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We writers are famous for getting lost in our work.
The people behind The ONE Music Group Smart Piano Keyboard are claiming that this product makes learning piano easy and available to practically anyone. That being said. Final Thought on the Best Backlit Keyboard Buying Guide. Backlight keyboards are becoming increasingly popular among computer users; most laptops now come with a backlight. Backlight keyboards can come in handy in a dark environment or emergency situations. There are a lot of things to consider when buying such a computer peripheral. Without further ado, here are the best keyboards for writers in 2019. TL;DR: If you want to skip right to my top pick, I highly recommend the Das Keyboard 4 Clicky. It comes with a hefty price tag but types like an absolute dream. The best thing about this keyboard, though, is the action, which is light enough for speedy typing but with more weight and travel than the average chiclet keyboard. The keys are engineered for a. A nd now for our pick of the best gaming keyboards of 2019. Razer BlackWidow Elite. Best for supercharged customization that will stand the test of time.
Whether you're a journalist, a playwright, a blogger, or a novelist, you probably love nothing more than losing track of hours as you pound out more and more brilliant words.
At least, that's the dream!
And if you want to be that serious about your craft, there are two things you shouldn't forget about: your poor hands!
All keyboards are not created equal, and if you're deadset on burning the midnight oil and subjecting your fingers to marathon typing sessions, you had better be sure your equipment is up to the task.
Without further ado, here are the best keyboards for writers in 2019.
TL;DR: If you want to skip right to my top pick, I highly recommend the Das Keyboard 4 Clicky. It comes with a hefty price tag but types like an absolute dream.
But if you're not in a hurry, pull up a chair and let's actually dive in a little bit on what makes the best keyboard for writers so great.
Skip to:
- Best ergonomic keyboard for writers: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
- Best budget keyboard for writers: IREALIST Mechanical Feel Gaming Keyboard
- Best mechanical & top overall keyboard for writers: Das Keyboard 4 CLicky
Keyboard | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard | Wireless, best for ergonomics, great for long writing sessions | Check on Amazon |
IREALIST Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Mechanical feedback, beautiful color-changing backlight, accommodates different wrist angles | Check on Amazon |
Das Keyboard 4 Clicky | Amazing keystroke feedback, best typing feel around, extra long wire & lots of fun extras | Check on Amazon |
What do writers need in a keyboard:
OK, OK. You're sold:
Serious writers need a good keyboard.
But what does that mean?
Let's break it down.
Connectivity
Keyboards these days connect to your computer or laptop using a couple of different methods. One isn't necessarily superior to the others, it's really about what you prefer.
USB Cable - These keyboards plug in, just like the good ol' days, using a cable that connects to your computer's USB port. The pros here are that you'll probably never have to worry about any connectivity issues or outages, and the USB cable will also power the keyboard — meaning no batteries or fussy solar power to deal with.
On the downside? Cables are clunky and take up desk space. You also might have limited USB ports on your computer and may not want to devote one full time to your keyboard.
Wireless USB - Keyboards with wireless USB receivers still plug into your USB port, they just don't have a cable. Instead, a wireless signal transmits between the keyboard and the receiving dongle. The upside? No tangled cable to deal with.
Unfortunately, your keyboard may need a separate source of power, and you're still down a USB port.
Bluetooth - Like every device these days, Bluetooth connection is an option and an appealing one at that. No wires, no receiving dongles, no nothing, just your keyboard talking directly to your computer over the air.
The downside here is that, as we all know, Bluetooth can sometimes have outages and connectivity issues at inopportune times.
Power
Just as modern keyboards have a number of connection options available, power options can be pretty diverse too.
Wired keyboards will usually be powered through the cable itself. Wireless keyboards can run off of batteries, or more prominently, solar power.
That's right, even the minuscule light from your desk lamp or a cracked curtain is usually enough to power modern keyboards without any issues.
Pretty cool, right?
Ergonomics
Typically, there's a general layout that most keyboards follow. QWERTY and all of that.
But beyond that, every keyboard is different: It's the wild West when it comes to key spacing, number pad placement, key angles, and more.
Ask yourself: Do you like the pretty straight forward keyboards that come with computers and laptops, or do you prefer something a little outside the box or a bit gentler on the wrists?
Mechanical keyboards?
There are a LOT of different options when it comes to how the keys themselves feel, and I won't bore you with the super nitty gritty.
Essentially, modern keyboards are either mechanical (think old school keyboards or typewriters with thicker keys that 'clack' when depressed) or membrane based, which are softer and make less noise.
There are plenty of sub-options within these, but the important thing for you is to figure out how much 'feedback' you like every time you press a key.
