I Got a reMarkable Keyboard

To be honest, I got one of these last year and have been working on it for a while, but I figured you would like a comprehensive review, so you’ll forgive me for taking my time on this one.

For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know that I’m a big fan of the digital writing tablet called reMarkable. I love reMarkable because, in my heart of hearts, I am a writer. While my handwriting may not be terribly legible, I find that when I handwrite things down, I not only have the tendency to remember them but also I have it down somewhere I can look up fairly easily. A while ago, reMarkable put in the ability to type up notes which were fine, but the on-screen keyboard with a bit clunky so I never ended up using it. However, they have come out with a new bookcase with an external keyboard that links to their system. I tried for a few months to order one, and every time I checked the site, they were “Sold out,” but about two months ago, I was actually able to order one, and it came in relatively quickly. I have been using it since then, and I have to admit, it’s a great system.

1) The case is not that much heavier – Part of the problem that I have with keyboard cases (Certainly in the third-party cases that I got for my iPad) is that the cases nearly triple the weight of the whole device. When you have your standard tablet and case, it’s easy to carry around, but with some of the keyboard cases that I’ve seen, it’s like carrying around a damned boat anchor. However, with the reMarkable Keyboard case, there’s not that big of a difference. Yes, it is a little heavier than just having the tablet alone, but I also found that it’s not much heavier than the tablet and the original case. I like that the keyboard folds away behind the tablet so that, while it’s there for your use, it’s still convenient to use as a handwritten notes tablet if that’s what you’re used to using it for. I have had a couple of different Keyboard cases for my iPad where having a keyboard becomes the whole function of the iPad, and because reMarkable doesn’t force that on its users, it is a big plus for me.

2) Typing is comfortable and quiet – my wife has told me I am an aggressively loud typer. I’m not entirely sure how true that is, but I know that the reMarkable keyboard is quiet. Certainly, it’s a lot quieter than any other keyboards I use. I also like it because the keys are soft. Some keyboards I have used over the years have been hard on the fingers, but the reMarkable keyboard is quite nice to type with. I recognize that this sounds like a major first-world problem, but being able to type for long periods without hurting your fingers too much is a big deal for writers.

3) You can now work off your computer – I will admit, this has nothing to do with the keyboard, but reMarkable put in a new functionality I have used and quite enjoy. Previously, if you wanted to look at your notes from the reMarkable (and if you didn’t have your device on you), then you could look at but not make any edits/additions to your reMarkable notes. However, if you want to add anything you have typed on your reMarkable, you can do that from the app on your computer or mobile device. There is nothing yet on being able to do handwritten notes from the apps, but I would be very surprised if that were to happen.

The thing about reMarkable is that it is an individual writing experience. I have seen some negative comments about them developing a keyboard that people can then type things, but I think it’s important for them to keep pushing for new ways to use their product. reMarkable’s core thesis is that paper gives us the power to expand our minds, and their tablet gives paper digital powers. In an age where Digital and Portability is King, reMarkable allows users to have (as they say) “Better paper, better thinking.”

Would you use remarkable?

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