Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. So, what do you get for such an occasion (other than giving Apple your hard-earned cash every time it releases something new)? If you’ve been a devoted Apple user for many of those 50 years–or maybe all of them–why not give yourself something nice for the occasion?
8BitDo’s Retro 68 Keyboard is designed as a replica of the classic Apple II keyboard that was released in June 1977 (so not quite 50 years ago). But the Apple II was the first computer for a lot of longtime Apple users, so this is the perfect item to pay tribute to those memories.
Inside the retro design are a few modern touches. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and has a 6,500 mAh battery that offers 300 hours of runtime before you need to charge it. It has an RGB backlit and uses Kailh Box Ice Cream Pro Max switches for the keys. It weighs in at a hefty 4.85 pounds (2,200 grams), but you probably won’t be moving it very far.
It also comes with a special edition of 8BitDo’s Wireless Super Buttons, which can be programmed to perform frequent functions.
The Retro 68 Keyboard is $500–8BitDo does label it a “Limited Edition” keyboard, but doesn’t say how limited the inventory will be. The company does include a special anniversary certificate with the keyboard. The keyboard starts shipping in June and is available for preorder now.
Author: Roman Loyola, Senior Editor, Macworld
Roman is a Macworld Senior Editor with over 30 years of experience covering the tech industry, focusing on the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem. He is also the host of the Macworld Podcast. His career started at MacUser, where he received Apple certification as a repair technician (when Apple did that kind of thing). He's also worked for MacAddict, MacLife, and TechTV.