Here are my first impressions on the TextBlade after my first week of use as a TREG tester. I am a device-heavy user on a daily basis being a writer/blogger as well as a professional musician and tech geek. Out of the box, even though I’ve seen the pics, the small size and light weight still surprised me. Pairing with every device I use was straightforward and easy, with the exception of the MacBook, which I’m using WayTools included Bluetooth dongle because the Bluetooth stack Apple uses in the laptop isn’t playing nice with the TB for the moment. I use an i Phone 7+, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, MacBook Pro, and iMac regularly, so the ability to jump between devices with a two key combination is incredibly easy and efficient.

The initial typing experience has taught me how much extra movement and reaching for keys on a conventional keyboard is required. The efficiency of the TB is amazing. I have had issues with overuse and trigger finger surgeries because of how much time I spend on instruments and at the keyboard, so I noticed an immediate difference in how my hands and fingers felt after a relatively long first session acquainting myself with the keyboard. The unit’s light weight betrays the solid, tactile feeling of this tiny keyboard. With each key press the response is solid, with great spring and feedback. All of the editing functions are impressive and once I got used to the ones I use most frequently, I rarely have to leave the keyboard to use the touch screen. That is a big time saver. There is a learning curve to memorizing the key combinations for specific functions but that’s where the TB app shines. In an area called the sandbox, at the bottom of the page a graphic representation of the keyboard shows different configurations when you press different key combinations, highlighting the available functions for each key. Time spent here is time well spent learning these combinations as they really increase your efficiency with this little powerhouse keyboard.

I admit, I have been one of the many wondering why it has taken so long since my initial order to release the TB, but having read every post the company has put out, and now experiencing the design and complexity with all of the things that are required of this keyboard, I get it. My typing experience has changed and I know it will just get better with more time using the TB. The WayTools support team has been second to none, helping me with questions and advice.

Trust me when I say your patience will be rewarded when you finally receive your TextBlade.