There is no doubt that Mechanical keyboards are the real deal when it comes to typing and gaming. It feels so good to type on a mechanical keyboard because you will get the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback from it (with clicky switches only). Moreover, they are also much more reliable and durable than regular membrane or rubber dome keyboards. Modern mechanical keyboards have become so modern, both in looks and functionality that sometimes we even don’t get that retro feeling that we are using a mechanical keyboard. However, they do feel mechanical to the core when we type on them, but that overall vintage or retro feel seems kind of missing in appearance and functionality. So, if you want to experience the real feel of a vintage typewriter-style mechanical keyboard, and want to stand out from the crowd, then there are some pretty unique-looking mechanical keyboards out in the market, which are called Retro Mechanical Keyboards. You may also call them Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboards or Typewriter keyboards because of their Vintage look. These keyboards mimic the design of a typewriter and they put you in a nostalgic state when you use them for typing.
Also, Retro Mechanical Keyboards look very cool, and they come with round typewriter keycaps and some of them have their whole design made to look like a typewriter. These retro-style keyboards are best suited to typing only, but you may use them for a light amount of gaming too. Also, some of them feature LED backlighting and some are available in wireless functionality too. They are available in both Full key and Tenkeyless (TKL) form factors, and here I am going to list down the Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards that can add an extra oomph factor to your desk.
Read also: Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming
Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards [Vintage Typewriter Style]
Below are the best retro-style mechanical keyboards that are inspired by the typewriter design, and have a vintage kind of feel and look to them. These are great looking keyboards that are super stylish and are way different from the plethora of mechanical keyboards that you would normally see, including the gaming ones.
AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard (USB/BT)
[Looks Great, Bluetooth & USB Options Available]
AZIO is an American company that is known for its premium retro mechanical keyboards. Here we have AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard, which is one of the finest and most gorgeous looking retro mechanical keyboards on the market. This retro steampunk keyboard comes with round “typewriter” keycaps and is available in different color options that include Artisan, Elwood, Onyx, and Posh.
Artisan has a black leather top plate with copper-colored metal frame & keycap border; Elwood has a wood finish top surface with greyish metal frame and keycap borders; Onyx comes in all black color with leather top plate and Posh has got a white leather top plate with white keycaps and copper-colored metal frame. Each keyboard has an elegantly designed logo plate, featuring premium grade brushed anodized aluminum, and each plate is embossed with the product name that is filled with glossy lacquer paint for a classy shine and vintage appeal. Below, you can see all the color options of this classic retro mechanical keyboard.
Moreover, the keyboard is available in two variants that include USB only and Bluetooth+USB (hybrid). The keyboard comes with clicky and tactile mechanical switches (blue switches), made by Kailh, which is one of the largest manufacturers of mechanical switches. These switches are pretty good, reliable, and come very close to the Cherry MX switches. The keyboard has got white backlight for Onyx, Artisan, and Elwood variants and an orange backlight for the Posh variant that looks very classy and illuminates the keycaps very well. You can also adjust the brightness of the keys on-the-fly and there is no software needed for it. The media shortcuts are shared with the functional keys (F1-F12) that can be used in conjunction with the special FN key.
The keyboard is strongly built and comes with height or tilt-adjustable round stands at the bottom. This keyboard is a bit on the taller side, and you may want to use a wrist rest with it for a better comfort level. On the gaming front, the keyboard supports 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting. The Bluetooth version is a hybrid one, which means it supports both Bluetooth and USB wired mode of operation. With Bluetooth enabled, you can pair it with various Bluetooth devices that include your Android phone, tablet, laptop, etc. It comes with a USB Type-C cable that is also used for charging the battery, rated at 6000mAh, and can last up to two months with moderate backlight usage, and up to one year with the backlight turned off. The USB cable is braided for extra protection.
