Latest news with #JasonCockerham
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Why I Recommend Lenovo's Gaming Tablet Over the iPad Mini
8.0 / 10 SCORE Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 $450 at Lenovo Pros Nice-looking display with a 165Hz refresh rate Works with mobile controllers Nice bundled accessories Smooth gaming performance Cons No microSD slot No fingerprint scanner Behind on Android updates Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 8/10 CNET Score $450 at Lenovo The world of Android tablets sometimes feels like a crapshoot, but every now and then, a seven or 11 appears. There are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10s of the world, which offer the best Android tablet experiences, but also fantastic tablets like the OnePlus Pad 3 and great budget options, too, such as the Lenovo Tab Plus. Another Lenovo, the Legion Tab Gen 3 was a surprise to see at this year's CES. The 8.8-inch gaming-focused tablet is slightly larger than the iPad Mini but in the same ballpark on price at around $450. For the money, you get strong performance, solid build quality and an overall excellent set of specs and features. After spending several weeks with one, I can say it's a pretty awesome little tablet, and it's won me over enough to earn an Editors' Choice award. Jason Cockerham/CNET Fantastic hardware Let me start with the size. At 8.8 inches diagonal, it's larger than the best large phones, but still smaller than most tablets made for entertainment. You might not expect it to be great for gaming, but the more I used it, the more I realized it's nearly the perfect size. Larger tablets get too heavy to hold for long sessions, and unless you've got a kickstand case, propping them up can be a hassle. Being larger than a phone makes it easier on your eyes, though. Plus, some of the best mobile controllers, like the Razer Kishi Ultra, even fit the Legion Tab for an incredible mobile gaming experience. Lenovo also packed an impressive display into the Legion Tab. It's an 8.8-inch, 2.5K (2,560x1,600 pixels) touchscreen with a 165Hz max refresh rate and covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color reference, the iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch display with lower resolution, in a tablet that's actually a bit larger -- and don't get me started on those massive bezels. The Legion Tab has blissfully thin bezels. The speakers on the Legion Tab are also impressive. Its stereo audio is bolstered by Dolby Atmos support, and sounds fantastic. They're not as good as the speakers on the OnePlus Pad 3 or anywhere near the iPad Pro's, but they're impressive for a tablet this size. Jason Cockerham/CNET The Legion Tab Gen 3 is also a performance powerhouse. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is still an incredibly strong mobile chipset. I never once experienced any slowdowns or stutters during my time with it. Every game I played ran beautifully, even at the highest available settings. There's only one configuration of the Legion Tab available, which comes with 12GB of DDR5X RAM and 256GB of storage. The lack of expandable memory or an option for more storage might be a deal breaker for some, especially as game downloads get larger and larger. Annoyingly, Lenovo released a Legion Tab Gen 4 exclusively in China that does include a microSD card slot, and the company confirmed to me that it's not leaving China anytime soon. Keeping the lights on is a 6,550-milliampere-hour battery that recharges at 65 watts, and there's a fast charger included in the box. There are two USB-C ports on the Legion Tab that both support fast charging. The port on the right side (or bottom when holding in portrait) is USB 2.0 and only for charging. The bottom port (or left side when holding in portrait) is USB 3.2 and supports up to 10Gbps transfer speeds and display out so you can connect it to an external monitor for better gaming or desktop use. This is more useful than you might think because Lenovo has an excellent desktop mode for its tablets. When you connect an external keyboard or mouse, the tablet turns into a pseudo-desktop experience, similar to Samsung DeX. I've used this often on both the Tab Plus and the Legion Tab, and while it won't replace my laptop anytime soon, it can be useful. Jason Cockerham/CNET On the back, you'll find two cameras: a 13-megapixel main shooter and a 2-megapixel macro lens -- yes, somehow still a thing in 2025. Around front, there's an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. While I never expect much from tablet cameras -- aside from the macro one -- these actually aren't terrible. They aren't going to replace a premium phone camera, but they're better than I expected. The selfie camera is good enough for a quick video chat or group gaming session on the go, and the back camera is alright for snapshots and video clips if you don't have anything else handy. One of the most pleasant surprises was what Lenovo included in the Legion Tab's box: a protective case with holes to help keep it cool during long gaming sessions, a tempered glass screen protector with an easy-install kit and an Apple-like folding cover that doubles as a stand. The cover is a bit flimsy, and I kept taking it off to use the tablet, but it's really nice to see good accessories included, boosting its already good value. The biggest downside of the Legion Tab's otherwise fantastic hardware is the lack of a fingerprint sensor. Yes, you can use Face Unlock for the tablet itself, but that doesn't work for password managers or anywhere else in the software where you'd use biometric security. Incorporating a fingerprint scanner in the power button is pretty common these days, so I'm disappointed it's not here -- especially at $449. Jason Cockerham/CNET Fast software with slow updates On the software side, it's running Android 14, and sadly, there's a fair bit of bloatware and ads out of the box. The software itself is pretty smooth, especially on the 165Hz screen, but several included games and app recommendation tools are just ads. I understand the need to make money off devices like these; the ads and preinstalled apps help lower prices, but it's nonetheless disappointing to