🕹️ Retro-Inspired AM RGB 65 Keyboard: A Nostalgic Tribute to Game Boy with Modern Twist

New Retro-Inspired Keyboard Hits Shelves with Nostalgic Vibes and Modern Features

Retro gaming has been making waves recently, and it seems nostalgia is here to stay. Between the renewed popularity of devices like the Analogue Pocket and an influx of game emulators on major app stores, it’s no wonder that the past is taking center stage. Keyboard maker Angry Miao is the latest to jump on the nostalgic bandwagon with its new mechanical keyboard, the AM RGB 65, inspired by the classic Game Boy.

Bringing Back Memories with Style

The AM RGB 65 isn’t your typical mechanical keyboard. Priced at $559, this keyboard boasts a large dot-matrix display that gives it a striking resemblance to the Game Boy. The device is covered in design elements that recall the beloved Nintendo handheld console, making it a must-have for those who want a stylish nod to the past on their desks.

Attention to Detail

The AM RGB 65 is inspired by the original Game Boy’s design, bringing retro aesthetics to a modern setting. The keyboard features nods to the Game Boy’s speaker grille with six slotted lines on the bottom-right corner and a nostalgia-inducing D-pad cutout surrounding the USB-C port. Even the underside carries mock B and A buttons, reminiscent of the handheld gaming device.

Going Beyond Looks: Features and Performance

It’s not just about looks, though. The AM RGB 65 introduces Icy Silver V2 linear switches, which have a unique nylon housing and an updated internal design. These switches result in a distinct, deeper “thocky” sound that sets this keyboard apart from its predecessors.

The keyboard also includes a customizable 200-LED dot-matrix panel that usually serves as a desk clock or a canvas for user-intuitive designs. It sits flat on the desktop, making it easy to view and adjust.

Color Variations and Customization

The AM RGB 65 is available in a variety of colors, but the most nostalgic are undoubtedly the white and purple versions. Each variant has its unique style features, like the multicolor anodizing on the violet model, which adds an extra $40 to the price. For those wanting a more classic look, the white version captures the true essence of the Game Boy.

The “cyber gray” model, while sleek, doesn’t quite provoke the same retro sentiment. However, correcting this with opaque light gray or charcoal black keycaps might recapture some nostalgia akin to the Game Boy Advance SP or Game Boy Pocket.

A Note on Usability

Although the AM RGB 65 stands out with its bold design and innovative switches, it doesn’t stray from functionality. The keyboard is equipped with wireless capabilities including Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4GHz connections, making it versatile for any user. Despite its retro feel, usability remains a top priority.

Price and Availability

The keyboard’s Kickstarter campaign has launched today, with prices starting at $449 for a bare-bones kit (excluding keycaps and switches) and going up to $598 for a fully-assembled bundle in the violet color. Those who jump on the bandwagon early can snag an 8% discount during the first 48 hours of the campaign.

Overall, the AM RGB 65 is a delightful combination of retro aesthetic and modern mechanical keyboard features. For those who long for the days of handheld gaming while staying connected with today’s technology, this keyboard is undoubtedly a conversation starter and a practical device all in one. So ready your desks for a piece of nostalgia reimagined.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge