3 months with the most beautiful keyboard I've ever owned
By Eco-Friendly Tech Editorial TeamLook, I'm gonna level with you. My main motivation wasn't ergonomics or typing speed - it was that my home office looked like a Best Buy warehouse exploded. Black plastic everything. My girlfriend kept making passive-aggressive comments about "sterile tech bro vibes," and she wasn't wrong.
Plus, I'd been on this whole sustainability kick after watching too many documentaries about plastic waste. When this bamboo keyboard popped up for $48, I figured worst case scenario, I'd have the world's most expensive decorative object.
Fast forward three months, and... well, it's complicated. This thing is gorgeous, but there are some trade-offs you need to know about.
This keyboard makes a fantastic first impression. It arrives in eco-friendly packaging (cardboard, no plastic), and when you lift it out, the craftsmanship is immediately apparent. The bamboo has a beautiful grain pattern, and each key feels individually crafted.
The wireless mouse that comes with it is equally gorgeous - curved bamboo with a satisfying click. Both devices feel substantial and well-made, not like cheap bamboo novelties.
Pairing was effortless. Pop in the included batteries (AAA for both keyboard and mouse), plug in the tiny USB receiver, and you're connected. The range is excellent - I can type from my couch 15 feet away without any lag or dropouts.
Battery life has been impressive. After 3 months of daily use (probably 4-5 hours per day), I'm still on the original batteries with no low-battery warnings.
My normal WPM on MacBook keyboard: 78 WPM
First week with bamboo keyboard: 58 WPM
After 1 month: 71 WPM
After 3 months: 74 WPM
Note: These tests were 5-minute typing sessions on the same text passages.
Here's where things get complicated. The keys have a unique feel - they're membrane-style switches with about 2mm of travel. They're quieter than mechanical switches but require a bit more force than my MacBook keys.
For light work (emails, browsing, casual writing): It's lovely. The tactile feedback is satisfying, and the wooden texture under my palms feels premium.
For heavy typing sessions (like writing this review): My fingers start to fatigue after about an hour. The keys require just enough extra force that long writing sessions become tiring.
For coding: This is where I struggle most. The function keys are small, and the layout is slightly different from standard keyboards. Hitting keyboard shortcuts quickly is challenging.
Let's be honest - this is why most people buy this keyboard, and it delivers. My home office went from "generic tech bro" to "thoughtfully curated" overnight. The natural bamboo grain is gorgeous, and it pairs beautifully with wood furniture.
I've had more people comment on this keyboard during Zoom calls than any other piece of tech I own. It's a genuine conversation starter and makes a statement about your values.
The bamboo has held up beautifully. No cracks, chips, or discoloration despite daily use. I was worried about the wood wearing down where my palms rest, but it still looks new.
The key labels are laser-etched into the bamboo, so there's no wear on the letters. The wireless connection remains rock-solid, and I haven't had any technical issues.
I still use this keyboard daily, but not because it's the best typing experience I've ever had. I use it because it makes me happy to look at, aligns with my environmental values, and is "good enough" for my workflow.
If you're a heavy typist who prioritizes performance above all else, spend the extra money on a mechanical keyboard. But if you want something beautiful, sustainable, and functional for light-to-moderate use, this bamboo keyboard delivers.
Would I buy it again? Probably. Would I recommend it to my programmer friends? Absolutely not. It's all about matching the tool to your needs and priorities.
The handcrafted bamboo wireless keyboard set is currently $48.80 on Amazon.
🌱 Sustainably sourced bamboo • 12-month warranty • Wireless mouse included
We review eco-friendly gadgets that actually work for real people. Contact our editorial team for questions about sustainable technology.