BYOK is my new go-to distraction-free writing tool

I have long been on the hunt for the perfect distraction-free writing setup. The latest contender is BYOK , which stands for Bring Your Own Keyboard. It’s a simple $199 black plastic rectangle with a low-resolution LCD screen that lets you edit text and does almost nothing else. I’ve tried dedicated apps. I’ve even converted an old laptop into a writerdeck . But neither solution really clicked. Last year, I paired a Boox Palma with a NuPhy Air and there was a lot to like. The unique, quick-refreshing E Ink screen provided my favorite typing experience yet, and it synced seamlessly with my other devices thanks to Obsidian . But Boox’s OS is a bit janky, and the Obsidian Android app is messy. The interface is inconsistent, and you’ll want extensions to make the most of it, which you then have to remember to update, and hope that when you do, they don’t break anything. With BYOK, there are just a lot fewer variables to contend with. $199 The Good Works with your favorite keyboard MagSage mount offers a lot of versatility Long battery life Reliable no-frills text editing The Bad Low-res screen with uneven back lighting Bluetooth didn’t always auto-reconnect BYOK Studio is clunky Unlike other distraction-free devices , like those from Pomera or Freewrite , BYOK doesn’t try to box you into a specific setup — this is great news if you’re picky about your keyboards. It’s not a stripped-down laptop or trying to re-create a vintage typewriter form factor. …