Yes, that is a keyboard. It’s a very pretty version of what I use, and while I don’t get any kickbacks (I really should with as much as I hype this thing) I think every author should know that this pricey keyboard DOUBLED my typing speed. Yes. Doubled.
I type fast anyway. On a typical laptop, I hit around 90 – 120 words per minute. On my Corsair keyboard, I can hit 210 without straining. I can finally type as fast as I think! Why? Because the mechanical keys with brown cherry mx switches (technical stuff there) require less pressure. Each keystroke is, therefore, faster – and it really does add up.
Oh sure, the above keyboard (Corsair K95) sells for anywhere from 160 to 240 dollars (US). If you don’t need all the fancy function keys on the left (those G keys) you can get a K70 (same thing with less buttons) for about 80 bucks (US). But here’s the best part… they really do last forever!
Most authors type enough to destroy a keyboard. The repetitive presses of each key required to make a 100,000 word novel is about all the thin plastic keys can take. For me (who writes stupid amounts) I wear out a cheap keyboard in about a month. Literally wear out. Like holes in the space bar, no letters on the keys, certain letters stop working kind of wear out. To date, I have written 30 books, with at least another 10 books worth of cut scenes, and have only used 2 Corsair keyboards, a K95 and a K70. My second one is still pretty darned shiny and new, too.
Now, if you’re playing at writing a book – and it seems most people are – then this isn’t something you need to worry about. But for all those people who ask how I can write so much, so fast, and keep pumping out the books? Well, this really is my greatest secret. A good keyboard is the tool of our trade. It’s the method our thoughts use to reach the “paper”. Having to stop, backspace, and fix a missed letter? That’s breaking the line of thought, the intensity of action, and it does show. The way we feel when writing comes across in the nouns, verbs, and descriptive words we unconsciously choose to make a statement. Having to stop and think about where we were in the action kills the mood as quickly as parents do with infatuated teenagers: in its tracks.
A good quality mechanical keyboard is most often sold as a gaming keyboard. That’s because gamers are so competitive, and they realize that a millisecond difference in keystroke could be what drops them to second place. The need for longevity, tolerable pricing (because most teens aren’t rich) and the ability to withstand coffee/mountain dew spilled in the keys means that it works perfectly for the frazzled author. For me, the brown switches (the types are named after colors) work best, but many prefer red. Thankfully, these are the two most popular options. Blue is a bit mushy for my tastes.
So yes, keyboard buying can get rather intimidating, but if you have questions, feel free to message me on Twitter (@aurynhadley) or ask me on facebook (www.facebook.com/AurynHadleyAuthor). I’m always happy to geek out for a moment.
Now, if I could just figure out how to get those kickbacks.