QWERKYTOYS Qwerkywriter Typewriter Inspired Retro Mechanical Wired & Wireless Keyboard with Tablet Stand

These days, owning and using a manual typewriter is teetering on the brink of becoming the next "owning a record player to play vinyl records" niche sensation. In a digital age, making use of mostly mechanical, analog technology is a deliberate choice, but one that's fraught with much of the same baggage that caused us to abandon it in the first place. [To see what I mean, check out Scott Schad's nifty book, Typewriters for Writers (2014), where he lovingly describes the extraordinary lengths required just to do a small portion of the things even the most rudimentary text-centric software and apps can do with no manual intervention.] While the look and feel of a good manual typewriter is undeniably unique, properly maintaining and utilizing such a beast is probably well beyond those with just a casual interest. Enter the Qwerkytoys Qwerkywriter (Amazon, Official Website), which gives you much of the look and feel of a good manual typewriter, but with the benefits of the digital age. Paired with your computer or a good tablet and the right app, you can create an alternative writing environment that just might be the envy of even some of the more dedicated manual typewriter enthusiasts (although probably not Mr. Schad). A good, name brand mechanical keyboard - which anyone who spends any time typing should invest in - usually starts in the hundred dollar range and goes up from there. Even with those numbers in mind, the Qwerkywriter is pricey. And that price was lowered to $249.00. Of course, to be fair to the Qwerkywriter, it is a unique design, so it's not really surprising that it exceeds the price of most high-end mechanical keyboards, where it's probably easier to buy parts in quantity. The US keyboard layout model I'm reviewing features 83 keys, while the UK version has 84 (where the left shift key is instead two separate circular keys). Most of the keys are circular, while others, like BACKSPACE and ENTER, are rounded rectangles. These keys are beautifully crafted, although the space bar is unique among the keys and is neither as stylish nor feels quite as good when typing. A typewriter-style carriage return lever on the left side of the machine functions as a macro key, although, for enhanced authenticity, I just had mine duplicate the ENTER key's functionality. This is a Bluetooth-only device that supports just one profile at a time, so to use it with multiple devices you'll have to pair it again between device changes. The microUSB port is only for charging. Since there's no backlight, you'll get up to three months of battery life. Although it has automatic power saving, there's also a discrete on/off rocker switch. Towards the back, there's a generously-sized slot that should fit most tablets, like my Apple iPad Pro 9.7, or 2-in-1 computers, like my Microsoft Surface Pro 3, up to 5/8" in thickness. Of course, use of the slot is optional, and it's just as easy to use the Qwerkywriter with a desktop or other Bluetooth-enabled device. To the left and right of the slot are platen knobs, but sadly these are just for decoration and don't actually rotate (it would be cool to use them to move the cursor, similar to the dedicated cursor keys). Device dimensions are about 13" wide and 7" deep. Thanks to its aluminum construction and other mechanical parts, it weighs a solid 3 lbs. That heft helps with stability, and, like the Freewrite I reviewed earlier, helps with the overall feel versus a regular keyboard. I tried the Qwerkywriter with a variety of software and apps on my Surface Pro 3 and iPad Pro 9.7. It was on the latter that perhaps the most fun was had, using the popular Tom Hanks-driven Hanx Writer. Simulating the look, sounds, and yes, limitations of a typewriter on the iPad's screen paired perfectly with the authentic look and feel of the Qwerkywriter. Just like with the Freewrite before it, although not without its flaws, the Qwerkywriter is unique in the market and it services the purpose it was designed for well. You can have as little or as much of the "romantic" typewriter writing experience as you'll likely want, without all the hassle that goes into owning a real manual typewriter. Pluses: - Classy design - Good build quality - Great manual typewriter-like feel - Unique typing experience Minuses: - Pricey - Only one Bluetooth profile, so need to resync each time you want to use a different device with it - Space bar is a bit disappointing, though even that is somewhat authentic - Platen knobs are just for decoration Summary: Although you probably won't want to use the Qwerkywriter as your daily driver keyboard, it's a great, if pricey way to create a unique manual typewriter-like writing environment while still maintaining the many advantages of today's digital world.

