While the reMarkable is best known for it’s handwriting focus, the new Type Folio adds a new dimension to focused work on the device. Doubling as a cover and keyboard, the Type Folio hides away when you aren’t in the mood to type.
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Why should you trust this review?
I’ve been using the reMarkable 2 paper tablet for almost 3 years for both personal and professional projects (primarily notetaking and ideation). I purchased the Type Folio keyboard cover when it came out and have been testing it ever since.
Overview of reMarkable keyboard cover
Cover – the exterior cover of the Type Folio is a smooth feeling faux leather and is available in either black or brown (camel really). It’s well built and fits nicely around the reMarkable tablet. The cover also doubles as a stand to orient your remarkable at various angles and hides the keyboard inside.
Keyboard – the keyboard stows inside the Type Folio case and in incredibly (I almost typed remarkably) slim. I Have decent sized hands, so the keyboard is a touch small, but stows well inside the case.
Integration with the rest of reMarkable ecosystem – the arrow keys on the keyboard can be used to navigate around the operating system and come along with a set of shortcuts which aid in navigation. Bonus – reMarkable allows you to customize your keyboard for either Mac or PC like shortcuts.
Impact of keyboard on battery life – one of the best features about the reMarkable tablet is the long battery life (especially if you employ battery extending tips). While the keyboard does feel like it drains the battery a bit more quickly, it isn’t serious change. The Type Folio keyboard uses a direct connection, so it doens’t require the use of bluetooth and works well in Airplane Mode.
Testing of the keyboard
I’ve been testing the integration of the keyboard into my normal reMarkable workflow for work in my company as well as for the EffectivExec process.
Additionally, I wrote the first draft of this posting on the keyboard on my reMarkable to test it’s abilities while writing a longer form piece of content.
Pros and Cons of reMarkable Type Folio Cover
Pros of reMarkable Type Folio
- Typing (without the destraction of other apps) is pretty great for brainstorming or starting a document (that you’ll later edit or collaborate with others on)
- Solid feel and look of the Type Folio cover can breath a new aesthetic into your reMarkable 2 (especially if yours is almost 3 years old like mine)
- Straightforward integration and use with the reMarkable tablet make it quick to get up and running. I felt very effective with the keyboard after a day of use.
- Keyboard interactions are quite intuitive, as are keyboard shortcuts. I really like that if I hold the CTRL button down, it will bring up a reminder with all of the shortcuts.
- The new checkbox functionality (introduced in v3.8 software update) is pretty cool is you’re doing a ton of typing
- If you use the reMarkable desktop app, you can copy and paste typed text and the HTML markup (H2, H3, bullets, etc) will copy over
Cons of reMarkable Type Folio
- The Type Folio is relatively expensive at $200, especially if you don’t plan on using the typing function much (other reMarkable cover options)
- Keyboard is a bit small for those with larger hands
- Typing integration is still a bit wonky (difficult to locate on page, limited ability to edit, no spell check, text doesn’t fill the screen / note
- The Type Folio brings the total weight of the reMarkable 2 up to a hefty 1.9 lbs (up from 1lb). It actually weights about as much as the reMarkable 2 by itself.
Pro tips for the Type Folio
- Learn to use short cuts to navigate around the screen easily, as well as format text
- Use the next checkbox feature in the v3.8 software release to build to-do lists
- Use the reMarkable app to copy text that you typed with the Type Folio to carry over formatting (like headings and bullets)
- The new fonts in reMarkable tablet software v3.9 onward look pretty dang sharp
Conclusion on the reMarkable 2 Type Folio
The Type Folio is a clear upgrade to the classic reMarkable 2 paper tablet. I would recommend it to those that are looking for a low/no interruption way to type out thoughts, but would not recommend it for reMarkable users that primarily use their device for graphical art. For business applications or having an alternate method for brain storming (especially for creating a McKinsey style dot-dash), its a wonderful tool for focus work.