see on a small tablet that's $550 when not on sale. Also, the fact that it launched with Android 14 in 2025 (Android 15 was released in June 2024) and is still on Android 14 halfway through the year doesn't bode well for long-term software support. Lenovo has never been great about this, though the Legion Tab is promised three OS updates and four years of security patches. Just don't expect them to arrive quickly -- Android 16 is on the way, and it's still stuck on Android 14 with no timeline for getting Android 15. Josh Goldman/CNET Best way to game on the go Overall, I'm smitten with the Legion Tab Gen 3. This is the perfect mobile device for gaming. It's small enough to fit comfortably in my backpack and my favorite mobile controller, but powerful enough to play anything I want. The screen is gorgeous, and the battery gives me plenty of playtime. Plus, there are some useful accessories bundled in the box. I do wish there were more storage options, and Lenovo absolutely needs to be better about its software updates, especially when it wants $549 for the tablet. However, it's regularly discounted for as low as $449, so if you can wait for a sale, do it. Still, there really isn't a better option for mobile Android gaming tablets right now.
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
This Entry-Level Gaming Mouse Is a Great Way to Up Your PC Gaming on a Budget
A good gaming mouse can make all the difference in an intense match. It can mean the difference between that game-winning headshot and not being invited back for the next game. For more casual gamers who don't need lots of customization options, you can still get a solid gaming mouse for not a lot of money. The Cherry MC 2.1 is just such a mouse. What's great about the Cherry MC 2.1 CNET/Jason Cockerham The most important thing a mouse to get right is the feel in your hand. If it's uncomfortable, you're not going to want to use it no matter how many killer features it has. Thankfully, Cherry got the feel of the MC 2.1 right. It's not going to blow you away with revolutionary ergonomics, but for an inexpensive gaming mouse it feels solid and comfortable for long periods. The sides have some extra grip to help keep your hand steady and it's lightweight at only 107 grams. I used it for hours both while gaming and for daily use, and I never once got a cramp or experienced any soreness while using it. Cherry says it's an ergonomic design geared for right-handers. It's fairly symmetrical, so a leftie might be able to use it just fine, though there are dedicated leftie mice that would probably work better. The other important feel to get right is the clicks. I couldn't find any technical information about what buttons are used (or their stated lifespan), but suffice it to say they're tactile and responsive. Oddly, the two side buttons felt a bit softer than the main two. I'm not sure why, but it's not a dealbreaker. Aside from the main buttons, scroll wheel, and two side buttons, the only other one is right behind the scroll wheel on top. This button with the Cherry logo toggles between four DPI settings, all of which are fully customizable. Four pill-shaped, red LEDs let you know which setting you're on. If you hold the button, it will launch the Cherry Utility software. Design CNET/Jason Cockerham For an inexpensive gaming mouse without many frills, I think the design is OK. It's pretty unassuming and only comes in black, but again, it's not meant to be a showstopper. On the bottom you've got one long skate up top and two smaller ones below, which is fine, but I tend to prefer larger skates. There's also customizable LED lighting, which is surprising at this price. It's only around the scroll wheel, but I'm a fan of how it looks. It's subtle but doesn't feel like an afterthought. Specs and price Truth be told, I think Cherry nailed it here. For around $40 the MC 2.1 has a 5,000 DPI sensor with up to a 1,000 report rate, LED lighting, and the ability to save custom profiles for all your games (and for work, if you must). What I don't like about the Cherry MC 2.1 CNET/Jason Cockerham The MC 2.1 is fully compatible with Cherry's Utility Software, but the app leaves a lot to be desired. The UI only recently got updated to something that looks like it was made in the 21st century, but it's still simplistic. The customization options are also a bit lacking, even considering it's a budget mouse. Plus, it wouldn't always load properly when I needed to change something. What was also a tad concerning was that when you hold the Cherry button, you actually see a Run command window open with the command being typed out before the software opens. Just a bit odd. There even seems to be two versions of this software. The one I downloaded directly from Cherry's site is not the same one that opens when you hold the Cherry button. I never got any detailed information about this, so I'm not sure what or why this is the case. The one that launches when you press and hold the button is the much better version, so I'd recommend using that one. Cherry I don't know why, but having the ability to unlock the scroll wheel or customize the scroll speed outside of the Windows settings seems to be a rarity among non-flagship mice, and that's a bummer. Granted, most games don't require extensive use of the scroll wheel, but for daily work usage, it's really annoying to be stuck with a slow scrolling speed. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but either way, give me the option. There's also no horizontal scrolling, but that's not expected at this price. Should you buy the Cherry MC 2.1? Honestly, the MC 2.1 is a great mouse for $40. You get a solid, reliable, responsive mouse, with some RGB lighting thrown in, at a reasonable price. There's no wireless option, though, so if you need that you'll need to look elsewhere and likely pay more. Plus, the software situation is limited, not to mention odd, but if you don't care too much about customizing your mouse then there's nothing to worry about. Even with the slower scroll speed I still found the MC 2.1 to be a great mouse for daily usage. If you're looking for a solid, inexpensive mouse that's great for both work and play, the MC 2.1 is an easy choice.