Backlighting
Simple: Do you want your keys to light up in the dark, or do you not really care?
For some people this is a big deal. Others type by touch and couldn't care less.
Alright, show me the best keyboards for writers in 2019!
Ready to see my top picks?
Let's go!
If you like ergonomics, try the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Ergonomic keyboards are like pickles -- you either love them or you hate them.
Logic pro x essential training download. Personally, I've never been a huge fan, but some people absolutely swear by the funky ergonomic layout.
Keyboards like the Microsoft Sculpt place your wrists closer to what's known as 'neutral' position, putting far less strain on them especially when reaching for those far outer keys.
The Sculpt also comes with a padded wrist-rest, perfect for long writing sessions, and is made by one of the best brands in the biz.
Key Style: Membrane
Connection: Wireless USB
Power Source: Lithium Ion Batteries (included)
Backlight: No
Best Gaming Keyboards 2019
Read reviews of the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
If you're on a budget, go with the IREALIST Mechanical Feel Gaming Keyboard
You don't have to spend 50 dollars or more to get a great keyboard. Just take a look at the IREALIST.
This is a really well-designed and effective mechanical keyboard with some really fun extras, like the color-changing backlight. It also comes at a price point appropriate for a lot of writers.
Probably the coolest thing about the IREALIST is that it's designed for the hardcore gamer, who like a writer, also spends a ton of time at the keyboard smashing keys and getting into a groove. This keyboard adjusts to accommodate different wrist angles and is a joy to work with.
Key Style: Mechanical
Connection: Wired USB
Power Source: None
Backlight: Yes
Read reviews of the IREALIST Mechanical Feel Gaming Keyboard
If you just love that mechanical feel, try the Das Keyboard 4 Clicky -- our overall top pick.
Count me in as someone who misses old-school keyboards that clicked and clacked with every key, loud smacks registering your every key stroke. Best buy windows office 2016.
That kind of bio-feedback always helped me get in a typing groove and just.. felt good.
Well mechanical keyboards, as they're called, are making a comeback. And the Das Keyboard 4 Clicky is the best one on the market.
This guy gets super-high marks for its overall quality, along with the tactile and audio feedback from each keystroke. It's also got some great extras like a built-in volume knob and an extra long USB cable.
It's not cheap but the user reviews are out of this world, making it the perfect fit for someone who spends a lot of time typing.
Key Style: Mechanical
Connection: Wired USB
Power Source: None
Backlight: No
Read reviews of the Das Keyboard 4 Clicky
I'm a professional writer! Which keyboard do I use?
I use the Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard, which is a fantastic keyboard that I got through my most recent job.
It's Mac compatible, has great tactile feedback, and uses solar power to go along with its Wireless USB connection.
I highly recommend you check it out, but didn't recommend it above because I liked some of the features of the others I listed a little better.
I hope this helped!
Also check out my guide to the best laptops for writers in 2019!
Disclaimer:I may receive compensation from products or services mentioned on my site, but I stand by any research, opinions, or advice I offer here.
Buying a beginner keyboard is somewhat of a sensitive dance between the instrument being easily wielded and its features. One certainly wants to buy an instrument that's capable of growing with the student, but they probably don't want to spend extra money on a keyboard that has technical features that aren't going to be understood by the beginner. That's why it pays off to pay close attention to the models available and make sure that you do your homework before purchasing a student keyboard.
Having said that, there are some keyboard models which just seem to be perfect for beginners. Models that are a balance between playability, features, and price. The best of the keyboard models currently manufactured have been gathered together by us and placed in the following list for our reader's convenience. Any of them will work perfectly for music students, aspiring musicians or beginning pianists.
Our Top Picks for the Best Beginner Keyboards
#1 Yamaha PSRE253 Keyboard
This quality beginner's keyboard has a multitude of features which makes it handy for just about everyone. Both beginners and intermediate players will enjoy this keyboard's 61 full-size keys and this keyboard's duo mode which divides the keyboard into two halves so it can be played with a partner. It has 32-note polyphony, has an Aux line input so that musical devices can be attached to it and it can be operated with either an optional power supply or with batteries. This keyboard is also extremely portable and can be played at home or taken to the classroom with ease.
#2 Casio CTK2400 Portable Keyboard
With 61-keys, 110 built-in songs, 100 built-in rhythms, and 400 AHL keyboard voices, this keyboard is ready to meet the standards of both beginner and intermediate pianists. It comes with USB Midi and audio input functions, it has sampling effects and also a step-up learning system that makes it easy for the student to progress from one level to the next. This keyboard has so many functions that it can be played around with, even if the student has never touched a piano before. All of which makes this a useful beginners piano for anyone wanting to take up the instrument.
