Byword 2.0 came out today. You should get it, if you're a Mac user and you don't already have it. Gorgeous and elegant – the best of the crop of minimalist writing environments available for Mac today, in my opinion. And you can publish directly to Tumblr from it – which is super cool. Byword starts with a clean, full-screen interface that lets you start typing right away-no templates to choose, no type settings to tune, no spacing to adjust. Everything is already prepared for you. Full-screen interface; Focus mode to highlight only the few lines nearby the cursor-you will love this.
When you're in a hurry, you need the fastest way to get a thought to your smartphone. While there are some apps for editing Microsoft Office documents, such as QuickOffice Pro, many can be costly and cumbersome to use.
Whether it's a long email, strategy document or ideas for a new product plan, these four iPhone apps can provide the most efficient use of your time:
1. Drafts. With the Drafts app you can start writing as quickly as possible. For $1.99, the app starts a new document each time you launch it, and you can begin typing immediately.
A word and character count is displayed at the lower left, along with buttons for starting a new draft, browsing your list of documents, searching them, or sharing your current doc with a robust list of services including email, Dropbox, Evernote, Facebook, Twitter and more.
Related: 3 Simple Tools for Building a Website Fast
2. Byword. If you're a Dropbox or iCloud user, Byword can be a handy tool for keeping a collection of documents available across all the devices you use. For $2.99, it features a minimalist editing interface and allows you to export PDF or HTML files as well as send emails or print documents.
Thanks to automatic cloud syncing, changes are immediately accessible any time you edit a document from your phone, tablet or computer. You can create nested files within folders if you prefer your documents organized and easier to browse.
3. iA Writer. Like Byword, iA Writer is another choice for seamless workflow across your phone, tablet and computer. The app is designed for a pure writing experience with no distractions, featuring a full screen mode and custom typeface optimized for the iPhone's Retina screen.
The iA Writer syncs with iCloud and Dropbox and offers drag and drop folder creation for organizing files. You can email or print documents, or open them in other apps including Evernote, Byword, and Drafts. And it only costs 99 cents.
Related: 3 Low-Cost Sales Lead Tools for Startups
4. Simplenote. Both an app and a web service, Simplenote offers a cloud-based storage system for text documents that syncs fast. The main interface is simple, with a button to create a new note and a search box on top of your list of docs.
Of these four apps, Simplenote offers significant compatibility with the widest range of devices. There are Simplenote clients available for Windows, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and others -- in addition to iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Simplenote is available for free in the App Store. A Simplenote Premium subscription costs $19.99 per year and removes ads, adds Dropbox support, more backup versions and other features.
Which apps do you use for document creation and note-taking? Let us know in the comments below.
Like most people today, I use my keyboard almost everyday. Mostly for my graphic design work and writing articles. It has become an essential part of my life.
Recently, I was thinking about getting a better keyboard. Being a minimalist design enthusiast, I always look for beautiful minimalist things. As such, I found a handful of beautifully designed modern minimalist keyboards Pulltube 0 10 10 – video downloader. online.
Because of this, I've decided to do some research and make a list of the 10 best modern minimalist keyboards that are beautifully designed and functions well for multiple purposes. So let's get started with the list.
The 10 Best Modern Minimalist Keyboards to Buy in 2020
1. LOGITECH K380 Wireless Keyboard (Best Portable Keyboard)
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
First on the list is the K380 keyboard. Logitech makes really beautifully designed minimal keyboards and the K380 is no exception. I love that the keys have a round design. It adds to the modern and minimalist aesthetics of the keyboard. Furthermore, the nice matte finish and the simple fonts used adds to the sleekness of the design.
The three yellow keys on the functions section serves as an easy switch button between multiple devices (up to three). So that means you can easily switch from using the keyboard for your desktop to your laptop or even smartphone.
The keyboard is designed for portability. It is super lightweight, and compact which makes it easy for travel and moving around when switching between devices.
The wireless range can reach up to 10 meters which is a lot more than you probably need. The keyboard utilizes 2 AAA batteries for power.
Features:
- Wireless using Bluetooth 3.0, up to 10 meters
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV 2nd or 3rd gen.
