Long Nails, No Problem? Tippy Type Aims to Revolutionize Typing for the Manicured Set

Typing With Long Nails is a Pain, But This $45 Keyboard Cover Makes It Easier

Long nails are a statement, a fashion choice, a symbol of something…but for those who type frequently, they can be a source of annoyance and even pain. Every keystroke becomes a potentially nail-breaking, finger-cramping ordeal. From struggling with phone screens to fighting with flat laptop keys, the everyday chore of typing becomes an adventure in frustration.

"Long nails are not for the weak. Have you ever tried removing contact lenses with 20mm claws? Terrifying," writes tech reviewer A.K. Krales, highlighting the very real struggle of long nail life. "But aside from the fear of poking out my eyeballs, long nail life makes little everyday things difficult, too. Opening soda cans, pressing buttons, changing out trash bags without poking a hole, and even personal hygiene — they all require you to get creative. But by far, the most annoying thing is typing."

Typing with long nails is the epitome of "beauty is pain." Phone screens become a clunky obstacle course, riddled with typos. Laptop keyboards, with their flat keys, are downright hostile, demanding awkward finger contortions and pressure on the nail tips. "No big deal if I’m shooting off an email," Krales admits, "but a 1,500-word review? After a while, it hurts."

This is why the Tippy Type, a $45 silicone keyboard cover specifically designed for long nails, piqued Krales’ interest. The cover boasts tower-like cylindrical keys that allow users to type naturally, with their finger pads instead of their nails. The benefits are twofold: no more pain and a protected manicure.

While some might scoff at the idea of this product, specifically targeting women and their concerns about broken nails, there are real and often overlooked reasons behind the choice for long nails. For reviewers like Krales, who regularly showcase products in photos and videos, long nails are a key part of the aesthetic. "The Internet Nail Police has repeatedly shown up in my comments over the years if my polish is chipped or, god forbid, there’s a smudge of dirt under my natural nail," Krales explains. "The worst part is that they’re not wrong — the photos and video footage won’t look as nice. Never mind that this is largely a gendered burden. Something about longer nails elongates the fingers and makes for a more attractive product photo."

The pressure to maintain perfectly polished and long nails extends beyond just visuals. Krales points out that long nails come with significant upkeep costs. A set of acrylic or gel extensions can cost around $120, and press-ons, while more affordable, carry the constant threat of popping off at the most inconvenient moments. "I’ve had a couple fly off while typing," Krales reveals. "And it’s annoying carrying nail glue everywhere you go — or, in the case of extensions, having to schedule another appointment. Preserving your manicure for as long as possible is a form of saving time and money."

The Tippy Type presents itself as a solution for these long-nail woes. It aims to provide a more comfortable and pain-free typing experience while preserving those carefully crafted nails. But as with any product, the proof lies in the test.

"The first time I used the Tippy Type out of its case, it felt weird," Krales shares. "CEO and cofounder Sara Young Wang warned me that there’s a slight learning curve. She wasn’t kidding. It’s hard to describe, but if you’re used to squishier keys, this isn’t that. The keys are firmer and require a little more pressure than your typical laptop keys. The cylindrical shape also gives you less surface area so, at first, you have to think about finger placement."

Despite the initial adjustment, Krales found the Tippy Type to be surprisingly effective. After a week of using the cover, her typing speed and accuracy increased noticeably. "Anecdotally, typing with the cover has reduced my typos compared to typing without it."

While the Tippy Type proved to be a useful tool for Krales, it’s not without its drawbacks. As with most targeted solutions, it doesn’t work for every situation. "I had no problem with both medium and long press-ons, but if you’re rocking extra-long nails, this might not work well. Also, some keys still aren’t the easiest to press. For example, the arrow keys are small and awkward, and there’s no cover for the function keys aside from the Esc key. In addition, you can’t easily close your laptop if you’re, say, stepping out to the bathroom. Lastly, the Tippy Type is only available for MacBooks at the moment, though Wang says the company is working on versions for Lenovo, Dell, and HP laptops."

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the Tippy Type is worthwhile comes down to personal priorities and usage patterns. For those who rely heavily on their laptops for typing and are committed to keeping their nails long, the investment might be well worth it. "Are you like gymnasts Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, or Suni Lee, where not even Olympics-level tumbling can stop you from long-nailed glory? Then, yes, it is probably worth it," Krales contends. "In my everyday life, however, I mostly use a desktop with a mechanical keyboard — which is more forgiving to long nails. I probably wouldn’t have felt the need for a product like this if I weren’t in the thick of tech review season."

Regardless of individual choice, the Tippy Type presents a unique and interesting solution to a very real struggle faced by many. "Even so, the Tippy Type has been useful for me these past few weeks, when my deadlines were tight, the review word counts long, and the nails fabulous." It’s a reminder that sometimes, the seemingly insignificant details – like the length of one’s nails – can have a significant impact on our daily lives, and finding ways to bridge those gaps can make all the difference.

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