#3 Casio SA76 44 Mini-Size Keys
Sometimes students with small fingers have trouble dealing with full-size keys, and in those instances, this Casio SA76 is perfect. It has mini-sized keys that are perfect for smaller fingers, and it has an LCD display that's very easy to read. Other features found in this keyboard include 100 built-in sounds and 50 rhythms. With a simple selection, the player can change the tone of this keyboard from piano to organ and back again. It also has a lesson function that can be turned on or off by pressing a button. Learning to play the piano is just around the corner thanks to this quality keyboard.
#4 Yamaha EZ-220 Lighted Key Keyboard Package
Everything needed to get started playing a keyboard is included with this package. It comes with the Yamaha EZ-220 keyboard, headphones, a power supply, and even a stand to place the keyboard on. The instrument itself has 61-keys which are touch sensitive and can light up so that the student knows which keys to press when one of the 100 built-in songs is played. This keyboard also has 392 instrument voices and 100 different accompaniment styles built into it. Other items that come with this package, and are a great asset for students, is the Yamaha Education Suite, a fingering guide and an iPad app.
#5 Casio LK-280 61-Lighted Key Keyboard
The Casio LK-280 is a 61-key keyboard that has many of the features that people look for when they're looking to buy a beginner's keyboard. It has 152 built-in songs, and 50 of those included songs are specifically designed to help the student learn how to play the keyboard. As these songs play, the correct keys light up, so the student has a visual way of deciding upon what keys they should be using. This instrument also comes with 600 built-in tones and digital effects. And it also has a USB port that allows the keyboard's speakers with an MP3 player.
#6 Hamzer 61-Key Digital Piano Keyboard
Although the number of features found on this piano keyboard may seem daunting at first, this model is actually a very good keyboard for learning how to play the piano. It's equipped with 255 timbres and rhythms and also has 24 demonstration songs. It provides the accurate feel of a traditional piano but is extremely easy to play. Players can record and playback their own music for learning purposes, and this model is equipped with a headphone jack so the player can play in private. And since it can be easily powered with 6 AA batteries, this compact keyboard can be taken anywhere it's needed.
#7 Rockjam 61-Key Piano Super Kit
This keyboard is suitable for anyone looking to set up a complete keyboard learning station for either themselves or their students. It's also a great kit for introducing music students to the keyboard. This super kit comes with a stand, stool, power supply, and of course, the 61-key electronic keyboard. This gives the beginning pianists everything they need to get started playing. The keyboard is equipped with an LCD screen, the ability to play and record songs, and has 50 built-in demo songs. It also has 100 rhythms and keyboard sounds. And if the student wants to take the keyboard away from home, it's not only easily powered by its AC power supply but can also be powered by 6 D-batteries.
#8 RockJam 54-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard
One of the first things worth noting about this keyboard is that it has full-size keys. This allows the student to learn on the same size keys as they would on a full keyboard, which means they don't have to adjust their playing style when they progress to a full-size piano. Another thing that this product has going for it is that it has multiple teaching modes which enable students to learn at their own pace. Additional features found on this instrument include an interactive LCD screen which displays the correct chords to play, 8 built-in demo songs and 100 different rhythms.
#9 Joy KL-91M 61-Key Keyboard
This keyboard comes with everything a student needs to get started with to learn how to play the piano. It comes with 255 different rhythms and timbres, 50 demonstration songs, and an easy-to-read LCD display. What's really helpful to beginning students, however, is this keyboard's lighting simulation that lights up the correct keys when one of the instrument's built-in songs is playing. This allows the student to follow along and learn the correct keys to play as they progress through the songs. Other helpful items that come with this keyboard include a music stand, a power supply, and an owner's manual.
#10 Huntington KB54 54-Key Electronic Keyboard
This 54-key introductory level keyboard is a decent model for students but still has an array of features that allow it to be used as the student grows. This product comes with 16 different volume levels, 100 voices, and 32 tempo settings. It also comes with 8-panel drum and rhythm cord volume levels, single chord function, finger chord function, and a start feature with sync. Additional features found on this model include a 1/4-inch output jack, stereo RCA output jacks, a transposition function, and even an LED display. Just about everything a player needs to familiarize themselves with electronic keyboards.
Beginners Keyboard Guide
When it comes to buying a beginners keyboard there is more to finding a quality product that just making sure it has weighted keys. If you are going to develop a fine concerto repertoire or even learn how to make it fun, you need the right piano. This is easier said than done as with any instrument you are new to, you need to know what a good piano should do.
