The tablet industry is still going strong, but if we can take away anything from the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro releases, it's that some people really want keyboards to go with their tablets. Built-in touch screen keyboards simply aren't enough for writing anything longer than a text, and they take up valuable screen space. The thin screen-protector-like keyboards that Microsoft and Apple make are great for portability, but they don't offer the tactile feel that desktop keyboards do. If you want a keyboard that feels awesome (and isn't that portable) what better place to look for inspiration than a good old-fashion typewriter?
Enter the typewriter keyboard, which takes all of the positives of typewriters, such as isolating your focus and pressing on clicky keys, 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 the satisfying sounds of your keys will ensure that everyone around you will know it too.
The leading product in this space is the Qwerkywriter, a gorgeous $250 typewriter keyboard. I reached out to Qwerkytoys in September 2022, asking about a potential demo unit of the keyboard that I could return after testing. My correspondence with their founder and CEO, Brian Min, changed my understanding of the company and the product.
Min pointed out to me that the Qwerkywriter was the first typewriter mechanical keyboard brought to market, and since then the product has been copied, faked, and "outright patent and trademark violated." Min explained that Qwerkytoys is a small, local, family-owned business based in Northern California, and all of the limited edition keyboards they ship out are hand-assembled. The team does a 19-point onsite inspection of every unit they ship out.
After understanding the value of the Qwerkywriter, I saved up and bought one of my own, forgoing the need for a tester unit -- and I'm glad I did. In this list, I'll be focusing on high-quality products like the Qwerkywriter, looking at user experience, ethicality, and craftsmanship.
Also: The best assistive tech gadgets to create an equitable workforce
Here are the best typewriter keyboards to fit perfectly on your desk and offer a seamless writing experience.
Tablet typewriter keyboard-
Retro Typewriter Mechanical Wireless &Wired Keyboard with Tablet Stand, Bluetooth Connection, Artistic Dot Keys (White)
About this item
- Classic retro typewriter design, Bluetooth wireless connection, USB dual interface charging, the indicator light flashes when charging.
- Support IOS/ Android/ Windows/ Mac multiple systems, you can connect 3 kinds of devices at the same time to switch freely, improve your work efficiency.
- Aluminum Tablet Stand: easy and convenient to hold your iPad and smart phone
- Steampunk dot buttons, compound ergonomics, comfortable hand feeling and pleasant sound, let you enjoy the art of typing creation.
- The keyboard uses automobile spraying process, the color is bright and does not fade.