In a reminiscent leap from forgotten sci-fi blueprints, this aluminum keyboard - equipped with an in-built word counter - could potentially propel a ended draft to its completion.
The Distraction-Free Solution for Writers: Astrohaus Wordrunner
If you're like me, always getting sidetracked by the endless cat videos on your screen, you'll appreciate the Astrohaus Wordrunner—a mechanical keyboard that could be my procrastination's kryptonite! From the creators of the smart, distraction-free devices at Astrohaus, this sleek keyboard might just be the tool I need to churn out those elusive words.
In a never-ending odyssey of avoiding work, I'm just another writer prone to procrastination. Astrohaus has stepped up to the plate, offering high-end smart typewriters like the Valentine, the artistic wonder priced at almost a grand. The latest addition to their arsenal, launched through a crowdfunding campaign, is the Wordrunner—a wireless keyboard complete with a mechanical session timer and wordometer to ensure deadlines are met.
Debuted at CES 2025, the Wordrunner made such an impression that it surpassed its initial goal of $10,000 on Kickstarter, amassing nearly $150,000 with over a month still left to go. So, even though it's a "keyboard for dorks," it's also a "keyboard for deep-pocketed dorks." For those with smaller budgets, our mechanical keyboard guide offers cheaper alternatives.
No more squinting at tiny screens or scrolling through the Tools drop-down menu in Gdocs. The Wordrunner places its mechanical word counter right in front of your eyes, accompanied by clicky session timer buttons and a five-way media knob for distraction-limiting, sci-fi vibes.
But what intrigues me is the potential to race my own writing ghost data based on my best words-per-minute scores. The Wordrunner offers a tantalizing opportunity to challenge myself and become a more productive writer.
The typing experience on the Wordrunner is noteworthy, with internal sound-dampening and Kailh tactile switches, promising heavenly click-clacks rather than metal clangs. The function key row has been redesigned to offer essential writing and editing functions at your fingertips. Plus, the Wordrunner comes with three reprogrammable macro keys for those who dare to take their writing prowess to the extreme.
Be warned, at 2.75 pounds, the Wordrunner is a hefty piece of gear. One early reviewer even quipped, "You could kill someone with this." While that's not encouraged, the team at Astrohaus seem to take it as a compliment. Could a writing career contain a more sinister inspiration?
So there you have it—Astrohaus's Wordrunner, a mechanical keyboard tailored to the needs of writers. With a focus on distraction-free writing, improved productivity, and a captivating typing experience, this intriguing device could change the game for procrastinators like me. Bring on the writing marathons!
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Authored by Jess KinghornJess Kinghorn has been writing about games for over ten years, spending the last seven working on print publications like PLAY and Official PlayStation Magazine. When she's not crafting articles about the latest hardware here, she's getting cozy with a horror classic, ranting about a cult hit to an unsuspecting audience, or tinkering with some tabletop nonsense.
- The Astrohaus Wordrunner, a mechanical keyboard, could be a game-changer for writers prone to procrastination, offering a distraction-free writing experience.
- In the realm of gaming accessories, the Wordrunner might find a unique niche, particularly for those who prefer an ergonomic and tactile typing experience.
- As Jess Kinghorn, a seasoned game journalist, reviews a variety of gaming gadgets, the Astrohaus Wordrunner could prove to be a notable addition to her best gaming keyboards list.
- The Astrohaus Wordrunner is not just a device for traditional writers, but also for gamers seeking a smart-home-device-like typing experience, thanks to features like its LED screen and media knob.
- The potential for the Astrohaus Wordrunner to double as a gaming mouse, with its reprogrammable macro keys, might excite gamers looking to streamline their gaming setup.
- The Wordrunner's robust design, comparable to some high-end gaming mice, suggests it could stand up to the rigors of marathon gaming sessions, making it a smart investment for dedicated gamers.