Best Keyboards 2019 Uk Time
When you find the right one you can enjoy hours of practice which is why we have created the following buyer's guide.
What To Look For In A Beginners Piano
Weighted Keys
We mentioned this already but it is an important part of buying a beginner's piano. You want it to feel as close to the real thing as possible and most reputable brands do a great job of giving you an authentic feel. That way when it comes to your exams, the feel is the same and you can feel comfortable on any piano.
Great Sound
Of course, when it comes to finding a beginner's piano, the sound is going to be massively important. Some products come with changeable sounds so you can select anything from a grand piano to synth. A lot of products have over 100 options although if you are using it strictly for learning, a few different ones will suffice.
Amount of Keys
This quality beginner's keyboard has a multitude of features which makes it handy for just about everyone. Both beginners and intermediate players will enjoy this keyboard's 61 full-size keys and this keyboard's duo mode which divides the keyboard into two halves so it can be played with a partner. It has 32-note polyphony, has an Aux line input so that musical devices can be attached to it and it can be operated with either an optional power supply or with batteries. This keyboard is also extremely portable and can be played at home or taken to the classroom with ease.
#2 Casio CTK2400 Portable Keyboard
With 61-keys, 110 built-in songs, 100 built-in rhythms, and 400 AHL keyboard voices, this keyboard is ready to meet the standards of both beginner and intermediate pianists. It comes with USB Midi and audio input functions, it has sampling effects and also a step-up learning system that makes it easy for the student to progress from one level to the next. This keyboard has so many functions that it can be played around with, even if the student has never touched a piano before. All of which makes this a useful beginners piano for anyone wanting to take up the instrument.
#3 Casio SA76 44 Mini-Size Keys
Sometimes students with small fingers have trouble dealing with full-size keys, and in those instances, this Casio SA76 is perfect. It has mini-sized keys that are perfect for smaller fingers, and it has an LCD display that's very easy to read. Other features found in this keyboard include 100 built-in sounds and 50 rhythms. With a simple selection, the player can change the tone of this keyboard from piano to organ and back again. It also has a lesson function that can be turned on or off by pressing a button. Learning to play the piano is just around the corner thanks to this quality keyboard.
#4 Yamaha EZ-220 Lighted Key Keyboard Package
Everything needed to get started playing a keyboard is included with this package. It comes with the Yamaha EZ-220 keyboard, headphones, a power supply, and even a stand to place the keyboard on. The instrument itself has 61-keys which are touch sensitive and can light up so that the student knows which keys to press when one of the 100 built-in songs is played. This keyboard also has 392 instrument voices and 100 different accompaniment styles built into it. Other items that come with this package, and are a great asset for students, is the Yamaha Education Suite, a fingering guide and an iPad app.
#5 Casio LK-280 61-Lighted Key Keyboard
The Casio LK-280 is a 61-key keyboard that has many of the features that people look for when they're looking to buy a beginner's keyboard. It has 152 built-in songs, and 50 of those included songs are specifically designed to help the student learn how to play the keyboard. As these songs play, the correct keys light up, so the student has a visual way of deciding upon what keys they should be using. This instrument also comes with 600 built-in tones and digital effects. And it also has a USB port that allows the keyboard's speakers with an MP3 player.
#6 Hamzer 61-Key Digital Piano Keyboard
Although the number of features found on this piano keyboard may seem daunting at first, this model is actually a very good keyboard for learning how to play the piano. It's equipped with 255 timbres and rhythms and also has 24 demonstration songs. It provides the accurate feel of a traditional piano but is extremely easy to play. Players can record and playback their own music for learning purposes, and this model is equipped with a headphone jack so the player can play in private. And since it can be easily powered with 6 AA batteries, this compact keyboard can be taken anywhere it's needed.
#7 Rockjam 61-Key Piano Super Kit
This keyboard is suitable for anyone looking to set up a complete keyboard learning station for either themselves or their students. It's also a great kit for introducing music students to the keyboard. This super kit comes with a stand, stool, power supply, and of course, the 61-key electronic keyboard. This gives the beginning pianists everything they need to get started playing. The keyboard is equipped with an LCD screen, the ability to play and record songs, and has 50 built-in demo songs. It also has 100 rhythms and keyboard sounds. And if the student wants to take the keyboard away from home, it's not only easily powered by its AC power supply but can also be powered by 6 D-batteries.
#8 RockJam 54-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard
One of the first things worth noting about this keyboard is that it has full-size keys. This allows the student to learn on the same size keys as they would on a full keyboard, which means they don't have to adjust their playing style when they progress to a full-size piano. Another thing that this product has going for it is that it has multiple teaching modes which enable students to learn at their own pace. Additional features found on this instrument include an interactive LCD screen which displays the correct chords to play, 8 built-in demo songs and 100 different rhythms.