The keyboard supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and Mac, and Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps come bundled with the BT variant of this keyboard. The Bluetooth model has dedicated switches to switch between USB and Bluetooth mode, and also between PC and Mac layouts. Overall, a high-quality and great looking retro mechanical keyboard that can turn heads, and can grab a lot of attention from your friends and family. Personally, I would recommend the Bluetooth version more, because of its wider compatibility and functionality. You can check out the different color options and variants of this keyboard from the link given below.
| AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Full Size |
| Switch Type | AZIO Typelit Mechanical Switch (by Kailh) |
| Backlight | White LED (Onyx, Artisan, Elwood), Orange LED (Posh) |
| Interface | USB only, Bluetooth / USB |
| Features | NKRO 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting, Tilt/Height adjustment, USB Type-C charging port (for BT version), 6000 mAh Li-ion battery (for BT version), Braided USB cable, Windows and Mac support, Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps (BT version only), FN media shortcut keys |
Buy AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard
AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard (RCK)
[Portable, Palm Rest Included]
This is the compact version of the above-mentioned AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard. This Retro Classic Compact keyboard comes with almost the same features that you find in the Bluetooth variant of the above-mentioned AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard. It comes with the same Kailh blue switches that are tactile and clicky and have the same rounded typewriter-styled keycaps. The keyboard comes in different color options that include Artisan, Elwood, Gunmetal, and Posh.
Artisan, Elwood, and the Gunmetal variant have a White Backlight, while the Posh one comes with an orange backlight. The connection interface includes Bluetooth and USB, and you can switch between these modes via a switch located on the side of the keyboard. The keyboard comes with a soft-touch palm rest or wrist rest that provides you the utmost comfort during typing. It also supports 6-Keys rollover which can prove very handy, if you want to use it for gaming. Both PC and Mac layouts are supported and a dedicated switch is also present to switch between these layouts.
The keyboard comes with a 5000mAh battery that can provide up to two months of usage with moderate backlight use ON, and up to one year with the backlight completely turned Off. It comes with a USB Type-C cable that also serves as a charging cable for the keyboard. Media shortcuts can be invoked using the special function key (FN), and the keyboard does not require any software. The build quality is good and you can also adjust the height of the keyboard. Other unique elements include an elegantly designed plaque with our logo embossed and filled with a glossy lacquer for a classy shine. Due to its smaller size, it is easy to carry around during travel and can fit in your laptop bag. So, if you are looking for a portable retro mechanical keyboard that is drop-dead gorgeous, packed with features, and has good build quality then just grab it now. You can check out the various color options from the links given below. Personally, the wood finish variant looks super cool.
| AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Compact |
| Switch Type | AZIO Typelit Mechanical Switch (by Kailh) |
| Backlight | White LED (Onyx, Artisan, Elwood), Orange LED (Posh) |
| Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
| Features | NKRO 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting, Tilt/Height adjustment, USB Type-C charging port 5000 mAh Li-ion battery, Braided USB cable, Windows and Mac support, Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps, FN media shortcut keys |
Buy AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard
Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard
[Original Typewriter Design, Cherry MX Blue Switch]
Qwerkywriter S is probably the Best Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard because it does not look like a keyboard, but an actual typewriter. It has got all the design elements of a typewriter including every single minute detail. Along with the design, this keyboard has great built quality and has a scratch-resistant aluminum body. It comes with genuine Cherry Blue switches that are tactile and clicky switches, and are considered best for typing. The round keycaps with chrome border look very classy, and they actually resemble original typewriter keycaps.
The keyboard comes with Dual Scroll Knob Encoders, where the left knob controls the volume and the right one is for mouse scroll. The typewriter design ‘carriage return’ serves as an extra enter key, and is programmable for macros to up to 15 characters to generate signatures and even copy, cut, and paste commands. It also comes with an integrated tablet stand that comfortably supports 10.5-inch screen tablets and most 12-inch tablets. The keyboard lacks backlighting which may be a concern for some users, but it is not that deal-breaking. Although the keyboard is not meant for gaming, it does support N-Key Rollover in USB wired mode.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB, and you can easily switch between them anytime, depending on your requirements. With Bluetooth, you can pair up to three Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously and can easily switch between them using a button only (FN + 1/2/3). The battery is large and can last up to one month on a single charge, depending on the usage. The USB cable is braided that can be used for a wired mode of operation, and it also charges the battery. The keyboard is a little heavy and weighs slightly under 3lbs. It officially supports Windows, macOS, and Android devices. So, if you want the coolest-looking retro mechanical keyboard that is practical, fun to use, feature-rich, and is a stunner, then honestly you won’t find anything better than this. Highly recommended by me.