CNET
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
The Cherry MX 3.0s Keyboard Looks Like a Great Gaming Keyboard, but It Needs Some Work
As a writer and gamer, there's nothing quite like the feel of a great mechanical keyboard. There's just something so satisfying about the "thwok" of each keypress as I take to the battlefield or craft my next story. Surprisingly, though, it can be challenging to find a keyboard that's fantastic at being both a gaming keyboard and a daily-use keyboard -- at least at an affordable price. You might recognize the name Cherry as the maker of the eponymous switches that have dominated the mechanical keyboard world for nearly 70 years. Not long ago, it started making its own keyboards and recently launched the Cherry MX 3.0S gaming mechanical keyboard. It's a fairly affordable entry point into the world of wireless gaming mechanical keyboards, but I'm not sure if it serves as the best dedicated gaming keyboard. What I like about the Cherry MX 3.0S mechanical keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET Cherry was one of the first, and has certainly been the best-known, maker of mechanical keyboard switches for decades. And for good reason -- its switches are clicky, tactile and robust. Many keyboard enthusiasts still prefer them over the myriad of other brands that have popped up over the years. As a keyboard tester, I've used many other switches, and for a while, I've been using the fantastic OnePlus-branded keyboard. Coming back to the Cherry switches on the MX 3.0S felt oh so sweet. It was like coming home. I forgot what I was missing until I used them again. The MX Red switches on my MX 3.0S sample are linear -- so not quite as clicky as the Brown switches, which are also available -- but still provide quite a bit of tactility. This is perfect for gaming, as you can get more granular feedback with each keypress. Design Jason Cockerham/CNET At first glance, the MX3.0S doesn't stand out too much. Looking at it a bit closer shows off a somewhat unusual design. The bottom aluminum casing sort of wraps around the center of the keyboard from back to front, with the edges folded over to hold it up. You don't really notice unless you hold the keyboard up to look at it, but it's better than just flat sides. The metal casing gives it a good heft, but the sides, and I assume the single gasket as well, are plastic. I'm assuming a single gasket because you can hear the springs ever so slightly as you type, as well as the hollowness of the board. It's not too distracting, but you can hear it if you're listening. The per-key RGB is nice, and there are several different available patterns. It gets bright enough that you can see all the icons on the keys, even the lower ones, so that's helpful. Even with that level of brightness, battery life on the MX 3.0S is quite impressive. Starting from a full charge, I've been using it exclusively for several weeks now with the LEDs fully on and I still have 30% left in the tank. There are both wired and wireless versions of the MX 3.0S. The wireless version gives all the connectivity you'd expect. You can pair up to three devices via Bluetooth. A 2.4GHz wireless dongle is included as well. The dongle doesn't hide away in the board like some others, which I find helpful for not losing them, but at least Cherry made it red, so it's easy to spot. Read more: Use Windows 11 Like a Pro With These 73 Keyboard Shortcuts What could be better about the Cherry MX 3.0S mechanical keyboard Jason Cockerham/CNET I think the biggest disappointment of the MX 3.0S is that aside from the switches -- which you can easily get and install on a whole range of keyboards -- there isn't really much to differentiate it from other gaming keyboards. It doesn't have anything that adds to your gaming experience. You can program macros for the keys, but you can do that on nearly every gaming keyboard and unlike many of those, there aren't any extra programmable keys. The MX 3.0S does support full n-key rollover so you don't lose an input by pressing two keys at the same time, and it supports anti-ghosting, but again, those are par for the course with most modern gaming keyboards. Read more: This Retro Gaming Keyboard Hits All the Right Nostalgia Vibes... and It's a Great Keyboard Lag I ran into a few bugs when using the MX 3.0S wirelessly. For starters, the dongle would lag quite a bit when connected via a docking station. Yes, it could have been my docking station, but no other keyboard I've used has had that issue, so I'm willing to bet it's the keyboard. Also, when using Bluetooth, there were a few times it would randomly reconnect itself, or even disconnect from my computer entirely. There were also a few ghost presses and some sticky keys when using Bluetooth. Again, not entirely saying it was the keyboard's fault, but these are not issues I've come across on nearly every other keyboard I've used. