Brand | Azio |
---|---|
Series | MK-RETRO-L-03-US |
Item model number | MK-RETRO-L-03-US |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Operating System | Chrome |
Item Weight | 4 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 18 x 6 x 1 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 18 x 6 x 1 inches |
Color | Artisan |
Manufacturer | Azio |
Language | English |
ASIN | B0752X3X5K |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | September 5, 2017 |
Azio Retro Classic USB (Artisan) - Wired Vintage Backlit Leather Mechanical Keyboard for PC (MK-RETRO-L-03-US)
Brand | Azio |
Compatible Devices | PC |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Keyboard Description | QWERTY |
Recommended Uses For Product | Everyday Use |
Special Feature | Lighting |
Color | Artisan |
Number of Keys | 104 |
Keyboard backlighting color support | Single Color |
Style | Retro Classic USB |
About this item
- Genuine & luxurious: Genuine leather top plate. Leather reflects taste, craftsmanship, and exclusiveness while emitting a unique charm that inspires
- Forged. Polished. Plated: The keyboard frame is forged with zinc aluminum alloy and plated into a beautiful chrome/Satin finish to accompany the leather top plate
- Exclusive final touch: each keyboard has an elegantly designed custom logo Plaque, featuring premium grade brushed anodized aluminum
- Tactile. Clicky. Backlit: the mechanical keys are tuned to be tactile and "clicky", reminiscent of the vintage typewriter
- Twist to adjust height: achieve the optimal wrist position by adjusting the keyboard tilt angle. Simply rotate the rear pillar-style feet to set the keyboard height
Additional Details
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This Item Azio Retro Classic USB (Artisan) - Wired Vintage Backlit Leather Mechanical Keyboard for PC (MK-RETRO-L-03-US) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $83.99$83.99 | -11% $79.99$79.99 List: $89.99 | -6% $215.05$215.05 List: $229.99 | $84.99$84.99 | $36.99$36.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Ergonomic | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.4 |
Value for money | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.5 |
For gaming | 3.5 | 2.7 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 3.9 |
Brightness | 4.3 | — | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.7 |
Comfort | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | — | — |
Sold By | — | adventurers | Wotimilon | Amazon.com | 7KEYS | MageGee Online Store |
connectivity tech | USB | Bluetooth+Wired | Type-C Wired / Bluetooth / 2.4Ghz | wired, wireless | USB-C | USB |
number of keys | 104 | 83 | 87 | 104 | 83 | 104 |
hardware interface | usb | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | usb2.0 |
compatible devices | PC | Laptop, Tablet | Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone, PC | PC | Laptop, PC, Tablet, Smartphone | Laptop, PC, Tablet, Smartphone |
keyboard description | QWERTY | Mechanical | Wireless Typewriter Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Mechanical | US | Mechanical, Gaming |
operating system | Chrome | Android, iOS, Windows 10, Windows Vista | Mac Os, Windows | Windows/Mac | Mac | Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Linux |
From the manufacturer
Genuine & Luxurious
The top plate is made with genuine leather to reflect taste, craftsman-ship and culture while emitting a unique charm that inspires.
Forged & Plated
The zinc alloy frame is casted, hand polished, then copper-plated to accompany the black leather top. Hex bolts are added for structural enhancements and industrial vintage aesthetics.
Tactile. Clicky. Backlit
Vintage round key caps with backlit mechanical switches tuned to be tactile and clicky, reminiscent of the vintage typewriter.
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What's in the box
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🏆 TOP-RATED REVIEW: Mike Z ✅
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IRL View - Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth 5.0 (Artisan)
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Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth Keyboard (Artisan)
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Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
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Best Sellers Rank | #4,726 in Computer Keyboards |
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Product Description
Inspired by vintage typewriters and crafted with ultramodern features, the Azio Retro Classic is the perfect amalgam of past, present and future. The retro classic is a backlit mechanical keyboard with round keycaps that evokes nostalgia of yesteryear complemented with a durable aluminum frame and a sumptuous genuine leather or walnut surface. Battery: 5,000 mAh.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the appearance of the keyboard, describing it as nice looking, gorgeous, and well thought out. They also like the comfort, and portability. However, some customers have issues with connectivity. Opinions are mixed on quality, ease of use, performance, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the keyboard. They mention that it is well-thought-out, gorgeous, and sick looking. Customers also appreciate the tight contact points and smooth finish keys.