- Easy switching between devices (just by pressing the yellow keys)
- Compact & Lightweight
- OS Adaptive (Recognizes device automatically and maps keys accordingly)
- Low battery consumption (Does not need to replace batteries often)
2. Logitech Craft Advanced Wireless Keyboard (Best Keyboard for Creatives)
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
This is another beautifully designed minimal keyboard by Logitech, the Logitech Craft. This keyboard unlike the K380 has a numeric keypad, which is great if your work or daily tasks requires it. The keyboard also has a much more sturdy feel which gives it a premium vibe.
The interesting part of this keyboard is the creative dial which you can use to adjust values in creative apps and software such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom to name a few. The keyboard also comes with an automatic backlight which adjusts automatically based on the lighting condition of the space.
The keys are also ergonomically design for comfort and precision. Moreover, the keys are designed to be very quiet which is perfect for use at workplaces and even libraries.
The keyboard does not only look premium but also is very well built. The top bar is made of high-grade aluminium.
Features:
- Wireless using Logitech Unifying 2.4GHz wireless technology and Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Range up to 10 meters
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- Rechargeable using USB Type C
- Automatic Backlighting
- Creative Dial
- Silent keystrokes
3. Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
Microsoft makes plenty of beautifully designed computer accessories which includes keyboards (they also make really beautiful minimalist mice). The Modern keyboard by Microsoft is unapologetically minimalist. I love that the keyboard is almost bezel-less. Furthermore, the nice subtle fonts that almost blends into the keys makes it look super clean and sophisticated.
The main thing that is interesting about this keyboard is the hidden Fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor can be an quicker and easier alternative to passwords.
Although it looks low-profile, the keyboard is super durable. The frame is made of high quality aluminium which gives a good weight to the keyboard. Microsoft advertises it as 'virtually indestructable'.
The keyboard can be used wirelessly (using 1 Lithium ion battery) or wired using a cable. The wireless range can be up to 10 meters like most wireless keyboards.
The downside of this keyboard is that it is not compatible with Mac OS, or Android devices.
Features:
- Wireless using Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 technology up to 10 meters.
- Fingerprint ID
- Compatible with Windows (that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher)
- Durable high-grade aluminium frame
- Enterprise-grade protection
4. Apple Magic Keyboard
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
If you are an Apple user and love Apple products, this is a great option. Apple is very well known for making elegantly designed minimalist products. The Magic Keyboard by Apple is one of those.
The keyboard is designed and optimized for Mac so it will pair automatically and you are good to go. You can also use the keyboard for your iPhone or iPad which is great.
It uses something called stable scissor mechanism beneath each key which makes it comfortable and precise to type on.
Regarding power, it has a built-in rechargeable battery and uses the lightning cable for charging.
There is also a longer keyboard version with the number keypad available if you need it.
Features:
- Wireless using Bluetooth
- Long lasting built-in battery
- Compatible with Mac, iPhone and iPad
5. Logitech K780 Keyboard (Best Design)
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
The Logitech K780 is by far my favorite. The sleek and elegant minimalist design makes it really nice to look at.
Although having a number keypad, it is still compactly designed. The keys are round like the Logitech K380 which I really love. The interesting part of this keyboard is the integrated phone and tablet stand at the top of the keyboard which can really come in handy.
Also, just like the K380, you can seamlessly switch between devices using the three keys at the functions section. You can switch between up to 3 devices.
Moreover, the keys are designed to be quiet and is full-sized which is very comfortable to type on. The keyboard is also very portable and easy to carry around.
Features:
- Wireless using Logitech Unifying protocol (2.4GHz), and Bluetooth smart tech. Range up to 10 meters
- Wireless encryption: 128-bit AES encryption between keyboard and device
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV 2nd or 3rd gen.
- Easy switching between devices (just by pressing the yellow keys)
- Compact & Lightweight
- OS Adaptive (Recognizes device automatically and maps keys accordingly)
- Low battery consumption (Batteries can last up to 2 years)
- Quiet typing
6. Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
This is another keyboard with beautiful minimal design by Microsoft. The All-in-One Media Keyboard is just an elegantly designed piece of computer component. I love the rounded edges and the keys layout. The keyboard looks really nice and neat.
