Should You Use an External Keyboard with Your Laptop in a Coffee Shop?
Ah, the great remote worker dilemma. You’ve already committed to lugging a laptop around, possibly a charger, maybe even a mouse. But now, here comes the question: should you go full mobile office mode and bring an external keyboard too? Or will you just look like someone who’s moments away from setting up a dual-monitor desk in the middle of Costa?
The Case for an External Keyboard
If you’ve ever worked a long session from a coffee shop, you’ll know the dreaded hunch. That slow, creeping posture collapse that turns you into a human question mark. A laptop stand can benefit you, but pair it with an external keyboard, and suddenly, you’re typing like a civilised, ergonomically aware individual.
External keyboards also feel better to type on, especially compared to those feather-light laptop keys that make it feel like you’re typing on wet tissue paper. Whether you prefer the clackety-clack of a mechanical keyboard (bold choice in a public space) or a slim, silent one, your hands will thank you for it.
But Is It Worth the Extra Faff?
There’s a fine line between being prepared and turning up to a coffee shop looking like you’re about to land a spaceship. A keyboard means extra bulk in your bag, more setup time, and let’s be honest, potential side-eye from people who think you’re taking up too much table space, remeber your coffee shop etiquette! Plus, if your keyboard is Bluetooth, you’ve got battery life to worry about. If it’s wired, now you’ve got a cable snaking across your oat latte.
Also, let’s be real: the average coffee shop table isn’t exactly a sprawling workspace. Once you’ve got your laptop, drink, and possibly a pastry (priorities), squeezing in a keyboard might require some advanced Tetris skills.
The Best External Keyboards for Remote Work
If you do go down the external keyboard route, not all are created equal. Some are brilliant for portability, while others will make you a social pariah. Here are your best bets:
Ultra-thin, wireless keyboards – Light, easy to chuck in your bag, and won’t make a scene. Apple’s Magic Keyboard or Logitech’s K380 are popular picks.
Mechanical keyboards – Amazing to type on, but let’s not kid ourselves: if you start hammering away on a loud mechanical keyboard in a quiet coffee shop, you may get forcibly ejected.
Foldable keyboards – Yes, they exist. If you want something that takes up minimal space but still gives you a better typing experience, a foldable keyboard like the iClever BK08 might be your new best mate.
The Verdict
If you’re working from a coffee shop for a long stretch and already use a laptop stand, an external keyboard is a smart move. Your back, wrists, and general well-being will thank you. But if you’re just popping in for an hour or two, it might not be worth the extra hassle. Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between comfort and convenience, or just making peace with the fact that remote work is slowly turning us all into mobile office pack mules.
