Honest product reviews • Retro reflections • Nerd culture

Clean, modern reviews with a soft spot for the past.

We test new gear, revisit legendary tech, and write thoughtful essays about the stuff we love — from handhelds and keyboards to sound, screens, and stories.

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Curated with taste. Built with Backbone.

Retro desk setup with gadgets
Reviews
Practical & opinionated

Real-world testing, no fluff. What to buy, what to skip.

Essays
Thoughtful stories

Nostalgia, culture, and the why behind our favorite things.

Retro Lab
Fix • Mod • Archive

We tinker with classics and share guides that actually help.

Featured Reviews

New gear through a retro-friendly lens.

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Mechanical keyboard
Keyboards 8 min read
The 75% That Won Me Over

A quiet, travel-friendly board with hot-swap switches and a layout that nails the sweet spot.

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Retro handheld
Handhelds 6 min read
A New Classic Handheld

IPS screen, hall sticks, and perfect d-pad — but can it beat the originals?

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Headphones
Audio 9 min read
The Commuter’s Dream Cans

ANC that actually works, a warm sound signature, and a fold-flat design that fits everyday carry.

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Latest Essays

Culture, memory, and the tech that shaped us.

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Longform • 12 min

Growing Up With CRTs

Why scanlines still look better to our brains, and what modern displays can learn from yesterday’s glow.

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Retro Lab Changelog

Mods, repairs, and archival notes.

Game Boy Color IPS v2 install
July 28, 2025 · Guide coming soon
ThinkPad T42 recap & trackpad swap
June 14, 2025
Dreamcast GD-EMU conversion
May 2, 2025
Now playing
Vibes
Surf & Skate Coding Mix

Alt rock, indie, and mellow instrumentals for late-night writing sessions.

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