Your Keyboard Needs a Big Ol' Volume Knob

In today's touchscreen world, the satisfying tactile feedback of physical controls is a welcome change. That's why a keyboard with a large volume knob is surprisingly appealing. I recently experienced this firsthand, and it's been a revelation.

For years, I relied on my trusty Keychron K2, a 75% layout keyboard. It's functional, but lacks extra features. Then, I received a OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro (a Keychron collaboration) as a gift. Initially unconvinced, I gave it a try. Enter the magnificent knob.

The Knob's Learning Curve

Initially, I had to adjust to using a physical volume control. My K2 has function keys for volume, but I rarely used them. However, that knob was too tempting to ignore! I consciously replaced my mouse-based volume adjustments with the knob. The convenience quickly became apparent.

Instant Control

Physical volume control is undeniably faster than using a mouse and on-screen slider. While keyboard volume keys work, the knob is superior. With keys, there's a slight pause to locate "Volume Up" or "Volume Down," plus a mute key. The knob is a single, intuitive control. Left for down, right for up, and a press for mute. It's so fast, I usually just turn it to zero to mute.

The Tactile Satisfaction

The physical act of turning the knob, feeling the distinct clicks, is inherently satisfying. It evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of older devices like Walkmans and CD players. The intuitive design is a subtle but significant improvement. It's not just another key; it's a dedicated control.

Improved Workflow

Keyboard shortcuts often require looking away from the screen. Software volume sliders can be imprecise and disruptive. The volume knob is always accessible, enhancing workflow. Unexpected loud noises? A quick knob turn silences the disruption. It's a tangible anchor in my digital world. The precision is also superior to digital sliders.

Related: OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro Review: A Refined Mechanical Keyboard

The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, in collaboration with Keychron, offers premium features in a sleek aluminum frame.

More Useful Than Expected

If you have a good keyboard without a knob, you might consider it unnecessary. But in a market of minimalist designs, a physical volume knob stands out as genuinely useful. It's a reminder that sometimes, older solutions are best.

I use it far more than anticipated – adjusting volume during calls, fine-tuning background music, quickly muting the system. These small interactions are smoother and more intuitive.

When choosing a new keyboard, consider a model with a knob. It's a small detail with a surprisingly large impact on daily life. Sometimes, the best interfaces are the ones you can feel.

OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro

$219 at OnePlus $219 at Keychron

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