I've had an on-again, off-again interest in owning a digital typewriter. I even gave one a try a few years ago! But here's the thing—I can recreate that experience simply by pairing my phone with a Bluetooth keyboard.

If you've been eyeing something like the Astrohaus Freewrite (which I'm actually surprised is still available after all these years), you might want to test this alternative before making a purchase.

I Like the Idea of a Digital Typewriter

A digital typewriter is designed to mimic the functionality of a traditional typewriter. These niche tools are meant for writing without the distractions of a modern laptop. There are no apps to manage and no notifications interrupting your flow. It's just you and a blinking cursor on a device that doesn't offer anything else—because it can't.

The small screen also keeps you from getting too caught up in what you've already written. With limited visibility, you're more focused on typing the next line instead of revising the last one.

Most Are Expensive for What They Are

As much as I appreciate the concept of a digital typewriter, I've struggled to justify buying one. I did briefly own a Pomero DM30. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of it, but here’s a video someone else made:

The DM30 is part of a long-running series of devices that are quite popular in Japan. I chose it partly because it was cheaper than the Freewrite, which now costs over $500.

Still, the Pomero turned out to be expensive enough that once I realized it wasn’t going to work for me (the keyboard layout was too different from my laptop’s), I sold it quickly to get back the $300 I had spent. While I know some people spend that much on keyboards alone, it still feels steep for what amounts to a basic text editor with a tiny screen and a modest keyboard.

A Bluetooth Keyboard and a Phone Can Accomplish the Same Goal

In some circles, this might sound sacrilegious. For many, the whole point of a digital typewriter is to escape the distractions of modern tech. I understand that sentiment.

But it's worth considering how we can use what many of us already own to achieve a similar effect. Here's what you’ll need:

A Bluetooth Keyboard

There are foldable options that fit in your pocket but feature unusual layouts—like my old Pomero—but if you mostly write at home, a full-sized keyboard will likely serve you better. You could even invest some of the money you save into a high-quality keyboard.

You can easily spend $300 on a good keyboard, and you may find unconventional designs like split-tent keyboards particularly comfortable.

Related ##### The Best Keyboards of 2025

You're going to use your keyboard a lot, so it's only natural to want the best.

Posts### A Phone Stand or a Folding Phone

A cheap phone stand is my favorite mobile accessory because of its versatility. That said, if you choose the right keyboard, this may not be necessary—some mobile keyboards come with built-in phone holders.

Related ##### Why My Must-Have Phone Accessory Is a Cheap Stand

They're inexpensive enough to keep one everywhere.

PostsI’m actually typing this on a Galaxy Z Fold 6, which can prop itself upright—a feature that also makes foldables great for taking photos.

In landscape mode, the cover display only shows a few lines of large text at a time. You can replicate this with a flip-style foldable like the Moto Razr. And if you're open to open-box or second-hand deals like I am, a foldable phone isn’t as expensive as you might think.

##### Motorola Razr 2025

SoC

MediaTek Dimensity 7400X

RAM

8GB

$700 at Motorola$700 at Best BuySee at Amazon Expand Collapse ### A Distraction-Free Writing App

Now you'll need a writing app. Microsoft Word or Google Keep will technically work, but for the true typewriter experience, you should use a distraction-free writing app. These apps fill the entire screen and show nothing but a blinking cursor. It's just you and your thoughts. I used to rely on iA Writer because it truly hid everything else, though that app has since left the Play Store.

Now I mainly use Samsung Notes, which came preinstalled on my phone. Alternatives closer to iA Writer include JotterPad and Pure Writer. If you’re looking for something free that hides most interface elements, Obsidian is a solid choice.

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Perfect for anyone who writes on their phone.

Posts This Approach Isn't Without Its Downsides -------------------------------------------

One big draw of a dedicated typewriter is the ability to step away from distractions and focus entirely on typing. A phone doesn’t offer that by default—at least not unless you install a custom ROM. Your phone is packed with familiar distractions. At any moment, you can unlock it and tap into whatever app usually steals your attention.

Also, a phone screen isn't as easy on the eyes. Many writers find digital typewriters easier to use for extended sessions compared to computer monitors—and phones are much closer to the latter in terms of eye strain.

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For myself, rather than avoiding my phone altogether, I’ve adjusted how I use it. I’ve turned off most notifications and avoid installing addictive apps. These days, I find it easy to write directly on my phone. Or rather, as someone whose phone functions as their PC, I do nearly all of my writing—including this article—on my phone. And while I sometimes use the setup I described above, I often prefer switching my keyboard for a stylus instead.

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