We care a lot about the golden age of gaming here at Retro Dodo, which is why we’re so excited about this NES Keyboard from mechanical maestro’s Durgod!
It’s so hard to get retro tech for computers and games consoles that’s still in good condition. Ok, so you can head to eBay and buy a Commodore 64 keyboard or an old Amstrad mouse, but there’s they’re not going to work with your shiny new MacBook or iPad.
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things or any film where they find an old war bunker with dusty retro looking computers, then you’re going to go crazy for this NES Keyboard. It’s wireless, it works with all your modern tech, and it’s oozing with retro goodness.
This thing has practically jumped out of the ’80s!
Getting To Grips With The NES Keyboard From Durgod Fusion
What Is The NES Keyboard?
First thing’s first, this isn’t a keyboard that can work with a NES. Sorry to disappoint all of you gamers that thought you were about to get even more creative on Mario Paint.
The NES Keyboard is a keyboard that boasts a retro design reminiscent of Nintendo’s famous console, the very one that started them on their road to greatness.
This keyboard from Durgod, named the ‘Fusion’, has been designed with the NES in mind. It even mimics the grooved edges of the console, using the same colour scheme to cement those nostalgic retro feels. It also reminds us of the C-64 too, but more on that later.
What Colours Does It Come In?
The Fusion NES keyboard that we’re looking at and testing has a ‘Steam’ colour scheme of grey, black, and red. There is also the Navigator (blue, white, and yellow), and the Original (grey, white, and orange).
How Does It Work?
The NES Keyboard combines everything that we love about retro tech; the feel, the look, and the style, with modern wireless technology.
The keyboard itself is a bit of a red herring; underneath the ’80s exterior is all of the modern wizardry that you need to connect it up to your Mac, PC, or tablet. You can even connect it up to your phone via Bluetooth!
The keyboard itself is 14 inches, making it super easy to store in a backpack or just carry on your shoulder like a boombox. It can last between 20-40 days on a single charge depending on the level of usage and your environment, which is pretty impressive!
How Does This NES Keyboard Connect To My Devices?
There are three types of connection that you can choose from-
- Wired
- 2.4GHz wireless
- 5.0 Bluetooth
The port for the wired connection sits recessed into the back of the unit. Plus there’s also a hidden compartment that houses a Bluetooth dongle, but I’ll get onto that in a little while.
What Are The Switches Like?
Having a keyboard that looks smart is all well and good, but it needs to feel nice when you’re typing on it. Luckily, this NES Keyboard uses Cherry MX switches. For anyone who doesn’t know, Cherry MX are the leader in key-switch technology. They’re like the Ferrari of keyboard buttons, and they’re made with a precision that is second to none.
Every button is incredibly responsive, comfortable, and easy to push down. They even make that characteristic retro click, which we know is the real reason why you’re thinking of being one of these keyboards!
When I say that these keys are responsive, I mean it. Whether you’re typing out an essay or competing in a Rocket League tournament, you’ll be more than happy with the speed at which you can type, play, and navigate your way around this keyboard.
You can even customise your individual keys too, with a variety of different switches boasting different operating forces and varying degrees of ‘tactile feel’.
Design Elements From The Gaming Gods
Pulling Design Concepts From The C-64 and NES
When the NES was at the height of its career, so was grey plastic. Objects were bulky and sturdy; they didn’t feel as though they might snap in two if the wind blew the wrong way. Durgod have managed to get all of these elements into this NES Keyboard while keeping the unit sleek and sophisticated, and looking cool as hell!
If you look at the keyboard with a critical eye, you can’t help but notice the similarities to the Commodore 64. Subtle features such as the status LEDs, the elevated back panel, and the logo on the top left-hand corner pay homage to the most famous gaming keyboard in history.
See the Durgod logo too? Lift that up, and you’ll find the secret compartment that hides the Bluetooth dongle. How cool is that!
What Can I Use The NES Keyboard For?
If you’re a remote worker, coder, or writer, then this keyboard is a perfect accessory for your modern set up. And while you can even use it to just surf the web, we’re interested in one function in particular: gaming!
This keyboard can hook up to a number of different devices including your computer and your phone, meaning that it can be used to play a whole variety of games, including ROMs.
What better use of a retro-style keyboard than to play the best MAME games or some of your save files from your favourite handheld titles!
Where Can I Buy A NES Keyboard?
Durgod first launched their NES Keyboard on Kickstarter. They needed just over $10,000, but have since racked up an incredible $247,000! There are a variety of packages available for you to back, with options ranging from one keyboard to purchasing all three colour schemes and various key upgrades.
You can visit the Durgod Fusion Kickstarter Page to back the project and pick up a NES Keyboard of your own!
What do you think of this Durgod Fusion Keyboard? Could you see yourself replacing your work or home computer keyboard with this retro wonder? Let us know your thoughts over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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