Qwerkywriter Typewriter Keyboard Review

The QwerkyToys Qwerkywriter is easily one of the best typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboards you can buy right now. It features a full aluminum body, high-quality typewriter-styled keycaps, clicky switches, and wireless connectivity. It's clearly designed for writing above all, but can even be used for gaming when plugged in via the USB port. I've been testing it for a while, both at my computer and as an on-the-go writerdeck. And I think it's well worth the $199 cost of entry for anyone that's a fan of unique and vintage-inspired accessories.

Specifications

Specs and Features courtesy of QwertyToys

• Current Price: $199.99 (Amazon) 
• Multi-Device Wireless Connectivity - The Qwerkywriter can be connected to multiple wireless devices and switch amongst them.  So now you can have a mobile phone, a tablet, and a laptop all connected wirelessly to the Qwerkywriter.
• Wired USB mode with NKRO support - This is a fancy way of saying that in wired USB mode, Qwerkywriter can perform at the highest levels without dropping letters or strokes. Now supports USB-C!
• Dual Scroll Knob Encoders - The Qwerkywriter features dual function scroll knobs that control volume and page scroll. 
• Mechanical Switches - The New Qwerkywriter now uses the famed Cherry MX “clicky” switches for that ultimate tactile feedback experience.
• Integrated Tablet Stand - The Qwerkywriter has a built-in integrated tablet stand that can accommodate comfortably up to 10.5 inch screens.  It can also accommodate most 13 inch tablets as long as it’s less than 5/8 inch thick (including iPad Pro and Surface Pro tablets).
• Macro Return Bar - The Qwerkywriter’s signature all-metal macro programmable Return Bar defaults to the “enter” key.  But you can program up to 15 characters to generate short signatures and more.
• New Scratch Resistant All Aluminum Chassis - The Qwerkywriter chassis is constructed entirely out of a new scratch-resistant aluminum alloy for an incredible feel of quality and durability.
• Typewriter-Inspired Keycaps - The beautiful, typewriter-inspired 2 piece keycaps of the Qwerkywriter have numerous improvements, including better stability, improved laser etching, and automotive-grade electroplating.
• Long-Lasting Rechargeable Battery - The Qwerkywriter can function up to 3-4 weeks on a single charge depending on usage.  In USB mode, the Qwerkywriter does not require battery power. Instead, it charges the Qwerkywriter. 
• Dimensions - 13" x 7" x 2.5" approx. Weight is a little under 3 lbs.

Qwerkywriter Typewriter Keyboard - Design and Highlights

Typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboards have been around almost as long as the resurgence of modern mechanical keyboards. We've all seen them. Oftentimes, they come with cute and colorful designs that are bafflingly called retro, when the only thing vintage about them is their circle keycaps. Others take a more inspired approach, doing their best to emulate the look of an actual typewriter. The Qwerkywriter falls into the latter category. But while there have been competitors that have opted for a similar aesthetic, the quality here is top of class and feels premium in a way only one other has: the Azio MK Retro. That keyboard line was different enough that the two only vaguely compete against each other — if you can even find one today.

The Qwerkywriter approaches things differently. It features a compact layout inspired by actual typewriters. Its design is somewhat bulky, but fittingly so, emulating the angling of those antique writing tools. It includes two scroll knobs similar to the paper feed of a typewriter. Instead of paper, it features a tablet stand. It even includes a chrome return lever. 

And, of course, it also has typewriter-styled keycaps. They're circular and sit on the key switches on narrow stems. Truth be told, it was this style of keycap that eventually turned me off to typewriter-styled keyboards. On virtually every other I've tested, the keycaps were thin and cheap. Those that had metal rings, or should I say metal-appearing rings, encircling the face of each key were plastic and would eventually chip, fade, or get dull.

Not so here. These keycaps are great. They are immediately higher quality, both in appearance and in how they feel. The rings surrounding each key face are manufactured using an automotive electroplating process. This is a kind of subtle detail that could go unnoticed if you haven't tested other typewriter keyboards, but if you have, it stands out and speaks to its quality.

The chassis also impresses. Instead of opting for an ABS plastic like most Bluetooth keyboards, QwerkyToys has instead opted for a full aluminum frame. It's not ridiculously heavy like a custom mechanical keyboard, and that's for the better because the Qwerkywriter is designed to be portable. Instead, it just feels solid and robust.

There's an attention to detail here that is truly impressive. It's clear from the outset that the Qwerkywriter is a labor of love.

Moving higher up the keyboard to the scroll knobs and the return bar. I'm frankly very pleased to see that these aren’t just decorative and instead serve a functional purpose. One control knob controls volume, while the other can be used to scroll pages on a tablet or PC. The return bar can send the return key (which is fitting) but can also be used to record and send macros on the fly. This proved to be very useful for me when working in Google Docs in my custom distraction-free writing setup that I'll discuss more later. 

QwerkyToys has pre-installed Cherry MX Blue switches. These are the quintessential clicky switch and have the Cherry mark of quality, though I actually feel this is one of the shortcomings of the keyboard. The switches are not hot swappable. And as someone who has delved deeply into the custom mechanical keyboard space, I was disappointed to find I couldn't swap in switches more to my taste. When it comes to clickies, I like big clicks, like the IBM Model F and Model M, and the only way to turn for anything close to that experience is Novelkeys x Kailh Box Jade switches. 