"...with this, if you are looking for a keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional...." Read more
"...Overall assessment: its a pretty sick looking keyboard and if you have that "industrial - antique/rustic - cyberpunk" feel for your home office..." Read more
"...As to the keyboard. It's gorgeous and has a nice tactile feel. It clicks, more like the original mechanical keyboards and less like a typewriter...." Read more
"...The pictures don’t really do it justice, the rose gold is really a true rose gold as far as color goes and the white leather matches beautifully..." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the keyboard. They say the real wood gives it a sturdy, substantial feeling, and the tactile feeling is great. They also say the keyboard has a very comfortable key spread, convenient shortcuts, and nice ergonomics. Customers also appreciate the excellent typing experience and feel, and mention the great mechanical feel of the switches provides awesome feedback. Overall, customers are happy with the comfort and quality of the product.
"...the palm rest too, the leather is so nice and this thing just looks, feels, and sounds expensive. It was worth EVERY single penny...." Read more
"...I love typing on this thing, and it feels quite nice. I read many of the reviews before purchasing, and noticed that some complained of wrist pain...." Read more
"...As to the keyboard. It's gorgeous and has a nice tactile feel. It clicks, more like the original mechanical keyboards and less like a typewriter...." Read more
"...Of course, the looks are stunning. The utility, the "feel" of the touch, the satisfying click, the ease of use--all these combine into a wonderful..." Read more
Customers like the portability of the keyboard. They mention that it's a beautiful, heavyweight, quality keyboard that is easy to carry but still bulky enough. The weight of the product keeps it in place on the desk.
"...At the same time it's not so heavy as to be irritating.So far I can't see anything wanting with the Anzi Retro Classic...." Read more
"...have more connectivity options but besides that it’s a beautiful, heavyweight, quality keyboard." Read more
"...wow this thing looks gorgeous and 2. wow this thing is heavy. now it isn't crazy heavy, just way heavier than I expected...." Read more
"...She is PURDY! Nice and heavy! I can tell the difference between my previous retro keyboard by another brand that was cheaper...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the keyboard. Some mention that it's a high quality well built keyboard, while others say that some of the keys are chipping at the bottom, get scratched, and become unrecognizable over time. Some customers also say that the keys were too hard and it'd be easy to misclick with the circular keys.
"...It's holding up VERY well, and I have had no issues at all. the battery life is great and I NEVER turn this thing off...." Read more
"...All of that said, this is an excellent keyboard, and I imagine that both those experienced with mechanical keyboards and those who are not would be..." Read more
"...Needless to say they look odd and out of place. I called Azio and they said that was an error and offered to ship me the correct set at no cost...." Read more
"...After 1 month: keyboard is still going strong. so far haven't run into any issues that other than what i have commented on...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the keyboard. Some mention it's straight forward, easy to set up, and easy to type on. They appreciate the different connection options. However, other customers say that it'll start to feel tiring and their wrists will start to hurt.
"...Pairing the bluetooth is simple, but I had a small issue at first. The manual instructs you to press the Fn and minus/dash keys to initiate pairing...." Read more
"...Typing on it is so satisfying and you get that typewriter sound without it being obnoxiously loud...." Read more
"...if i am typing for extended periods of time, i will begin to feel my wrists get tired. Nothing painful, just tired...." Read more
"...The utility, the "feel" of the touch, the satisfying click, the ease of use--all these combine into a wonderful experience...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the keyboard. Some mention that it works great and look great, while others say that it does not have a simple functionality to pair two devices at once. Some say that the keyboard is stiff and it feels like too much extra force is required to type.
