Writing isn’t as easy as most people think, more factors go into it – you can’t just pour words on paper and call it a day. Since this is a long process, you want to feel comfortable when you are doing it, and writing by hand simply won’t cut it! That’s why most people nowadays write digitally, as it’s faster and easier to correct. But, when you are a full-time writer and are expected to write for longer periods of time, getting any old keyboard and using it to do your craft isn’t the best idea – there are a plethora of options and it’s up to you to find the most suitable one! Here’s how to choose the perfect keyboard for writing!
Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboard
It’s totally fine if you never wondered what makes a quality keyboard actually good, and what are the common differences between the types. Mechanical keyboards are suitable for working, but they are not as pleasing to your wallet as you’d like. They operate in a way when you press the key it has a subtle mechanism inside that transmits the action, meaning that it’s suitable for those with gentle hands. Membrane keyboards on the other hand work a bit differently, they don’t make a sound, and they have a specific rubber layer inside the key that works as a transmitter for the action – this makes it a bit harder to write if you have a light hand! The good thing about membrane keyboards is that they are more economical, so if you are a student and just starting your writing career, it’s not a bad option!
Layout
You might not even realize, but there are different types of keyboards, especially when it comes to the layout itself. Experts at Nerdybookgirl.com state that every person is different and that every keyboard will work differently for everyone. Even tho, a traditional, full-size keyboard is probably the most popular, it doesn’t have to be the norm for everyone. The good thing about it is that you have all the important keys on display, but the most given downside to that is its size. Big, traditional keyboards and chunky and take up way too much space – and not to mention if you have smaller hands, you can’t even reach most of the keys when you are typing and that can decrease the speed of your writing quite a bit!
Wired vs. Wireless
When writing on a computer, you have a little more freedom than when writing on a laptop – you have the freedom to choose what type of keyboard you want to write on. There is a constant debate if wireless keyboards are better than those that have wires – simply because they don’t make clutter and take up less space on your desk. But at the same time wired keyboards are easily connected and ready to go, whilst wireless sometimes have to take a bit of time to start working, and some even need recharging and batteries! So it’s up to you what kind of keyboard suits your needs more and if you are willing to sacrifice space for practicality.
Feeling and Sound
A lot of people don’t think about this one, most people just see the hardware and the visual aspects rather than the actual feel. The truth is, if you are a professional writer, even if you are doing it just for fun – a lot of things can subconsciously affect your writing and thinking, even the sound of the keyboard itself. Many people get way too distracted if the keyboard makes noise, while others prefer the sound as it reminds them of old typewriters, so it all goes down to personal taste. So make sure that you at least try out the desired keyboard before you get it, as you’ll be spending a lot of time being creative with it. Every little detail counts, even the seemingly insignificant ones, they can make a big difference in the long run.
Shape
You are probably thinking, a keyboard is a keyboard, how can you change its shape? Well, there are actually special keyboards designed to suit your hands – if you are writing for longer periods of time, your wrists and hands can hurt quite a bit and nobody wants that! This is even more so for people who already have certain injuries or suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, as regular, straight keyboards aren’t suited for or hands in the first place. Sitting down at your desk and writing is bad on its own, but when you combine with the uncomfortable hand placements, it can create quite an uncomfortable and painful feeling after a while. If you easily suffer from these things, you might want to opt for a special ergonomic keyboard!
Custom Keyboards
If you are willing to spend more money in order to make a keyboard out of your dreams then there is nothing stopping you as you can order a custom one! The sky’s the limit, part from your budget of course, but other than that you can customize everything from the size and layout to the color and sound – the crazier and more specific you want, the more money it’ll cost you! There are actually companies that can make you a fully custom keyboard, but if you don’t have a couple of hundred dollars to pay, start with a smaller investment or customize it to an extent – just add stuff that you like, nothing crazy, and unpractical! Practicality should always be above aesthetics, you are getting a keyboard to write not as a decorative piece!
At the end of the day it all depends on your habits and style of writing, do you spend multiple hours writing or make smaller, sporadic writing sessions, it can all play into what kind of keyboard will suit you the most. Just remember that a pretty, flashy keyboard doesn’t mean that it’s good – think about the mechanic and practical part as well and follow your gut! Always try to make the best out of everything you do, so take this to your advantage and go write with comfort!