look at when updating it is a retro mechanical keyboard. These stylish accessories are becoming true icons of the modern desktop, combining the aesthetics of the past with cutting-edge technologies of today.

Inspired by gaming consoles of the 80s and 90s, especially Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with its instantly recognizable white-grey-red color palette, signature key shapes, and even a red power LED like the original 80s consoles. The case of the retro keyboard is made of rugged ABS plastic with a matte finish. It's not only copying the appearance - it's delivering the whole retro gaming experience, so it's a true icon among old-school players and retro tech fans.

• Switches: Kailh Box White V2 (clicky, 50g)
• Hot-swappable switches
• Size: Full-size (108 keys with numeric pad)
• Keycaps: PBT with retro font
• Plate: Aluminum build
• Backlighting: None (true retro look)
• Triple Connection: Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB-C
• Battery life: up to 200 hours

Ideal for clicky switch typing. Ideal for retro gaming, emulators, work, and creative software. Full 108-key layout with numeric keypad, hence universal for any usage. It can be connected to three devices simultaneously with rapid switching. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.

Under $120, available from the official store and major retailers. Best Quality/price ratio for high-end retro line with unique functions not found elsewhere.

This keyboard has achieved cult status, not only thanks to the combination of the nostalgic look of the NES with modern technology in reality. In addition, it has two giant programmable keys for macros, streaming, or gaming. Which no other company offers in this form.

8BitDo has been well-received by fans of games, especially retro ones (just look at the C64 edition keyboard), since the first release of its game controller in 2013. There are many additional accessories on the manufacturer's website (Super Stick, Super ABXY). That is, the desire to bring gaming capabilities to more fans is the main thing.

The idea of ​​​​bringing the latest technologies to classic devices is not new, but 8BitDo has outgrown all manufacturers in this. The spectrum of retro peripherals is not limited to gamepads and retro mechanical keyboards. A key element of their strategy has become all kinds of adapters - they allow you to use modern controllers on retro consoles and vice versa, creating a unique bridge between gaming eras.

Available in three color solutions, this is one of the most elegant keyboards. It has a classic look from childhood, and at the same time, a slim design for our time.  The Air75 V2 wireless mechanical keyboard has a high-quality aluminum frame. When you flip it over, you will see a translucent design on the bottom of the case, which allows you to clearly see the internal structure and complements the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. For maximum comfort of use, two adjustable stands have been added to the bottom.

Unlike many retro keyboards, the Air75 V2 has a backlight. It is important to note that the keys themselves are not backlit, following the classic canons. Additionally, two RGB strips on the sides of the aluminum frame perform a functional role: the left one shows the Caps Lock status and connection mode, and the right one shows the battery level and system mode.

• Layout: 75% compact format with full functionality
• Switches: Hot-swappable low-profile Gateron Brown - a subtle tactile bump without the loud click.
• Thickness: Only 21mm slim profile
• Weight: Approximately 500 grams
• Connection: Triple connectivity - Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4GHz / USB-C
• Up to 220 hours without backlighting (from 35 to 57 hours with backlight fully on). Li-Ion battery type.
• Materials: Aluminum and ABS plastic construction

Small at first glance, the 75% layout provides all required keys, including arrows and function row, but takes significantly less space on the desk than full-size models. Built-in feet allow simple angle adjustment, and tough construction ensures longevity even with frequent carrying. Authentic portability assures applicability for both stationary and mobile usage. Add to this cocktail its versatility of being compatible with a variety of PC on Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Premium positioning in the portable mechanical keyboard segment for $120+. Available through NuPhy's official store and major retailers.

The NuPhy Air75 V2 has built-in QMK/VIA support, making it one of the most customizable keyboards on the market. QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) is a powerful open-source firmware that allows you to fine-tune each key, create multiple layers (to access additional features), assign macros, and control the backlight. VIA, in turn, is an intuitive graphical configurator that works with QMK-compatible keyboards. It allows you to instantly change keyboard settings without the need for coding or flashing, saving all your personal configurations directly to the keyboard's memory. This means you can easily adapt the NuPhy Air75 V2 to your needs, whether for work, gaming, or everyday use.

The NuPhy Air75 V2 stands out in the low-profile category. Its secret lies in the combination of appearance, comfort, and special details. This keyboard attracts attention with its compactness and translucent bottom, which allows you to see its "insides". But the most important thing is the colors of some of the keys. They send me back to my old keyboards from the 90s: the space bar and Enter were the same color on the No Name gaming keyboards of that time. And the color of the Escape key on the Air75 V2 is exactly the same as the old PS/2 mouse connectors that we, teenagers, remembered well when we were building computers. These visual elements make it not just a keyboard, but a piece of the past.