#9 Joy KL-91M 61-Key Keyboard
This keyboard comes with everything a student needs to get started with to learn how to play the piano. It comes with 255 different rhythms and timbres, 50 demonstration songs, and an easy-to-read LCD display. What's really helpful to beginning students, however, is this keyboard's lighting simulation that lights up the correct keys when one of the instrument's built-in songs is playing. This allows the student to follow along and learn the correct keys to play as they progress through the songs. Other helpful items that come with this keyboard include a music stand, a power supply, and an owner's manual.
#10 Huntington KB54 54-Key Electronic Keyboard
This 54-key introductory level keyboard is a decent model for students but still has an array of features that allow it to be used as the student grows. This product comes with 16 different volume levels, 100 voices, and 32 tempo settings. It also comes with 8-panel drum and rhythm cord volume levels, single chord function, finger chord function, and a start feature with sync. Additional features found on this model include a 1/4-inch output jack, stereo RCA output jacks, a transposition function, and even an LED display. Just about everything a player needs to familiarize themselves with electronic keyboards.
Beginners Keyboard Guide
When it comes to buying a beginners keyboard there is more to finding a quality product that just making sure it has weighted keys. If you are going to develop a fine concerto repertoire or even learn how to make it fun, you need the right piano. This is easier said than done as with any instrument you are new to, you need to know what a good piano should do.
Best Keyboards 2019 Uk Time
When you find the right one you can enjoy hours of practice which is why we have created the following buyer's guide.
What To Look For In A Beginners Piano
Weighted Keys
We mentioned this already but it is an important part of buying a beginner's piano. You want it to feel as close to the real thing as possible and most reputable brands do a great job of giving you an authentic feel. That way when it comes to your exams, the feel is the same and you can feel comfortable on any piano.
Great Sound
Of course, when it comes to finding a beginner's piano, the sound is going to be massively important. Some products come with changeable sounds so you can select anything from a grand piano to synth. A lot of products have over 100 options although if you are using it strictly for learning, a few different ones will suffice.
Amount of Keys
Typically, you can buy a beginner's piano with 44, 61, 66, 76, and even some with 88 keys. The more eys, the bigger the piano but the more authentic it will be with greater playing options. For those wanting to play a classic piano, you will need to find a product with 88 keys to match the real thing.
Anyone just starting out will probably find that 61 keys are a good amount for learning.
Learning Guides
Because you are looking for a beginners piano, a bit of extra help with learning can go a long way. Some products come with access to apps to help develop and others have built-in songs to help you learn. Others will even allow you to record and playback so you can see where you can improve.
Some beginner pianos have a key lightning system that guides you through a song whilst others have a USB slot so you can play and follow mp3's.
Extras
The piano should be your main concern but what is it going to go on? This is why a lot of people start with a full kit of equipment with everything from the stool, a stand, and of course piano among other items.
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This allows you to get playing as soon as it arrives.
Quality Speakers
This can add to the authenticity so a lot of people try to make sure their beginner's piano is modern enough to give them what a real piano should do. One of the main benefits of an electric keyboard though is being able to adjust the volume.
A quality pair of speakers will go a long way towards making your experience more enjoyable, but so will being able to plug in a pair of earphones. This means you can practice at any time of day without disturbing other people in the house or neighbors.
Value
Because the piano will be tailored towards beginners, you can expect the price to be more cost-effective. Of course, a piano can be a real expense and you can end up paying what you want but if budget is an issue, there is plenty of value out there that will leave you with a good beginners piano.
Rhythms
Not only do rhythms open up a lot of options in terms of the type of music you can play, but it is fun and can help you to stay in time. Not all beginner's pianos will give you this option but those that do tend to give you lots of different variations and tempos.
What Is The Best Beginners Keyboard
In truth, you can't go wrong with any of the selections on our list. Each one has something to offer those just starting but our number one pick, Yamaha PSRE253 Keyboard has the edge because it is highly rated and easily portable.
Does A Beginners Piano Need Touch Sensitive Keys?
Touch-sensitive keys get louder the harder you press them which adds to the authenticity of what a real piano does. This isn't the most important element of a keyboard when you are getting to grips with learning but can help you to develop in other ways.
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Also, consider what you are going to want a need once you start to become more capable, you don't want to have to buy a new keyboard too soon.
How To Clean An Electric Keyboard
Depending on how often you use it, a keyboard can get a little grubby pretty fast. This is why most people tend to wipe their keys every week with a cloth and non-toxic cleaning product.