8BitDo releases a limited edition Retro 68 keyboard honoring Apple's 50th anniversary, featuring Apple II-inspired design, wireless Super Buttons, and macOS compatibility.
8BitDo has unveiled the Retro 68 Keyboard AP50th Limited Edition, a special commemorative keyboard celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary with a design that pays homage to the iconic Apple II computer. The new limited edition follows the company's earlier Retro 68 Keyboard - NES 40th Limited Edition, but this time with a distinctly Apple-inspired aesthetic and expanded platform support.
The keyboard features the same compact 68-key layout that made its predecessor popular, but with a beige and brown color scheme directly inspired by the classic Apple II. The aluminum plate construction and aluminum alloy key buttons give it a premium feel that matches its $499.99 price point.
Enhanced Features for Modern Users
While maintaining the retro aesthetic, 8BitDo has packed the AP50th Limited Edition with contemporary features that make it suitable for today's computing needs:
- Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches for responsive typing
- Custom gasket mount for improved typing comfort
- Hot swappable PCB allowing users to change switches without soldering
- N-Key Rollover support for accurate multi-key input
- RGB backlighting for customization and visibility
- 6,500mAh battery promising up to 300 hours of use on a single charge
Wireless Versatility
The keyboard offers multiple connectivity options to suit different use cases. Users can connect via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless using the included adapter, or through a traditional USB wired connection. The inclusion of two knobs—one for switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, and another for volume control—adds a tactile element that complements the retro design.
Apple Ecosystem Integration
One of the most significant improvements over the NES 40th Limited Edition is the expanded platform support. While the previous model was limited to Windows and Android devices, the AP50th Limited Edition adds compatibility with macOS Tahoe 26 and above. This makes perfect sense for a product celebrating Apple's anniversary and ensures it works seamlessly with modern Apple devices.
Wireless Super Buttons
Like its predecessor, the AP50th Limited Edition includes two programmable Super Buttons. However, 8BitDo has upgraded these to wireless versions, providing more flexibility in placement and use. These buttons can be programmed for various functions, making them useful for productivity or gaming applications.
Limited Edition Exclusivity
The keyboard is priced at $499.99, matching the NES 40th Limited Edition. Each unit comes with a protective pouch and a certificate of collection, emphasizing its status as a limited edition item. However, unlike the NES version which included a free Retro R8 Mouse - N Edition (currently available on Amazon for $49.99), the AP50th Limited Edition does not include any free accessories.
Pre-orders are currently available through the 8BitDo eShop, though shipping won't begin until June 2026. This extended lead time suggests that the keyboards may be produced in limited quantities, potentially increasing their collectibility value.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The AP50th Limited Edition is clearly aimed at Apple enthusiasts, retro computing fans, and collectors who appreciate both the historical significance of Apple's legacy and modern keyboard technology. The combination of Apple II-inspired design with contemporary features like hot-swappable switches and wireless connectivity makes it versatile enough for daily use while serving as a conversation piece.
The keyboard's premium price point positions it as a luxury item rather than a mainstream productivity tool. For Apple fans who want a unique piece of computing history that also functions as a high-end modern keyboard, the AP50th Limited Edition offers an intriguing option.
Comparison to Previous Model
Compared to the NES 40th Limited Edition, the AP50th Limited Edition offers several key improvements:
- Expanded platform support (adds macOS compatibility)
- Wireless Super Buttons (upgraded from wired)
- Apple II-inspired design (versus NES aesthetic)
- Same premium pricing but without the free mouse accessory
The core typing experience and build quality appear to be consistent between the two models, with both featuring the same switch type, battery capacity, and connectivity options.
Availability and Pre-order Details
Interested buyers can pre-order the 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard AP50th Limited Edition now through the official 8BitDo eShop. The $499.99 price includes the keyboard, protective pouch, and certificate of collection, but shipping is scheduled for June 2026, giving collectors plenty of time to secure their unit before the limited run sells out.
The extended pre-order period and June 2026 shipping date suggest that 8BitDo is managing production carefully to maintain the exclusivity of this anniversary edition. For Apple enthusiasts and keyboard collectors, this limited edition represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of computing history reimagined for the modern era.
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