| Qwerkywriter S Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Compact |
| Switch Type | Cherry MX Blue |
| Backlight | NA |
| Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
| Features | NKRO support (USB), Dual Scroll Knob Encoders, Integrated Tablet Stand, Macro Return bar (programmable), Scratch Resistant All Aluminum Chassis, Typewriter-Inspired Keycaps, Long Lasting Battery, supports Windows, MacOS, Android, Braided USB cable |
Buy Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Keyboard
Lofree Four Seasons Mechanical Keyboard
[Colorful Vintage Keyboard, Compact]
Lofree Four Seasons is a colorful retro mechanical keyboard that looks very pleasant to the eyes. This is a compact 75% keyboard with 79 keys, and comes with Gateron Blue Switches, which are basically Cherry MX blue clones, and are tactile & clicky in nature. This retro vintage mechanical keyboard comes with round keycaps that are illuminated by white LED backlighting and has three levels of brightness. The keyboard supports both Bluetooth and USB modes of operation and comes with a 4000mAh Li-ion Battery that can last up to three weeks depending on the backlight intensity and usage. A micro-USB cable comes with the keyboard for the wired mode of operation, and it also charges the battery when plugged. In Bluetooth mode, it allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously, and you can easily switch between them on-the-fly using FN key with 1, 2 or 3 keys.
The keyboard is compatible with Mac, Android, and Windows OS and comes in three different color options or seasons that include Vernal white (Spring), Aestival Blue (Spring), and Autumnal Grey (Autumn). You can switch between Windows/Android and Mac/iOS modes, and between Bluetooth and USB modes by using the switches located at the side. The keyboard really looks very stylish and is pretty compact, which makes it perfect for users who travel a lot in their day-to-day work.
Note: An older model of this keyboard is also available, which is the Lofree DOT Mechanical Keyboard. It is considerably cheaper than the Four Seasons model but comes with almost the same functionality, features, and design elements. It does come in different colors that include pure white, Venetian red, and turquoise blue. You can check out this model too from the links given below.
| Lofree Four Seasons Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Compact (79 Keys) |
| Switch Type | Gateron Blue Switch |
| Backlight | White LED |
| Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
| Features | 4000mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Battery, Mac, Android, and Windows OS Compatible, Colorful design, Micro USB Cable, FN multimedia keys, and shortcuts |
Buy Lofree Four Seasons Mechanical Keyboard
Buy Lofree DOT Mechanical Keyboard
PENNA Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
[Lightweight, Old Typewriter Design, Cherry MX Switches]
A very cool-looking vintage retro keyboard that is inspired by the typewriter design. Just like the above-mentioned Qwerkywriter S, this PENNA keyboard is also designed to look like a traditional typewriter, and mimic its functionality too. This keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red switches, and you get the option to choose from, depending on your requirements and working style. The keyboard also offers to choose from two different types of keycaps, which are: Retro Chrome Keycaps that look like typewrite keycaps, and Diamond shape keycaps that are designed for offering better typing comfort and accuracy. The keyboard also comes with a macro bar on the side that is used for recording macros.
Unlike other retro mechanical keyboards here, this keyboard offers only one connectivity option, which is Bluetooth. You can pair up to five devices simultaneously and can switch between them using FN+F1~F5 keys. It requires two AA batteries for working and offers six months of idle time. However, the actual usage time depends on your usage, but it does last long with normal usage. It also has a Cradle Holder to hold your smartphone or tablet for viewing when you are working on the keyboard.
The Keyboard supports Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac, and you can switch between the operating systems using the switch located at the side. Another good thing about this keyboard is that it is on the lighter side and weighs under 800gm, which is pretty good for a mechanical keyboard with high-quality construction. There is no doubt that it is a very attractive and unique retro mechanical keyboard that has a vintage look to it, and is quite portable too because of its compact size. It would be much nicer if it has LED backlighting and USB support, but still, it has plenty to offer. This vintage-style typewriter mechanical keyboard is available in various color options (matte black, special wood, pure white, olive green), and you can check all of them out from the links given below.
| PENNA Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Compact (TKL) |
| Switch Type | Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red |
| Backlight | NA |
| Interface | Bluetooth |
| Features | Works on 2xAA Battery, FN multimedia shortcuts, Macro Bar, supports Windows/Android/iOS, Pair up to 5 devices via Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.2 support, Built-in Cradle Holder |
Buy PENNA Bluetooth Keyboard [White Chrome Keycaps]
Buy PENNA Bluetooth Keyboard [Black Chrome Keycaps]
Buy PENNA Bluetooth Keyboard [Diamond White Keycaps]
AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard
[Cheaper than Azio Classic, Best Value for Money]
AZIO MK Retro is a cheaper variant of the AZIO Classic mechanical keyboard. This full-size mechanical keyboard does retain the same design but lacks LED backlighting, a leather top plate, some premium elements, and a metal finish. However, it comes with almost all the basic functionality, and features and costs way less. It comes with the same Kailh blue mechanical switches and rounded typewriter keycaps. The features list includes N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting, Adjustable Height, FN media shortcuts, and Dust & Spill Resistant design. It uses a USB interface only and has got a braided USB cable.