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET Software leaves a lot to be desired When I first started writing this review, Cherry's Utility software was pretty rough. The UI was outdated and the functionality was quite limited. You can adjust the lighting and add macros, but that's about it. It's pretty basic. You can create up to nine profiles which is nice, but again, the customization is limited. Plus, it only detects the keyboard when physically connected, not over Bluetooth or the dongle. That means every time you want to change a setting, you have to either manually do it through several key presses, or dig out a cable. Neither of which is ideal. To Cherry's credit, literally the day I finished this review, the software got a huge facelift. It looks much better than it did, but it didn't add any functionality, which is a bummer. The keyboard does support a dedicated key for launching the software, but since it doesn't work unless it's plugged in, and the software doesn't do a whole lot, it feels like a waste of a key. Cherry Price Cherry priced this a tad too high for what you get. The full retail price is $160. However, at the time of writing, you can grab it for $100 on Amazon for the white model with Red switches. To me, that's a much better price and probably close to what Cherry should be charging for it. I don't know if I can recommend it at $160, especially considering the competition. Should you buy the Cherry MX 3.0S mechanical keyboard? As with most things, it depends. If you need a reliable mechanical keyboard that gives you the goodness of those Cherry switches, then yes, but only if you can find it on sale. The solid build and excellent typing experience are worth $100. For me, it works great as both a gaming keyboard and a daily-use keyboard. If you want a more dedicated gaming keyboard that gives you more gaming-specific features and customization, however, you'll need to look somewhere else.
CNET
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
This Handheld Gaming Device Has Promise, but One Fatal Flaw Holds It Back
Decades after devices like the Sega Game Gear and iconic GameBoy changed video games forever, dedicated gaming handheld devices are making a comeback. While the Steam Deck wasn't the first of the new era, it certainly has had the most impact. New handheld gaming devices are regularly hitting shelves these days. Ayaneo has carved out a place for itself among both Windows and Android gaming devices, and the Pocket S is one of its latest flagship Android devices. I've spent a few weeks with it and there's quite a lot to like, including high-end specs, top-tier performance and an impressive display. However, software quirks and a high price tag make it a tough sell. What I like about the Ayaneo Pocket S CNET / Jason Cockerham If a handheld gaming device gets nothing else right, it needs to at least nail the feel and hardware. When you pick it up, it needs to feel solid in your hands. You want to know you'll be able to kick back for an energetic gaming session without having to worry about a bad grip or janky controls. Thankfully, the Pocket S feels wonderful to hold. The form factor is exactly what you'd want from a portable handheld. It's solid, easy to grip and doesn't feel cheap or plastic at all. The buttons, joysticks and triggers all feel fantastic as well. They're clicky and responsive and I never experienced any drift or lag from anywhere. The Hall Effect triggers and joysticks are a nice touch as well. The metal rim and high quality plastic on the front and back also help it feel premium to hold. Aside from the typical buttons and controls, the top houses a third Right and Left trigger, the volume controls, the power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor and the cutout for the fan venting. The right side houses a quick toggle switch to change performance modes. On the bottom are the speakers, air intake for the fans and a USB-C 3.2 port. There's a microSD card slot on the left side which supports cards up to 2TB, too. CNET / Jason Cockerham Ayaneo packed the Pocket S's hardware with the goal of giving the ultimate gaming experience. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 gaming chip which Ayaneo worked directly with Qualcomm on for over a year. It's similar in power to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that powered most Android flagship phones back in 2023. Yes, it's a 2-year-old chip, but it still performed well in my testing -- every game ran without issues. The base version of the Pocket S has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which isn't a huge amount of storage, but for an Android device with expandable memory, it's not bad. You can max it out with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage if needed. Lastly, the display is impressive. It's 6 inches with an option to upgrade from 1080p to a 1440p resolution. It's not OLED, sadly, so you won't get that level of contrast, but it does get up to 400 nits of brightness. The tricky part is that there doesn't seem to be much availability for the Pocket S, at least the highest specced version. Most of the configurations for the 1080p display model are in stock on Ayaneo's website, but the only 1440p version comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The other downside of that is the storage speeds drop down to UFS 3.1 for the 128GB edition, so keep that in mind. One of the best features of the Pocket S is the incredible support for emulators. Ayaneo has built into the software a huge range of support. The company's AYASpace software is where you can load up all your emulator files and it essentially organizes each file by game system for you. You can import mostly any type of file and it should work. Since the Pocket S runs Android, I was even able to download RetroArch and run it without issues. Plus, cloud gaming from Xbox and PS Remote