The keyboard comes with a multi-touch track pad which helps with navigation without a mouse. You can use it for typing, swiping, dragging, zooming, and clicking. It also has customizable media keys which can act as shortcuts for your favorite apps.
The design is very durable and also spill-resistant, which is really great for people who always have a drink near their keyboard like me.
Features:
Byword 2 5 – Minimalist Typing Interface Software
- Wireless using USB, up to 10 meters.
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-Bit Encryption
- Multi-touch track pad for navigation and other uses
- Customizable media keys for easy shortcuts
- Durable design and spill-resistant
- Easy access volume controls
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X(Limited functionality) and Android (Limited functionality)
7. Surface Ergonomic Keyboard by Microsoft
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon) Unity download.
Microsoft's Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is an interesting take on keyboard design. Although it does not look like a typical keyboard, it is still minimal in design which I really love. It almost looks like the Modern Keyboard by Microsoft but with a warped shape.
As the name implies, it is designed to be ergonomic to the human fingers, wrist, palm and hand position. The interesting geometry, split space bar and beautifully arched shape is designed to protect you from wrist and hand strain and improves the speed and accuracy of keystrokes.
The keyboard also has a double-cushioned palm rest made of Alcantara material which adds comfort to the user. Furthermore, the keys are very quiet when using and also very stable.
Features:
- Wireless using Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 technology up to 10 meters.
- Compatible with Windows and Bluetooth Smart Ready Device with Human Interface Device (HID) support
- Ergonomic design
- Double-cushioned palm rest with Alcantara material
- Quiet keys
8. Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
If you're looking for a super portable keyboard, then the Universal Foldable Keyboard by Microsoft is perfect. Because of the portability factor, the keyboard has a super minimalist design. I just love how clean and sleek it looks.
The keyboard is ultra-thin and very lightweight. The keyboard is only 5mm in width. The foldable design helps it fit easily into a bag, purse or even a pocket. Although it is small, the keyset is full-sized, which makes it very comfortable and accurate for typing.
Furthermore, the keys are spill-resistant which protects the keyboard from accidental water spills.
Other than PCs it also works with most tablets and phones. Overall, this is a great choice for people who travels regularly.
Features:
- Wireless using Bluetooth 4.0 technology.
- Long lasting built-in rechargeable battery
- Compact and foldable
- Ultra-thin and lightweight
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS devices.
9. Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate (Blank Keycaps)
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
Das Keyboard makes really well built and beautifully designed keyboards. The 4 Ultimate Keyboard is a handsome minimalist keyboard with blank keycaps. The blank keycaps although simple, gives it a really sleek and stealthy look.
The keyboard is made by German designers. The construction is really robust and uses high-quality materials. The mechanical key switches are gold-plated and can last up to 50 million keystrokes.
It also has an integrated volume knob and dedicated media controls for easy browsing of music and other media.
Features:
Byword 2 5 – Minimalist Typing Interface Software
- Gold-plated mechanical switches
- Over-sized volume knob and dedicated media controls
- Superspeed USB 30 hub
- N-key rollover (NKRO)
- Instant Sleep Button for Energy Saving
- Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS and Linux
10. Logitech G513 RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard
Buy or Check The Price Here (Amazon)
Gaming keyboards tend to be over-the-top in design. However, the Logitech G513 keyboard is nicely minimalistic. The RGB backlighting gives it that 'gamer' vibe, while still being quite subtle and clean looking.
The lighting is customizable per key to your preferences (with approximate 16.8 million colors) and also reactive. You can create your own light animations or choose from the given preset effects.
It is very stable and durable in construction. It is made of premium aluminium-alloy material. It also comes with soft and premium made memory foam palm rest that is sweat-resistant and waterproof.
Features:
- Customizable backlight colors and effects
- Advanced mechanical key switches for quick responsiveness
- Comfortable and durable memory foam palm rest
- Durable construction using brushed aluminium-alloy
- USB pass-through port for easy transfer or charging of devices.
Final Words
I believe that any beautifully designed item can add value to one's life. Although a nicely designed minimalist keyboard may not be a huge deal to most, I believe it can add some happiness to your daily work and maybe even give some motivation to succeed in whatever you are doing.
It has been fun researching minimalist keyboards. I hope this list has been helpful in some way.