I write about 5k words a day and I used a gaming keyboard for the springback on the keys, but it annoyed me for having functionality I didn’t need and clicking a wrong button could send me wherever. Figured this was probably a total gimmick but it does look good, so maybe? I love it!! Do get the wrist rest, but they keys feel good on your actual fingertips and you can find your position easily without looking down (f and j have bumps) like a regular typewriter. It has ctrl, esc, page down, etc but they’re well positioned and I’m not hitting them accidentally when I get on a tear. I wish it were wireless, but that said it hooks up effortlessly so wouldn’t want to trade that. The scroll works and the carriage return works- which was cute at first, and then I spontaneously started using them in earnest :) Others mentioned a delay. I experience that as well, but it’s intermittent and short and doesn’t really bother me much. But it’s definitely a thing that pops up every 200 words or so, and is resolved in a second or two. It’s maybe kind of a gimmick- but I love it! It’s great quality, perfect weight- I look forward to using it every day. Very happy with the purchase!

I'm a professional novelist, and I was given a Qwerkywriter keyboard by a fan. That was how I was introduced to this amazing keyboard. The one that the fan gave me as a gift lasted only a year or two, because I accidentally spilled coffee on it, and it was destroyed. However, loving the clicky feel of this keyboard, I immediately bought myself one, even though at the time it was over $300. The feel of this keyboard is superior, and its round keys mimic many of the keyboards on typewriters, which I also use in writing my novels. There are a couple of caveats regarding this keyboard, however. One, the Bluetooth connection has a very slight lag time, so I use this keyboard connected to a USB port, eliminating any lag time. Two, let me be clear that this keyboard is ideal for writers; if you are a coder or someone who works with numbers a lot, there is no number pad, so it is not ideal for these other uses. Three, the carriage return bar is really just an affectation; you won't find yourself using it when typing a document. The main thing that I love about the Qwerkywriter keyboard is its solid build and overall quality. The keyboard switches are mechanical, and therefore clicky, so there is wonderful tactile feedback when you're typing. The case is solid metal, so the whole thing has some heft and won't slide around your desk. I would recommend that if you do a lot of typing, you'll want to have a wrist pad in front of the keyboard as well as in front of your mouse. The reason for this is that the keyboard rests about an inch higher on your desk than normal keyboards. One final note, the top of the keyboard has a slot to hold a tablet, in case you want to use this as a tablet keyboard. I heartily recommend this keyboard for writers, especially writers of books, novels, plays, or other long form documents.

This is a beautifully constructed keyboard, with clickity-clack keys, that have the look, touch, and feel of a typewriter. It is a nice experience typing with this on my iPad and on my computer. Makes the experience of typing much more pleasurable then simply banging away on some cheaper generic keyboard that most computers are packaged with these days. Keys are full size, which is more pleasant than the typical compact keyboards of most laptop or notebook computers. Typing is fast and easy. The keys have pleasant tactile feedback and about the right pressure so as not to inadvertently type extra keystrokes very often for keys that are just casually brushed. It is portable and lightweight and fits easily into may backpack so I can take it to work. It is a little noisy, so if you have co-workers in an adjacent cubicle, or if you use it at a coffee shop, others may not like the noise much, after the initial novelty wears off. The noise is part of the charm though. My son heard it and saw it for the first time and asked if I was using a typewriter. It is metal and of high quality, hence more expensive than all of the copy cat keyboards that are coming out now. I also have a cheap copy cat keyboard, and it is good for what it is, but this keyboard is much more solid, better constructed, and overall worth the extra money. Highly recommended as a luxury item, or as a gift to an older person who misses typewriters. My younger colleagues, who have never used a typewriter, also like it and really enjoy typing on it, so it is really a gift for all ages. I last charged the battery a month ago, and it is still going. I am not a gamer, so cannot comment in that department. It is great simply for typing.