Keychron pioneered wireless magnetic keyboard technology. But there is more where that came from. Their Keychron K2 HE mechanical keyboard is a retro design that combines old school with new school simplicity. Its mini 75% layout is tidy on the workspace and still retains all the key functionality, and the keyboard is available in standard and special versions. The special models have elegant aluminum cases with natural rosewood trim—light wood for white and dark wood for black—giving the keyboard a retro yet premium look. The double-shot PBT keycaps (OSA non-shine-through profile as standard, with Cherry profile available separately) are shine- and fade-resistant, making the keyboard retain its fresh look for many years. Customization options, such as laser-engraved text on the wooden sides, add a touch of personalization

• Switches: Gateron double-rail magnetic (Hall Effect) switches with pre-lubing for smooth, stable keystrokes
• Actuation: Adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm with 0.1 mm precision
• Rapid Trigger: Enables instant key reset for fast repeated actions
• Connectivity: Wired (USB Type-C), 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.2 (multi-device support)
• Battery: 4000 mAh, up to 110 hours of use without backlight
• Backlight: North-facing RGB with 22+ customizable modes
• Build: Aluminum frame (with or without wood), ABS plastic bottom
• Keycaps: Double-shot PBT, shine-through (standard) or opaque (special)
• Weight: ~900 g
• Polling Rate: 1000 Hz (wired/2.4 GHz), 125 Hz (Bluetooth)
• Compatibility: Mac and Windows, with dedicated keycaps and system toggle.

The Keychron K2 HE combines the best of both worlds. It looks and feels like a classic mechanical keyboard. But inside, it uses cutting-edge magnetic switch technology. That means you get a solid, long-lasting build quality with a smooth, tactile typing experience.

The Keychron K2 HE earned its place on your desk because it solves a real problem. Most keyboards are either for gaming or work, but this keyboard is great for both. Its compact design will fit into any workspace, and the wood and aluminum body look like an artifact from Fallout.

Magnetic switches provide a level of control that traditional keyboards simply can’t match. This isn’t just another keyboard— it’s a tool that adapts to what you need to do. In a few words, what makes it iconic: it’s a keyboard that does it all well.

CIDOO V87 nails the "modern vintage" look perfectly by mixing old-school mechanical keyboard looks with super-clean, minimalist design. The TKL design is small and space-efficient, but still conveys that awesome workstation appearance. Heavy-duty aluminum construction feels super premium and weighty, not that plastic-y feel of lower-end keyboards.

The dense PBT keycaps will not wear off or become shiny over time. The south-facing LEDs give a clear backlight that won't mess up the vintage look. The RGB-lit metal volume wheel is the coup de grace - it looks like something from a retro hi-fi kit and makes the whole keyboard feel high-end.

• Layout: TKL (80%, ANSI)
• Mount: Gasket-mounted with foam dampening
• Case: CNC aluminum, powder-coated
• Keycaps: Thick dye-sublimation PBT
• Switches: Hot-swappable (linear by default, compatible with most MX-style switches)
• Connectivity: Tri-mode (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired)
• Battery: 3000 mAh for extended wireless use
• Backlight: South-facing RGB with customizable effects
• Knob: Metal rotary encoder with RGB accent
• Software: VIA programmable (key remapping, macros, lighting)
• Weight: ~2.1 kg
• Compatibility: Mac and Windows, multi-device support

The CIDOO V87 stands out because it excels through superior build quality and acoustic engineering. Gasket mount creates a premium typing feel without harsh noise. Reliable wireless with long battery life and easy switch customization. Hot-swappable switches mean you can try different switch types without any tools or technical knowledge. The rotary knob isn't just decoration - it's genuinely useful for volume control, and you can program it for other functions too.

The EPOMAKER CIDOO V87 appeals to professionals seeking premium build quality at accessible pricing. It brings users "just a level below a true enthusiast keyboard" at a fraction of the cost. Premium details like substantial weight and metal knob create unique identity. It looks good enough to be proud of on your desk, sounds good enough not to annoy coworkers, and performs well enough to satisfy enthusiasts. That combination of looks, performance, and accessibility is what makes it iconic.

Retro mechanical keyboards prove that the best technology does not abandon the past, but rather improves it. They restore the individuality and character that sleek and minimalistic designs have lost. They combine old-school style with advanced, cutting-edge features like hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and customizable keys. That is what sets these keyboards apart. They will personalize and inspire your workspace. The classic appearance of the keys, the typewriter-style, the colors of your youth—every keyboard is a narrative.