Chapter 1: The Struggle to Write

For over a week, I found myself unable to compose anything. My wrists throbbed with pain, making typing virtually impossible. Handwriting was out of the question, leading me to dictate my thoughts to my phone for transcription. While this method worked temporarily, it never felt quite right. The words didn’t flow as they do when I write; they came out sounding more like a summary of ideas rather than a cohesive article.

Over time, I managed to refine the dictation process enough to produce usable content, but it was a laborious task. I soon began to explore other options.

Initially, I resorted to handwriting all my work. This approach was manageable for longer pieces that required extensive editing. However, the bulk of my writing consisted of news articles that demanded a quicker turnaround, which made this method impractical.

Ultimately, I decided to abandon my computer completely. I had recently acquired an iPad, which I intended to use for both digital art and traditional drawing. The on-screen keyboard was easier to navigate, though my typing resembled that of a high school history teacher who had never learned to type properly.

Despite the slow pace, the position of the iPad alleviated the strain on my wrists, unlike my previous experiences. This setup worked well for a time.

Next, I experimented with an ergonomic Bluetooth keyboard that resembled a spaceship rather than a conventional rectangle. While it reduced discomfort, my typing speed was painfully slow—so slow that I could practically measure my words per minute with a calendar. This was disheartening for someone who once typed swiftly without looking.

I felt like a novice again, struggling as my fingers stumbled over the keys. Even with diminished pain, my productivity had dwindled to a crawl.

Then, I stumbled upon a mechanical keyboard on Amazon—an affordable option that even had a slot for my iPad. On a whim, I purchased it, and it turned out to be the best $19 investment I had ever made. Although I had previously dismissed similar keyboards, fearing they would exacerbate my wrist problems, desperation drove me to try something new.

To my delight, my fingers glided effortlessly across the keys. Within moments, I was typing as if I had used it for years. The combination of the iPad and this new keyboard was a game changer.

With this setup, I was compelled to take breaks, unlike when I used my laptop, where I could type for hours without pause. Even when I set timers, I often ignored them. Now, I had to periodically pause to adjust my laptop or edit my work, which naturally enforced short breaks.

Surprisingly, the keyboard exceeded my expectations. Despite its unattractive green color reminiscent of old school computers, it has truly transformed my writing life.

The first video showcases an innovative upgrade to a keyboard on a budget, demonstrating how a simple investment can enhance your writing experience.

Section 1.1: Exploring Alternatives

In my quest for a solution, I sought various alternatives to alleviate my typing struggles.

Subsection 1.1.1: Handwriting and Its Limitations

Chapter 2: The Transformation Begins

I realized that the right tools could significantly impact my productivity and comfort.

The second video illustrates upgrading a budget keyboard, highlighting how thoughtful enhancements can lead to a better writing experience.