"...It's holding up VERY well, and I have had no issues at all. the battery life is great and I NEVER turn this thing off...." Read more
"...are looking for a keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional...." Read more
"...The main problem I have is with the heavier pressure required to press the key, and the way the keys actuate...." Read more
"...First week: initial use was good. i enjoy the "click-click" sound the keyboard makes, almost like an actual typewriter...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the keyboard. Some mention that it's worth the money, while others say that it is expensive.
"...is luxurious and it makes working fun because you have a pretty piece of expensive art that you get to type on all day...." Read more
"...if you are just looking for a BT keyboard, then skip this. its expensive and heavy to transport, not to mention it isnt the most ergonomic..." Read more
"...But if you type a lot, it is a worthy investment. Indeed, the cost is what held me back from mechanical keyboards for so long...." Read more
"...I knocked off one star due to it being too expensive not to have more connectivity options but besides that it’s a beautiful, heavyweight, quality..." Read more
Customers have connectivity issues with the keyboard. They mention that it takes a moment to reconnect, has connection issues, and sometimes never connects. Some customers also say that they struggle to keep a reliable connection when in Bluetooth mode. Overall, some customers are disappointed with the connectivity of the product.
"...WRONG! The keyboard can not connect to the RF Receiver and my only options now are to buy a USB to Bluetooth Dongle or use the supplied USB Type-C..." Read more
"...Cons:*I can't remember when but the bluetooth stopped working and I can only use the keyboard if it's plugged in...." Read more
"...I had a slight problem with the bluetooth:I have two laptops...." Read more
"...No connection issues when pairing to Bluetooth, however you do have to wait a few seconds for it to connect to Windows when booting up if you turn..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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The tactile experience is wonderful, and it is certainly more clicky than your average keyboard. I love typing on this thing, and it feels quite nice. I read many of the reviews before purchasing, and noticed that some complained of wrist pain. I am not an expert typist by any means, but if you are experiencing pain while using this or any other keyboard, it could very well be poor typing habits. Wrist-pads or wrist-rests are not necessary, as your wrists should be elevated to roughly the same height as your fingertips while you are typing. So please do yourselves a favour and learn good typing habits! It may well prevent early development of carpal-tunnel syndrome.
I am not a gamer, so I cannot comment on its use in that manner, but as a writer, it is really something special, especially compared to the typical rubber-dome type keyboards that are so common these days. There really is no comparison between a mechanical keyboard and a rubber dome keyboard; it is superior in every way, excepting, perhaps, cost. But if you type a lot, it is a worthy investment. Indeed, the cost is what held me back from mechanical keyboards for so long. I have been eyeing the buckling spring, IBM Model M style keyboards from Unicomp for years, but could never really justify the cost. When Datamancer began to produce retro-inspired keyboards about a decade ago, it became something of a dream to own one, but they cost hundreds of dollars, and as beautiful as they are, I simply could not justify spending that kind of money on a keyboard, regardless of beauty and quality. When I saw the Azio Retro Classic, I balked at the price; let’s face it: 189.99 for a keyboard is pretty pricey. But I decided to shell out the cash and give it a try. And I am glad I did!
A word about Azio’s customer service. As a longtime Linux user, I rather dislike having the Microsoft Windows logo on my keyboard. After reading reviews and watching several video reviews—many of the latter for the Bluetooth version—I was rather expecting the USB version I bought to come with the alternative Mac key caps; it did not. I had hoped to swap out the Windows hotkey for the Mac CMD key cap. So I e-mailed Azio Customer Support and expressed my disappointment as a Linux user to not have another option for the Windows logo on the hotkey and asked if they would be willing to send me a set of the Mac key caps included with the USB version. Firstly, I am not fond of wireless keyboards for security reasons, one of the very reasons I use Linux to begin with. A few days after writing them, they responded that they were happy to help and would try to get this request approved for me, and would send me a tracking number when they shipped. In addition, they asked which distribution of Linux I am using so they can attempt to offer support for Linux in the future. True to their word, four days later they sent me a tracking number and I received them the following Monday. They sent a whole set of Mac key caps, and I happily swapped out the Windows logo key for the Mac key. Not being a Mac user, I can’t say if the USB version, even with the Mac key caps, would work as well as the Bluetooth version which has a switch for Windows or Mac. True, the Bluetooth version can be used wired, but unless you wish to use it with Bluetooth, it is an added expense. But then, Mac products have always been more expensive than PC products.