both worked just fine on the Pocket S. It really is like having the best of every world in one place. What I don't like about the Ayaneo Pocket S CNET / Jason Cockerham As great as the hardware is on the Pocket S, there are a couple issues. First, there's no headphone jack. To me, this is a big deal on a dedicated gaming device. If I want to game while I'm out or relaxing at home with my family, I don't want to dig out my Bluetooth headphones to do so. Bluetooth also has inherent latency, which can cause issues with games that require precise timing. Secondly, the fans get super loud when they ramp up fully -- loud enough to be distracting to anyone around you or if you don't have headphones on. It was surprising, especially since there's a heat sink and dissipation plate inside the device. If the fans really need to get that loud, maybe the performance tuning needs some more work. Thankfully, they only go full speed when in the Max performance mode and you don't ever need to run it that high to get good performance. Also, the display is a tad too small for my liking. Most gaming handhelds are around the 7-inch mark and I regularly found myself wishing for a slightly bigger screen, especially since many larger phones are upwards of 7 inches these days. Sadly, it's way too common to see manufacturers pushing out really solid hardware with lackluster software. Ayaneo's version of Android is essentially stock Android, with full access to the Google Play store and some Ayaneo-specific stuff bolted on. I prefer that over most other full Android skins (like on Red Magic phones), but it still feels unfinished. CNET / Jason Cockerham To be fair, the company's additions -- like AYASpace for managing emulators and extra settings for trigger speed and configuration -- work well, but they still feel tacked on. There are, however, still some odd bugs when playing games. For example, some games with full controller support showed ghost touches -- my character would move on its own or the cursor would drift across the screen. It didn't make the games unplayable, but it was definitely annoying. Other games simply do not work. Call of Duty: Mobile is the biggest issue. For such a major title -- perfect for a device like this and with native controller support -- it just didn't work. Ayaneo offers on-screen control remapping, but it was hit or miss for me (pun intended), and honestly, you shouldn't have to rely on that. It's especially odd because games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Warzone both worked perfectly fine. So I'm not entirely sure who's fault it is that the Pocket S doesn't work with CODM. Maybe not a deal breaker if you don't play that game much, but just keep in mind that native game support isn't guaranteed. CNET/Jason Cockerham The biggest mystery to me of the Pocket S is how bad the accessories are. Ayaneo offers a screen protector -- which I actually like -- and two "ergonomic" cases. One is a plastic backplate that snaps on for protection and slightly protrudes from the back on both sides to give you a better grip. The other case is a bit beefier and includes a magnetic front cover for keeping it safe in your bag. The problem is, both cases are extremely hard to remove once they're on. It took a lot of prying and pulling in multiple spots to get them off. Plus, they look and feel cheap -- the seams around the edges are rough, and the whole thing honestly looks 3D-printed in someone's bedroom. Worst of all, you can't access the SD card slot or the performance mode switch with the case on -- there's no cutout. I've never seen an accessory that removes functionality. For such a premium device with such beautiful hardware, the cases are quite disappointing. And then there's the pricing I'll just say this-as much as I like the Pocket S, the price alone makes it a device you shouldn't buy. The base model, with a 1080p screen, 16GB of RAM and 128GB of slower UFS 3.1 storage, is $559. The 1440p version starts at $589 and the top-end spec at 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is $769. You read that right. The $699 PlayStation 5 Pro console costs less than the top spec Pocket S. That's a big ask for such a device. For that price, you could get a much better specced Android phone -- even a dedicated gaming Android phone -- that has more features and better software support and a really good mobile controller. There's simply no reason at all the Pocket S should be priced as high as it is. Heck, you can even get a good gaming Windows handheld for that price. What makes it even worse is that it's hard to get your hands on one. I can't find the base model spec available to buy anywhere. Amazon's two options -- both with 16GB of RAM and with either 512 GB or 1TB of storage -- are $589 and $629, respectively. The only place I can find the top-end model is on Ayaneo's website for $769. If it came in at $300, or even $350, there's a much stronger case to be made and at that point, I'd recommend it. But at Ayaneo's current asking price, it's a hard 'no.' Should you buy the Ayaneo Pocket S? To be honest, no -- not at its price. If you can find one from a reseller or at a crazy discount that brings it closer to $300, then yeah. It's a great device for playing both your favorite old-school games and the best new ones. But with its limited availability and unreasonably high price, there are much better options to consider.