This budget retro vintage mechanical keyboard comes in a variety of color options that include black & silver, white & gold, black & gold, black & red, black & magenta, white & silver, and white & pink. The keyboard officially supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 but can work with Mac in a limited capacity. So, if you want a budget retro mechanical keyboard that looks good and has all the basic features then this is definitely the perfect choice.
| AZIO Mk Retro Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Full Size |
| Switch Type | Kailh Blue Switch |
| Backlight | NA |
| Interface | USB |
| Features | N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting, Adjustable Height, Dust & Spill-Resistant, Braided USB cable |
Buy AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard
MK9 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard
[Fancy Looking with Retro Typewriter Keycaps]
If you want something funky with a bit of vintage feel to it then this keyboard fits the bill perfectly. This is an RGB mechanical keyboard that comes with tactile and clicky Blue mechanical switches and has got Vintage Typewriter Inspired Keycaps. The features of this keyboard include 18 Backlit modes, Aluminum & ABS construction, NKRO with Anti-ghosting. The RGB lighting, effects, and brightness on this keyboard can be changed on-the-fly with the help of the FN key. There is also an LED Logo located on the bottom end of the keyboard. It is compatible with Win XP, Win2000, Win ME, Vista Win7, Win8, Win10, Android, Linux, iOS, and other operating systems. Also, it is quite cheap compared to the other premium branded retro mechanical keyboards listed above, but it works quite well. It is available in two colors: white and black.
Note: A higher model of this keyboard is also available, which is the MK13 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard. It comes with dedicated multimedia buttons, and two knobs at the top for controlling volume and LED brightness, while other features remain almost the same.
| MK9 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Full size |
| Switch Type | Blue switch |
| Backlight | RGB LED |
| Interface | USB |
| Features | 18 Backlit Modes, supports Windows / Mac OS / Android / Linux / iOS, Vintage Typewriter Inspired Keycaps, Aluminum / ABS construction, NKRO with Anti-ghosting |
Buy MK9 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Retro Vintage Style Keycaps
If you want to give your current mechanical keyboard a bit of a retro or vintage look, then you can do so by using the retro keycaps.
Redragon A106 Steampunk Typewriter Retro Keycaps 104 keys
A set of 104 retro keycaps from Redragon. These are vintage or retro-looking typewriter keycaps, made from ABS plastic (Double-shot-molded ABS keycaps), and are round in design. They have transparent lettering for crystal clear backlighting and are durable. These round keycaps with a floating-key design are compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards and other original mechanical keyboards which are higher than 1-2mm. They are perfect for those who love old-school typewriters and clean, simple modern design. A keycap remover comes bundled with the set so that you don’t have to buy it separately.
Buy Redragon A106 Steampunk Retro Keycaps
See also:
- Best Mechanical Keyboards under 50 dollars
- Best Mechanical Keyboards under 100 dollars
- Best Mechanical Keyboards with PBT Keycaps
- How to Fix Key Chatter in Mechanical Keyboards
- Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming
- Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards for Professionals
Final Words
There is no doubt that the above-mentioned Retro Mechanical Keyboards offer a great style statement while being practical. They offer an amazing typing experience, especially the ones with Cherry MX keys, and most of them are compatible with various mobile devices because of their Bluetooth connectivity support. Also, most of the mentioned retro vintage mechanical keyboards include dedicated support for Max OS and iOS too, which is a great thing. So, if want to have an enjoyable typing experience and are fed up with the regular or standard mechanical keyboards, then you should get one of these retro mechanical keyboards to add to your collection. If you have any queries or doubts then please ask me by leaving a comment below.
(*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!)
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The Azio keyboards are everything as described. Sadly they have a major flaw. The letters on the keyboard wear off within a month of first use.
It is sad. I love them but for the price I need more durable letters.