BYOK GBAtemp review

There has never been a better time to be a writer. Sure, generative AI tools can do a lot of the writing for you, but for those who enjoy the craft, there are more and more ways to dedicate time to writing. There is, of course, good old pen and paper, but also “digital notepad” like the reMarkable Paper Pure and digital typewriters such as the Pomera DM250US, which serve as distraction-free writing companions.

The latter category is among the most popular for being all-in-one writing devices, generally sporting a screen and a keyboard. The BYOK somewhat sits among digital typewriters, but takes a different approach. It is a pocketable writing device with a monochrome LCD and backlight. Where’s the keyboard on this digital typewriter, you ask? Well, it’s in the name: BYOK, or Bring Your Own Keyboard. The company behind it provides you with the display and, rather than imposing a keyboard on the user, it invites users to pair their favourite keyboard to the device.

It's a bold and ultra-minimalist take on digital writing companions that is sure to pique the curiosity of writers. We’ll take a look at this rather unconventional approach in this review.

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BYOK contents and specs

After having run a successful Kickstarter campaign, the BYOK device is now available to purchase via the official online store, where it is priced at $199 and comes with the following items:

There is also a $30 accessory bundle that comes with a hard case and desk stand. I would consider this kit a must-have since the BYOK encourages on-the-go writing.

Specs of the BYOK are as follows:

Finish

Language & Layout Support
Menu languages:

More menu languages are planned. This list will grow over time.

Supported keyboard layouts

Connect your keyboard and type in the languages your layout supports. This is the current list. More keyboard layouts are on the way.

A keyboard-less digital typewriter

Measuring 164mm x 79mm x 15mm, the BYOK has the form factor of a chunky smartphone. Its weight of 215g also puts it in the same range as those devices. This is all to say that the device was designed to be highly portable and pocketable. If you can carry your phone around, you definitely can carry the BYOK around.

This focus on portability sets this writing companion apart from others. Most digital typewriters bear clamshell designs or are tablet-sized. There is a good reason for this, as they also typically house a keyboard. The BYOK is notable for lacking one, hence making it more portable.

It does come with a magnetic stand and charging cable, although I wish it integrated a kickstand akin to the Switch 2. There is a magnetic ring at the back, allowing the device to attach to other magnetic smartphone accessories, making for some interesting combinations such as the Clicks Power Keyboard.

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True to its minimalist ethos, the BYOK incorporates only a handful of physical keys. A power button sits on the front, and the back has the brightness adjustment key and navigation keys. On the right flank, you will find an LED indicator, a USB-C port and a microSD slot.

The positioning of the back buttons in a single file can be odd. You have to feel around to tell them apart, unless you flip the device over to identify them. The keys are embossed with the corresponding function, and, while you can develop muscle memory to operate the device over time, it takes some getting used to. In addition, I found that I accidentally press the brightness button while adjusting the BYOK’s position on my portable keyboard. This design choice means that there will be some friction in its initial operation, and I would have preferred for the keys to be placed at the top of the device, if not at the front itself.

As for the hardware itself, I am fond of the matte black finish. It gives the BYOK a retro look, and, with the LCD, it reminds me of my old calculator. The hardware quality is okay; not cheap-feeling nor premium either. However, the price tag feels pricey for the hardware quality. That said, distraction-free writing devices are usually more expensive than the BYOK, so it is worth keeping this in mind as well.

The plastic shell means that you’ll need some layer of protection if you intend to bring the device out and about. The official accessory bundle comes in handy here as it snugly fits the BYOK and has a compartment to store a USB-C cable, the included magnetic stand and even a tiny keyboard.

The BYOK writing experience

Getting started with the BYOK is easy, but you will need a keyboard to get started. The company recommends Bluetooth keyboards, as some wired ones (think RGB ones) will draw battery from the device and significantly reduce its battery life. Once paired, you can update the BYOK (on-device via WiFi) and (optionally) pair it with the BYOK Studio software to sync your documents. Then you’re all set to get started on writing your magnum opus!

The typing experience with the BYOK will heavily rely on the keyboard that you use. The company behind it encourages you to use your favourite keyboard, and they have tested the device with major keyboard brands such as Logitech, Keychron, and NuPhy. I haven’t had any issues using a third-party, unbranded foldable keyboard with it, nor the Dygma Defy split keyboard. However, there are users who have reported not being able to pair their keyboard with the BYOK, an understandable issue considering the sheer number of keyboards out there. Luckily, the company does take requests to add support for users’ keyboards that they report not connecting.

That said, the keyboard is half of the experience, as the other half relies on the BYOK itself. The lack of noticeable input lag, adjustable backlight, and the LCD being usable outdoors (and even without backlight) make for a pleasant experience. With up to 20 hours of battery life, you can also use the BYOK for extended writing sessions (no more excused to work on that manuscript!).

As a digital typewriter, the BYOK integrates some contemporary features. It’s not just typing that you can do on it, but you can also organise your files into projects, change the font type, adjust the system language and keyboard type and more.

You can also use “::” commands on the device that will sync into corresponding entries in the Studio app (such as notes, comments and wiki entries). The Studio app can be a bit controversial, considering the aim of the BYOK to be a distraction-free writing device while also requiring access to a separate distraction-prone device to make use of the extra features. It must be stressed that the BYOK is fully usable on its own offline, without the Studio app (you can transfer files over microSD or USB-C and update via microSD).

However, the software component adds a layer of convenience as well as complexity to the writing process. I find it great to transfer drafts that I’ve written on the BYOK and finalise them on Google Docs. The Studio also enables you to further structure stories, compile manuscripts, and add a visual layer to organising your documents. The syncing feature is free, but its other features are locked behind a $6.99 monthly subscription. You can consider Studio access as supercharging the BYOK. It is feature-rich and can even get intimidating with the amount of things you can do with it. I would only recommend it if you have use for its features for your writing needs or need the structure the features provide to work on your document.

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What is free are BYOK’s tools; custom scripts that give the device some small abilities. There are 10 official tools at the time of writing, such as a spelling checker and a “screenplay assistant” that can autocomplete names/places/headings by pressing Tab. The company also encourages the community to build Tools, and these will likely be made available via the Toolbox. The official website's Hub also offers downloadable fonts, a font converter, 3D STEP file of the BYOK device enclosure and more.

This aspect of the BYOK, which expands what it is initially capable of, is a highlight. The company behind it is also expanding the Studio’s features, but really the BYOK’s uniqueness lies in its unconventional approach. It’s a quirky screen that packs more than meets the eye.

The main limitation is with the screen real estate, which can feel restrictive. This is ultimately a niche device for writers looking for a distraction-free tool that lets them bring on board their own keyboard and customise their writing setup. I would have liked it if it included a detachable portable keyboard which could double as a screen cover and make for a quick writing companion option. However, I also empathise with the desire to not be constrained by the device’s keyboard.

It’s not just the keyboard, but also the placement of the BYOK (such as at eye level with a stand) that can be customised, and the company has been publishing frequent videos and blog posts to highlight different use cases and features of the BYOK. Such customisations also inflate the cost, and it is worth bearing in mind.

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Despite the limitations it has, the BYOK is a worthy writing companion. I was initially on the fence about this device, but it eventually grew on me. It's a bold attempt at creating an ultra-minimalist digital writing device that somehow works better than one might think. The BYOK device might not be as sexy as the Pomera, but its unique take will draw attention nonetheless.