updated 12/14/2025
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All Micro Journal models are designed and hand crafted by Un Kyu Lee. This site represents my own views and I in no official way represent Un Kyu Lee. So, opinions and mistakes here are mine and mine alone. I just truly appreciate these great machines.
The Rev 5 is one of a line of Micro Journal Writer Decks aimed at (my words) writing focused drafting. That is, they are digital typewriters that help you focus on getting the words out when you are drafting. The Rev 5 is the simplest of this line. It is, for the most part, a screen with editing software. You need to add a keyboard to use it. Like the Rev 6, it runs off a single a single 18650 Lithium ion battery (3300 mAh max)that you install yourself. Firmware-wise, it is very similar to a Rev 6, except you may not have to carry a keyboard with you if you are going someplace with a spare keyboard. However, you may want to find a smaller, lightweight keyboard you can use with it. But, ultimately, you don't need to buy a keyboard if you already own keyboards. That makes this the most very budget friendly entry to the Micro Journal line.
Since you are using an external keyboard, that keyboard determines your Key Map, so while The Rev 5 is a Rev 6 without a keyboard, it is much simpler than the Rev 6. The editor itself is identical to the Rev 6. When you turn the Rev 5 on, you are immediately taken to the text editor, either a blank new file the first time you start it up or to whatever was the last file you were working in. You can just start typing. It saves after some few seconds with no activity or when you use Esc to go out to the menu. You can use navigation keys to scroll back and review what you have written when you need to. Luckily the screen is too small to encourage real editing. There is a limitation here. The Rev 6 has a limited text buffer so it is possible to not be able to scroll all the way back if you are typing a longer piece. However, that is just the buffer—you are not losing any text. It is all safely in the file.
The Menu offers Wifi, Google Drive Sync, BLE pairing, Preferences and access to the 10 filespaces. Since you are using an external keyboard, there is no keymap file you can modify (the keymap is supplied by your keyboard, but you can select from a number of international layouts. If you want to see more detail, read through the quickstart guide, linked below.
There's not a lot more I can say about this wonderful little Micro Journal. If you are looking for simple and affordable, the Rev 5 is hard to beat amongst "distraction free" drafting focused Writer Decks. But, warning. The Rev 5 was where I started. It's definitely a gateway drug! ;-)
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You need to understand that Un Kyu Lee not only designs all his Writer Decks, he also builds them by hand. Because both things take time and care, ordering is tricky. Watch the date for the next restock, but you have to act quickly as he will only put up as many as he thinks he can build in the next reasonable period of time. Be patient. It's worth it. There is also a lot of other good information on this page. |
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A fantastic and detailed documentation of how to get going with your new Rev 6. It now includes a user guide. |
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Here is where you can watch for firmware updates for the Rev 5, 6 and 7 (Not the Rev 2.1, which runs on Linux). |
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Un Kyu Lee's YouTube page with informative and useful videos for all his different models, including the Rev 5. |
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There are several people on this forum I frequent that have and discuss the Rev 5. I am H0ok there. Feel free to ask questions and we'll try to help. |
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