CNET
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
This Retro Gaming Keyboard Hits All the Right Nostalgia Vibes and It's a Great Keyboard
As a child of the '90s few things get my nerd brain tingling like good ol' Super Mario. Even hearing my best friend's Mario-themed phone notifications take me back to a simpler time. So it's no surprise that I completely nerded out when I saw 8BitDo's Retro Mechanical Keyboard decked out in Mario colors. A solid mechanical keyboard with a heavy dose of nostalgia? Count me in. If the Mario theme isn't up your alley, the Retro is available in a few different versions, each pulling something from the gaming and computing archives. I love seeing something a bit (pun intended) different out of keyboard designs rather than just fancy lighting. Best of all, the Retro has the hardware to back up its great looks. What I like about the 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard CNET/Jason Cockerham The fun theme is far from the only original thing about these Retro keyboards. 8BitDo makes three different accessories for the keyboards that will set your inner nerd-child's heart racing. There are four Super Buttons -- a set of two comes in the box -- each meant to act as a single "A," "B," "X" or "Y" button from the consoles of yesteryear. They're color matched to the theme as well being available in bright yellow, green or blue. If you'd rather not break out the Super Buttons, there are two large "A" and "B" buttons on the bottom of the keyboard you can use There are also a Super Joystick and Super ABXY accessories. The former matches the retro style of the keyboard, of course. The latter has four keyboard keys colored and labeled to match "ABXY" buttons from a controller. Not only are these fun to use, they can be customized with whatever macros you choose, aside from just gaming. The Super Buttons are $10 each and the Super Stick and ABXY are $15, though there are some packages that include one more of these accessories with the keyboard. It types great too CNET/Jason Cockerham If the design alone wasn't enough to sell you, it also types great. The Kailh Box White V2 switches offer plenty of tactility and responsiveness. Best of all, the board is hot-swappable, so you can quickly change out the switches for others if you desire. The keycaps are Dye-Sub PBT which gives them a solid feel and means they should last quite a long time before showing any wear. Overall, I enjoyed typing on it. CNET/Jason Cockerham Everything else you'd expect from a good mechanical keyboard is here too, like Bluetooth and 2.5GHz wireless connectivity, solid battery life and robust software support. There's also an optional external numpad that matches the aesthetic of your keyboard for about $45. Or if you want to have it built in, 8BitDo has full 108-key versions of the N and Fami Editions for $120. What I don't like about the 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard CNET/Jason Cockerham There's not much I don't like about the 8BitDo Retro keyboard. The design is awesome, the build quality is superb and the functionality is useful and fun. If I had to be picky, I do wish the included cable had some sort of retro theming as well. The 2.4GHz dongle does, so it would make sense for the cable to as well. The same goes for the cable attached to the Super Buttons. It would be cool if it somehow matched the aesthetic of the keyboard, especially as it might clutter up your desk if most of your other peripherals are wireless. I might end up switching out the Kalih switches, but that's purely personal preference. That said, having at least a few different switch options at checkout would be nice. Should I buy the 8BitDo Retro mechanical keyboard? Yes. The build quality is solid, the design is one of the best retro-themed ones I've seen on a keyboard, and the added functionality adds a lot of fun. Most importantly, the price is great. This version retails for $100, but I've often seen it on sale for $90. There's also the The Fami version, which has a maroon Famicom computer aesthetic, and a brown-on-brown "Commodore 64" C64 version. The most expensive version is the green officially-licensed Xbox one, but at $120 it's not that much more than the others.
