Your teacher once told you that you couldn't carry a calculator everywhere with you, but they were wrong! Because if they ever cast their eyes on this stylish new 8BitDo numpad/calculator hybrid, they'd have special pockets sewn into their clothes to keep it with them at all times. The 8BitDo Retro 18 Numpad is a retro-themed piece of tech that you can either use as an extension to one of the company's matching TKL mechanical keyboards, or as a stylish piece of number-crunching equipment for when you need to do some quick math. Remember, life comes at you hard, but numbers hit you even harder.
Inspired by classic hardware, the Numpad features hot-swappable PCB keys, a retro LED display, and can be connected via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz dongle. 8BitDo says it's compatible with Windows and Android devices, and it comes in several different editions. Depending on your personal taste, you can pick one up for $45 in NES, Famicom, Commodore 64, or IBM Model M-inspired designs when it launches on July 15. It's worth noting that the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is also marketed for Windows and Android, but it works great with Mac, Steam Deck, and other devices, too. We'd expect the Retro 18 Numpad to be the same way.
Even if you're not planning to add an extension to your keyboard, a dedicated calculator is always welcome around the house. Yes, your smartphone can tell you in depressing detail how much your taxes are going to be for the year, but there's a reassuring feeling of comfort to have a calculator on hand to punch out some numbers. Especially when it features satisfying mechanical keys with which to do your math homework.
