Smartphones and tablets today are extremely powerful devices, allowing us to do almost anything and everything, including writing a novel. Of course, that will require more than the on-screen keyboard, but an external keyboard, even a mechanical one, isn’t always enough for a good writing experience. These mobile computers, powerful as they are, also tend to bombard writers with notifications and temptations, distracting them from the sometimes fragile flow of thought and words. Digital and smart typewriters offer a better solution, but their dry and clinical designs aren’t exactly inspiring to look at. Enter the Micro Journal, a writing device designed not just to make writing convenient but also enjoyable.
Digital typewriters, sometimes called smart typewriters, are the evolution of electronic typewriters. They’re more portable than these, offering the benefits of modern technologies and design, but are also single-purpose appliances compared to tablet computers. You turn them on, type on them, and turn them off again when you need to go. Everything is saved on local storage or a memory card and they don’t have any other function like connecting to the Internet or running apps.
Many such devices sport minimalist designs to avoid unnecessary visual distractions, but these designs also tend to feel uninspiring, which can actually influence the mind subconsciously. Some writers will want their tools to reflect their own creativity, and the Micro Journal’s design tries to add some style and flourish to the product to the point that it almost looks more like a toy with its pastel blue body and yellow display bezel. That tiny display also sits above the keyboard at a slight angle, offering a slightly more comfortable typing experience even if you have it on top of your legs instead of on a table.
Of course, the Micro Journal isn’t all looks and actually delivers that fun typing experience through hot-swappable Cherry MX switches. Many writers and programmers swear by this type of mechanical keyboard, and you can customize it to the layout that you want. Using the writing device is as simple as turning it on, though it also offers some advanced connectivity features, unlike other distraction-free typewriters. In particular, it allows you to sync your work with Google Drive, but it’s purely an optional feature, not a necessity.
Another difference between this product and others in the market is that, while it’s available as a finished device, you can also buy the Micro Journal as a kit that you can assemble yourself. This offers a greater level of flexibility and customization, especially if you’re the type to tinker with your tools before you use them. Either way, you get a writing partner that doesn’t nag you with incessant notifications, tempt you away from your train of thought, or make you feel embarrassed to use it in public.
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of writing supplies and designs is for you! From a Japanese memo pad to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk.
1. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
The Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is the ideal writing supply that you definitely need to get your hands on. You can give up the eternal cycle of pencil sharpening and struggling with weak mechanical leads, and instead adopt this innovative pencil, which allows the effortless and smooth facilitation of your creative ideas. It is a one-of-a-kind writing tool that can keep up with your fast-paced thoughts!
The pencil is made with a special alloy core, and it is placed inside a sleek aluminum body. The pencil offers a writing experience that is exceptionally smooth and provides a consistent and sturdy performance, without having to deal with the constant dilemma of sharpening.
What we like
You can easily erase whatever you’ve written or sketched using the regular eraser
Guarantees a smooth and effortless writing experience
What we dislike
There is no replacement tip for the pencil
2. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this grand writing accessory is basically a sleek black pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes the pen easy and sturdy to hold. The pen is designed to offer you an excellent hassle-free writing experience, and making it a seamless and smooth experience.
The Levitating Pen has a magnetic cap that you can click to your satisfaction. You can also place the pen in its holder, which is magnetized, and keeps your pen floating in that particular position! Give the pen a simple twist, and it starts spinning around for 20 seconds, allowing you to play with the pen and have fun.
What we like
Easy to write with, and to hold
You can spin the pen intervals to bust your stress and relax
What we dislike
The smooth edges of the pen may cause it to roll off the table when kept on a curved surface
3. MagBoard Clipboard
Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this simple, efficient, and clever solution allows you to attach any paper – whether dotted, grid, or blank in 2 sizes, giving you access to writing material with ease. It provides a fresh paper smell whenever you attach new stationery. You just need to lift the magnetic panel and keep your pen inside to prepare for whenever the next big idea strikes!
The MagBoard Clipboard is quite easy to organize and use. It features the Magnet x Lever mechanism which firmly holds your paper through the day, allowing you to shuffle your notes with ease wherever you go.
What we like
Features a magnetic design, which lets you attach the clipboard to metal surfaces
Doesnt feature a ring, so you don’t need to tear the paper away
What we dislike
Can only hold 30 sheets at a time, which can be limiting
4. Zen Pen
This unique Japanese-made pen utilizes visuals and texture to function as a wiring instrument that helps you be mindful of the present, even if it is only for a second. The pen is inspired by the composition of a Zen garden, sand, stone and more. The Zen Pen recreates the stillness of a zen garden on a smaller scale.