This is I think the 3rd 5-star review I've created. Mechanically this thing is apparently sound and it appears very well-made. In design and physical production it's really a beauty. The keys are loud; the switches themselves have a significant clickety, and the whole key bottoming-out in its housing produces its own separate clackety. In large part this latter is result of the metal construction of the box itself. I consider the clickety-clackety a good thing which remind me of the pleasure of my Royal typewriter, but consider it and whether it will work for you. Apparently the key switches are not "hot swappable," whatever that means for you mechanical keyboard-heads. It's high; you'll want a wrist-rest. It doesn't have to be the expensive-as one you see listed along with it; I'm using a piece of foam cut out from some package or another and it's Just Right. Paired with a couple of freshly downloaded Typewriter fonts from Dafont, it makes me want to write stuff despite having really not much of interest to say.

Environment: As a professional writer, this keyboard has been a great enjoyment to have just for adding to my environment when writing/working. The atmosphere for many of us is critically important, and I want other writers to know, this really fits the bill regarding our environment. It does exactly what you are hoping it to from this respect. TRAVEL: Yes, it is light enough for most of us to travel with. I can't see a reason not to travel with it. I will highly suggest making sure you have the keyboard cover for protection. I have not yet bought this item, instead, I have been temporarily using the packaging clear hard plastic cover that comes with it for shipping (more for a dust cover on my desk for now). I have not yet traveled with this board, but have moved room to room with it, and can see easily that I will have no issues for traveling using a very decent carry case. I can see it being great for hotels. While I write professionally I am also a medical practitioner, and when attending long conferences where I have space, this little board would be nice...with one hold back, the sound of the typewriter ha! I love the sound, but I do not advise it being used in group settings such as meetings. I have not taken this into the office yet when seeing patients, but I do plan on getting a second one for my practice office and using it full time in there for clinical chart notes, even when entering into EMR's. TYPING SPEED : (the issue addressed here) I literally fly on this keyboard and was worried it was going to slow me down. Not at ALL! BUT here is where the issue comes in... for some unknown reason the keyboard double enters a word! I cannot for the life of me figure out what is going on. If I enter the word... Word..it will type out Word Word... Not kidding! I then have to catch it, backup and erase it and keep going. I'm extremely fast on the board and I do find this annoying. But more than anything, I'm trying to figure out WHY it is happening! I keep wondering, am I hitting a key that is causing this double entry? If so, what key? How on earth is this happening?? I'm totally stumped! But when it does, one choice to be had, back up, delete and keep going. Is it worth the headache? Well actually YES! I have to admit, this is by far NOT a deal breaker. This keyboard is THAT good! Aesthetics Matter... to me...and many other writers and professionals, so I'm addressing it specifically! This keyboard will look good in the highest class environment, to the little writer's nook in a corner somewhere. It is for those in the million dollar state of art office, private library, to those in a small apartment on the Northside of Chicago, to a practice office, (such as my second one will be), off the east coast by the ocean..and at home it works well in my home office writers space with a lot of dark woods, and low lighting. I sometimes travel to a cabin in the mountains of NC and this would be so relaxing to take and sit out and write by the fire. I already use it fireside in my home. For writers, we all know the appeal in our environment matters when we are going to sit for hours and write, look around, ponder and relax our minds and bodies, ...the environment for most of us is KEY (Pun intended ha!)... LIGHTED KEYS... No, it does NOT have lighted back keys. And for me at first, was almost a deal breaker. I tend to love lighted keys, in fact, I am a stimuli freak (sensory is a huge issue for me)... but once it arrived, I realized quickly, I will never ever miss not having lighted keys. This very much surprised me! Don't let this be a deal breaker for you! SET UP: Connection is super fast on my Ipad Pro 12"... powers right on, syncs super fast, (do give it a couple of secs the first time!)... but I have had zero issues with connection and power. I keep mine charged on my desk on a USB tower plugged to my wall, unplug when using in various rooms in the home or sitting outside on the deck, etc. I keep the board covered with the clear hard plastic keyboard cover that came with shipping until I can take the time and buy a cover (they do make them, and I highly suggest keeping keys covered, so that you can keep it dust free when not in use). Another accessory I did get when I bought this keyboard was the wrist rest... I can say the one I bought on AMAZON when I purchased this was of good quality (I am sure its the same company too by the way), and is a smart item to use for protecting yourself when using for long hrs. of writing as many of us do. I cannot encourage you enough to give this keyboard the time it deserves! An additional note worth mentioning "Small" but imperative to mention... in the end, it may be what matters most: It arrives in a really nice black box, with a message from the family/makers of this product. I love the attention that they pay to their customers with their note introducing themselves, and of quality packaging. This tells the pride taken in their product....if you are a company that pays attention to these details, I've little doubt that you paid attention to the quality of your product performance...and in fact, that is apparent every time I use this keyboard! FINAL NOTE: YES absolutely buy this board! Don't worry about the price compared to other boards. I feel quite sure that this is made much better than the $89 dollar ones. Really at that price point, my expectations would not be that great. I'd rather buy an item for double the price and get 10 times the quality and what I hope to be 10 times the life from. That can't be determined for some time to come. So far, outside of the double word issue, this one is hands down the best quality product of this type out there! I would have given this a 5 star (a VERY Strong 5 star if it had not been for the one functional issue I can't figure out yet). Again don't let the lack of backlights stop you! Truth is from what I've come to believe, it would have taken from it, (and taken from battery life) not enhanced it! And I am surprised by my own self feeling this way! I'd have never guessed it, but glad I took the leap to check it out. I have no regrets... soon as I figure out the double word thing...and if I never do, frankly, I'll live with it. ... or maybe I can return for one that doesn't do this? I need to contact the company and find out. I have not had a chance to do so. But need to. In all fairness to them, until I do, they can't really help me...but AMAZON asked me to leave my product rating and all tonight, and so I figured I should go ahead and do this now and deal with the issue when I get around to it. I hope that this helps others make a determination for themselves as they hunt for the keyboard they would love. And I truly believe this one is worth loving! I am not in any way affiliated with this company, sure not getting paid for the review...always wonder how people get to do that! HA! But for me, this is more because for other writers out there (professional or not), and for young student writers, I like to do all I can to assist through feedback. If anyone knows what is causing the double word issue when typing, pls pls. find a way to leave me a msg. thanks! And post the answer here please for others to see. Surely I'm not the only one? Left to ponder...

