COMPREHENSIVE COMPARISON
Kept vs Pen & Paper: The privacy of paper with the utility of software
A notebook offers physical tactile privacy. Kept brings that same privacy to your iPhone through Keychain encryption, while adding instant search, encrypted backups, and one-page summaries.
Overview
Physical paper cannot be hacked remotely, but it can be misplaced, damaged, or read by anyone in the room. Kept combines local-first encryption and Face ID protection with the ability to search a year of entries and generate one-page review sheets.
Direct feature comparison
| Dimension | Kept | Pen & Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Server Risk | Zero (no accounts or cloud storage) | Zero |
| Search Across Entries | Instant full-text index | Manual review |
| Passcode / Face ID Lock | Yes | No (unless locked in a safe) |
| Backup Recovery | Encrypted backup file with personal passphrase | No backup (single physical copy) |
Key differences in practice
Searchability
Instant full-text SQLite search across every entry, date, and keyword.
Manual page flipping without search indexing.
Physical Security
Encrypted SQLite database protected by Face ID and iOS Keychain.
Unprotected physical pages readable by anyone who opens the book.
Synthesis & Review
Generates a structured one-page summary of counted facts and quotes on request.
Requires manual note aggregation and transcription.
The verdict
Paper is irreplaceable for tactile handwriting. When you need instant full-text search across thousands of entries, Face ID locking, and a one-page summary ready for your therapy session, Kept gives you software utility with physical-grade privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I type entries quickly on my iPhone?
Yes. Kept is built for rapid typing with smooth keyboard transitions and clean typography.
Compare other journals
Ready to start with Kept?