I would suggest to Azio that they offer these with a more generic hotkey key cap to begin with. For one thing, the “retro vibe” of these keyboards almost demands something more generic than a Windows logo; this could be something as simple as a large asterisk. I daresay both Mac and Windows users could easily determine what it is they are looking at. Personally, I think some kind of a sprocket or wheel logo would be a good option for the hotkey.
All of that said, this is an excellent keyboard, and I imagine that both those experienced with mechanical keyboards and those who are not would be more than pleased with this, if you are looking for a keyboard that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I will also add that if you are at all worried about the round keys, don’t be. I had no trouble adjusting straight off and honestly cannot tell a difference. If anything, I seem to type better, though that could admittedly just be my imagination and admiration for a superior keyboard, which this definitely is.
As to the keyboard. It's gorgeous and has a nice tactile feel. It clicks, more like the original mechanical keyboards and less like a typewriter. The first keyboard I bought had a distinct and loud click. The Azio is a bit quieter, but still a distinct "typing" sound. With the less expensive keyboard I had constant errors because even the slightest touch would cause a key to react. The Azio isn't so touchy and I find there are far fewer errors. The keys are slightly depressed allowing your fingertips to naturally find center. The leds light the keycaps well and they are easy to see even in low light.
Pairing the bluetooth is simple, but I had a small issue at first. The manual instructs you to press the Fn and minus/dash keys to initiate pairing. I didn't notice that the minus key in the number key cluster on the right has the bluetooth symbol. I was pressing the minus key next to the 0 ) key and of course nothing happened. Realizing my error I pressed the right keys and within seconds the keyboard was paired up.
This keyboard was about double the cost of most keyboards I've purchased over the years, but it's not just a keyboard. It's got style and a unique look. The Li-ion rechargeable battery and the zinc aluminum case add some heft to the keyboard. The feet are adjustable with an anti slip coating. This keyboard is not going to slip and slide around your desk. I type with my keyboard in my lap and the Azio is much more stable than any other keyboard I've used yet. At the same time it's not so heavy as to be irritating.
So far I can't see anything wanting with the Anzi Retro Classic. The great customer service is a plus.
Top reviews from other countries
It's truly a beautiful keyboard... I bought it as a gift for a typing enthusiast - SHE LOVES IT!!!
It also types well - a heavier touch, but if you're a fast touch-typer, and it's your main way of interfacing with your machine (report writing, internet browsing, excel), you'll adjust and be as productive as ever, with a really exquisite board. Probably not great for a Software Engineer, Front end-stack Developer - someone typing for literal hours per day at peak project. I don't believe that Dev's are the market that this type of keyboard is aimed at.
On the other hand, office workers, or touch-typist's who are looking for a bit of personality when working - a sweet spot.
If you're old enough to remember typewriters as a child (Smith-Corona electric in my house!), while this doesn't have action like that this is quite a nostalgic experience a kin to some of the very first keyboards kids of our age ever touched (aside from: PET's, 64's, and Apple 2's & classic's). The end of electric typewriters and new wave of personal computers was sorta-like kids these days in the cradle with monochrome Kindles, and eventually transitioning to iPad Pro's or another competing modern fancy Android tablet as they got older... nostalgia.
While it is backlit, I would think that this would be the last choice for a gamer. I think that Logitech (I'm writing this review with a 8 yr old K740... not the best for gaming, but GREAT FOR PROGRAMMING!), or a tonne of other customizable key-switch, RGB-laden, 10-key(less), keyboards are out there for that user.
Anyway, a heavy, nostalgic enthusiast board that is charming, covered in leather, and with brass-looking caps. Really, really quite nice!!
but if you plan on playing games the circular shape of the keys makes you some what inaccurate sometimes.