The Qwerkywriter S is the best keyboard I have owned, and trust me when I say I have bought many from Amazon. Needless to say up front that I will not be buying anything else but Qwerkywriter S, unless they can somehow top what they have. The keyboard is nice looking, well-constructed, and smooth running. The design I love. It works beautifully with my Mac Air laptop using bluetooth or the usb plug in. It is so nice to have the option to use either. I had no issues with hooking it up to bluetooth or using it strictly as plug and play. I can't empathize enough how beautiful and how smooth this keyboard is. If you are trying to decide whether or not to purchase one... the price is well worth it. I have a Mac Desktop Computer that I am planning to purchase another Qwerkywriter S for. I am very, very satisfied and happy with it and would more than highly recommend it to anyone. As a matter of fact, it will be the only keyboard I will recommend from here on out. Love it. Thank you Qwerky... you rock the big one! Oh, and one more mention, the keyboard comes in a nice box and is well packaged. If I could give this product 10 stars, I would.

I have always hated those cheap. plastic keys and keyboards! I can type 90 wpm, but my fingers are very large, and it's difficult trying to "stay on the keys" of those plastic keyboards, especially those flat key laptops, without "drifting" and touching another key. It's like trying to type on a kitchen counter top with the letters simply written on the surface. And, again, those cheap made keyboards with their cheap plastic keys are fine for people who can only type with two fingers. But in my opinion, and having over 20 years of experience typing on these cheap plastic things, and for people who KNOW how to type - they are garbage! The high quality keys on this "QWERKYWRITER S" keyboard solves that problem beautifully. This keyboard is the ultimate in high quality and value - all metal - very, very well made. (it's also a very beautiful keyboard - pretty enough to hang on the wall!) It may seem pricey, but, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! And this keyboard is hands down the BEST I've ever typed on, regarding the hundreds of computer keyboards I've had to type on since 1996! As far as I'm concerned, all those cheap made plastic keyboards all belong in a classroom full of first graders! Bottom line - after using mine and, experiencing all that it is capable of doing (more than any average computer keyboard is capable of doing), I would have gladly paid $500 for it and not batted an eyelash.....IT IS WELL WORTH IT!! I'll never be without one of these from now on!