This wooden Raspberry Pi-powered typewriter is the perfect antidote to writer’s block
In context: Many things can cause writer’s block–fatigue, hunger, not being in the right head space. Even the constant distractions from the computer can ruin a thought process. One writer decided to break free of continual notifications and doomscrolling by making an old-school typewriter with a modern twist.
A DYIer going by “Bilbonbigos” built this slick little machine, aptly dubbed “The Typewriter,” to maximize writer focus. Powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board, the wooden case gives it a delightfully rustic look reminiscent of a vintage “suitcase” typewriter. While the form is as close as it can get to a vintage typewriter, it is not devoid of modern features.
The Typewriter does away with the long-stroke keys, ink ribbon, and paper carriage for a more modern interface. For input, Bilbonbigos used a Redragon K614 Anivia 60-percent mechanical keyboard. A 7.9-inch ultra-wide display fixed above the keys provides the output. The foldout lid doubles as a stand to support a notebook or written copy for hands-free reference. It also has a cubby for stashing a mouse.
The Typewriter sports a 10,000 mAh battery charged via a built-in USB-C port. The device runs on the full desktop version of Raspberry Pi OS. However, Bilbonbigos only uses it to run the FocusWriter app. Remember, the point was to eliminate the modern PC’s many distractions.
Bilbonbigos posted his creation on the r/writerDeck subreddit, a community devoted to dedicated writing devices that reduce or eliminate distractions and the temptations of regular computers and laptops. Generally, this means no emails, text messaging, social media, and endless notifications to pay attention to that stuff. For Bilbonbigos, creating The Typewriter was deeply personal.
“The fact that I managed to finish it when fighting depression and burnout (successfully thanks to doctors in the hospital where I was for a few weeks in the middle of making The Typewriter) and that it works is just wow, man. A fantastic feeling,” he wrote.
The DIYer admits there is still room for improvement. A newer Raspberry Pi and a better cooling solution are already on the list of improvements. He would also like to install a more lightweight and minimal OS. For now, this bulky but fun word processor is the perfect antidote to a modern writer’s woes.