I'm fully aware that this is more of a personal gripe that won't affect the vast majority of users. Cherry MX blues are extremely well regarded for typing and are indeed more tactile than Cherry MX brown or Cherry MX red switches and offer the classic light “click” behind each key press. Just know that if you are interested in modding, the Qwerkywriter really isn't designed for that. It's possible, but you'll need to put more work in, and I wouldn't count on warranty support if you accidentally damage something in the process.

The Qwerkywriter is indeed a wireless mechanical keyboard that can also be used over USB (and this is how you'll want to connect for any kind of gaming to unlock its full responsiveness). It can connect to up to three different devices with hotkeys. And since it doesn't offer any kind of RGB backlighting, it can reliably run for weeks and weeks before needing to be charged again. In fact, I've had the keyboard for around a month and haven't had to recharge it yet, even using it straight out of the box.

It's also worth noting that since the keyboard has been out a while, QwerkyToys has released several different versions. You can get it in the classic black and silver as I have here, or black and gold, white and silver, white and gold, or a mint color way. The company has also released a number pad add-ons, as well as accessories like a very high quality travel case that it was kind enough to send over. This includes an additional pocket for carrying a laptop, a tablet, or other things, other small items you might need throughout the day.

Taken as a whole, it's a very premium feeling product that clearly strives to justify its rather high asking price. After all, you can get other keyboards with typewriter style keys for significantly less right on Amazon. None of those will offer this level of quality and attention to detail however, and the Qwerkywriter sets itself apart from the unboxing experience onward. 

Qwerkywriter Typewriter Keyboard - Performance

Taking on this review, I had two purposes in mind. First, I wanted to get as close as I could to the vintage keyboard experience in a portable yet mechanical form factor. My recent explorations of other vintage mechanical keyboards made it easy to fall in love with its retro aesthetic. Like most people looking into a keyboard of this type, I imagine, I liked the idea of having such a classic-looking piece of tech at my PC.

Second, I wanted to create my own writerdeck. This is a field I've only recently become aware of after having explored the Astrohaus Freewrite Smart Typewriter. If you're not familiar, these are essentially modern word processors with e-ink screens and shockingly high price tags. My goal was to pair the Qwerkywriter with an e-ink tablet and have the best of both worlds. I was successful in this and it works wonderfully for that kind of distraction-free writing. 

And yes, it also worked great for gaming. It’s not the first thing you would consider looking at this keyboard, but the designers clearly understood that its audience was likely to try and made sure that it delivered. 

I have to admit, though: after trying different clicky switches, being limited to Cherry MX Blues just wasn’t going to work. They’re fine but the click is so lightweight, I knew I wanted more. So, I set about removing the switches.

A Qwerkywriter is clearly designed to be used as is. Disassembling it is a process. There are a lot of different screws that are fairly easy to mix up. Removing the PCB is more challenging than it is on many other keyboards. It's possible, but I took pictures of each step of the process just to be safe. I also invested in a desoldering pump to make this process much faster and easier and shudder at the thought of trying to remove all of these switches with a mechanical spring loaded pump. The mission was a success, however, and I was able to replace all of the Cherry MX Blues with NovelKeys x Kailh Box Jade switches for those thick, loud clicks.

Whether you do this or not, the typing experience is very good. The high quality keycaps directly translate into a higher quality typing experience. The same is true of the aluminum case, as it makes those keystrokes feel a bit more dense and solid beneath the fingers. If you're after a typewriter-like experience, there's nothing quite like the flurry of clicks that come from speedily touch typing through your writing project.

Being able to hot swap between different Bluetooth hosts was convenient. As I jumped between my phone and the tablet I used for distraction free writing. I didn't do this often because it goes against the ethos of writing distraction free. However, sometimes it was necessary and it made this process very easy and fairly seamless.

Gaming on the keyboard may not be its intended purpose, but it works well. I would definitely recommend using the USB cable as this will allow it to connect with a full 1000 hertz polling rate. It doesn't offer any kind of software. So advanced remapping is not possible. But being able to record a macro and have it fire off on the fly is a great feature when you need it. I have long contended, however, that a great gaming keyboard is one that is responsive and feels great to use. The Qwerkywriter checks those boxes and allows you to focus on the game while the keyboard flows naturally beneath your fingers.

While it's great to use on the PC, it really shines for portable use. As long as you don't need to work in an area that demands quiet. The keyboard is essentially the antithesis of that. However, the built-in tablet stand works well to make the two devices come together as a functional whole. The scroll knobs are convenient and useful, and the return bar, while I didn't actually use it for return very often, also made swapping applications very fast, as I could do so with a simple tap once I recorded the macro. 

The experience feels cohesive. While nothing can truly emulate a typewriter, but a typewriter itself, with a word processor open on the screen, it comes about as close as any mechanical keyboard really can. 

Especially with those Jade switches. I truly hope that QwerkyToys adds hot-swappable switches to a future version of the keyboard because once you’ve swapped in switches that are personal favorites, typing on it is better than ever. 

Final Thoughts

Typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboards are inherently a niche product. If you like the retro aesthetic, however, the Qwerkywriter is just about as good as it gets. I wish it had hot swappable switches and perhaps 2.4GHz wireless for gaming without a USB cable. There's no arguing with its fit, finish, and overall build quality. You can tell the designers absolutely love typewriters, and that passion that shines through in the small details that make this product feel like something special. If you've considered getting this type of keyboard before, I highly encourage you to take a closer look at the Qwerkywriter. It’s excellent. 

The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.