Why is it noteworthy?
It imitates the key elements of a Zen garden in such a manner that you can see and feel them in the palm of your hand. The 3D-printed grooves that snake around the barrel and cap remind you of the thin lines and circles that are drawn on a typical rock garden.
What we like
Result of the handiwork of skilled Japanese craftsmen utilizing modern technologies
What we dislike
5. Japanese Drawing Pad
If you’re someone who loves using Japanese paper, then you need to get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad. The Japanese Drawing Pad features high-quality Japanese paper which often much loved by artists, designers, and stationery lovers. It makes the writing experience so special and effortless!
The pad is of excellent quality, and it lets you pen down your thoughts and ideas without the stress of accidentally damaging or tearing the durable paper fibers. It lets you remove all distractions, letting your thoughts roam freely, allowing them to grow and evolve.
What we like
It is microperforated which allows easy tearing
The pad is available in various sizes and colors
What we dislike
When you first look at the pad, it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP
6. Serenity Pen Stand
Dubbed the Serenity Pen Stand, this Japanese minimalist pen has a metallic hint and will store your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use. The pan stand keeps your precious pen in place, providing easy access to it. Since pens can be easy to lose, this clever design ensures it is always in your sight.
The sleek little pen stand ensures constant access to your pen, ensuring you never lose it. The pen is made from aluminum and copper, and it serves as a well-balanced cylinder. It adds some personality and Japanese design ethos to your mundane workdesk.
What we like
You can easily set it up, use it, and carry it
Has a heavy copper bottom which ensures a stable form
What we dislike
The pen stand is quite small, and it can be easily lost
7. Japanese Paper Memo Block
Named the Japanese paper Memo Block, this little notepad will perfectly capture your itinerant and exciting thoughts, ensuring you never miss out on any of them. We live in fear of these thoughts escaping us, hence we need to note them down in the nick of time.
The Japanese paper Memo Block allows you to focus on the important tasks at hand, letting you note down your innermost thoughts before you lose track of them and get distracted. The memo block is quite small, and you can place it anywhere on your desk in any position.
What we like
Has a pure black/white surface which pulls new thoughts onto the paper from your mind
Made using high-quality Japanese paper
What we dislike
Looks like an ordinary memo pad with no real specialty
8. Bloomstick
Called the Bloomstick, this conceptual pen lets you note down your dreams since it is as important to write them down, as it is to make them come true. The pen lets your dreams “bloom like flowers” when you write them on paper using it. The tagline of the pen is “Click to bloom your dream”.
Why is it noteworthy?
The pen features a silicone-covered button which when you press, it opens up into a flower-like shape, allowing you to use it as a blooming instrument. The pen is available in a variety of different colors such as green, blue, and pink. When closed, it looks like a typical pen, but you can still use it.
What we like
Gives a whimsical and fun twist to your everyday pen
What we dislike
Seem to only have an aesthetic USP, no functional USP
9. Gravity Pen
Named the Gravity Pen, this sleek and all-black pen positions the center of gravity close to your fingers, ensuring a smooth and seamless writing experience. The pen is relatively easy to hold, and you can make quick agile strokes with it. It features a larger grip than the barrel, so you can hold it comfortably.
Since the grip has a rather faceted form, the pen is easy to hold. It has an ergonomic design owing to the utilization of physics and minimalist design principles. It is the kind of no-fuss and no-frills writing instrument you need!
What we like
It is quite easy to hold and has an ergonomic form
Lightweight body making it easy to carry everywhere with you
What we dislike
Not a lot of color options to pick from, and limited choice of product
10. Eco-Friendly Pencil Sharpener
A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, this Eco-Friendly Pencil Sharpener is a truly innovative and unique stationery design that increases the lifespan of tiny pencil stubs by elongating them! This ensures that your pencils last longer, and you don’t need to constantly keep replacing your pencils.
Why is it noteworthy?
You simply need to thread one end of the tiny pencil, and tap a larger pencil, so you can easily screw one pencil into another. This forms a bigger and longer pencil, which lasts longer, but also reduces wastage!
What we like
This unique design reduces the waste of pencil stubs, and the constant purchase of new pencils
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we are unsure how well-functioning and practical this product will turn out to be
