How exactly do we balance modern convenience with concentration? If you’re writing a book or a screenplay or even an article for ZDNet, how can you focus entirely on writing and not get sidetracked by a Google search or a YouTube rabbit hole? Enter the typewriter keyboard, which takes all of the positives of typewriters, such as focus and mechanical switches, and adds connectivity to familiar word processors and devices. When you use a typewriter keyboard with your iPad, phone, or laptop, you know that it’s time to write – and everyone around you will know it too. I found the best typewriter keyboards to fit perfectly on your desk and offer a seamless writing experience. Who knows, with a little focus and elbow grease, you may even write a bestselling novel.
Compatible devices: Windows, iOS, and AndroidConnectivity: Wired or wirelessPaired devices: Up to threeMaterial: Aluminum, metal, woodNumber of buttons: 83Price: $119.95
This typewriter keyboard combines aesthetics with durability: It has impact-resistant switches that don’t wear out, and they’re embedded on an aluminum and wood grain panel exterior. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and wired; you can connect to up to three devices at a time for maximum control over your work. That means you can prop your iPad in the machine while typing and then move seamlessly over to your desktop or phone while staying connected to all three devices. You can adjust your device’s volume and the keys’ backlight using the knob encipher. The keyboard has anti-ghosting technology built in, which makes sure that your key presses are sent accurately to avoid typos. The keys won’t get stuck and can be swapped out easily. If you’re a gamer, you’ll enjoy this keyboard’s accuracy. This is an aesthetically pleasing machine that functions well. It’s at a middle price point when it comes to quality typewriter keyboards, but it carries out all of the necessary functions with class. Pros:
The keys won’t wear outAnti-ghosting technologyIntegrated stand for tablet and phoneSupports up to three devices at once
Cons:
Compatible devices: iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows 10Connectivity: Wired or wirelessPaired devices: Up to threeMaterial: Scratch-resistant aluminumNumber of buttons: 83Price: $299.99
This is a gorgeous typewriter keyboard: Aesthetically and mechanically, it’s perfect. Price wise, not so much. It makes that loud clicky sound that you want with a typewriter, it’s made out of scratch-resistant aluminum, and it can easily fit most 12-inch tablets, including the iPad Pro 12-inch. The Bluetooth connects to up to three devices, and the keycaps have German-engineered Cherry MX clicky switches. Pros:
Tablet stand supports up to a 12.9 inch deviceSupports USB-CLong-lasting batteryMade of scratch-resistant aluminum
Cons:
Cable to connect to a laptop or other device is 4’ instead of 6’Keys start to fade with prolonged use and replacement keys can be expensive
Compatible devices: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows VISTA.Connectivity: Wired Paired devices: N/AMaterial: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), metalNumber of buttons: 81Price: $44.95
This is the typewriter keyboard to get if you want all of the aesthetic benefits – plus a little extra. The backlit keyboard has ten preset backlighting colors and flashing speeds for optimum personalization. It’s made of ABS and metal, with a matte finish and a gold-plated USB connector. The keyboard doesn’t emit loud clicking sounds when you type because of the brown mechanical switches. They do the same thing as the Cherry Mx Brown switches of the more expensive Qwerkywriter keyboard. The Huo Ji keyboard is smaller and cannot connect wirelessly to multiple devices, but those could easily be pros: You can fit the keyboard on smaller desks, and you don’t have to deal with wireless technical difficulties and unpairing automatic connectivity. Pros:
Easily configure backlight for brightness, pattern, speed of animation, color, etc.Anti-ghosting keysKeys are durable for up to 50 million clicksQuieter clicks
Cons:
Can only connect to one device at a timeIt has 81 keys instead of the usual 83
Compatible devices: PC, Mac, Tablet, iPad, iPhone, AndroidConnectivity: Wired or wirelessPaired devices: Up to threeMaterial: Aluminum, metalNumber of buttons: 83Price: $139.99
This ergonomic keyboard has keycaps that never fade, 21 backlight modes to choose from, and design elements for comfort. The pearl finish results from metallic and matte paint, and there are pleasant pops of gold throughout the keyboard, from the gold dual function control knob for sound and light control to the gold lettering and space bar. The package comes with spare ESC and Space key caps in white – the default is gold, so you can switch them out with the spare white keys if you want. The keyboard doesn’t always save your OS setting when you power down, which could throw off shortcuts, but you can easily modify your settings with a two-key action to turn it back. If you use this keyboard wirelessly, you’ll have to remember to charge it. Anyone who wants a minimalist mechanical keyboard designed for ergonomic comfort will enjoy this one. Pros:
Keys never fadeDesigned for ergonomic comfort21 backlight modesDual function control knobEasy to read the battery level
Cons:
It looks more like a keyboard than a typewriterSingle color backlightIt doesn’t come with a numeric keypad – you have to buy it separately
Compatible devices: Windows, Android, or iOS systems.Connectivity: WirelessPaired devices: Up to threeMaterial: UnspecifiedNumber of buttons: 86Price: $54.99
This compact keyboard with typewriter-inspired keys measures just 14 inches in length; You can pair it with up to three devices and go between them using the FN key and 1, 2, and 3. The built-in tablet/phone holder is 12 inches long, so it can hold most tablets. This keyboard does not come with a wire at all – it runs only on batteries. If you forget to turn it off, it automatically enters sleep mode after 20 minutes. Pros:
Built-in tablet and phone holderTrendy color choicesIt comes with an extra keycap, batteries, and a manual
Cons:
No option for wired connectivitySome reviews mention that there are no instructions in English
