You wrote, "My sword is kept three feet away from my computer, and if I am surprised by a home invader, that is what I would grab first."
I prefer the stapler, which is just about as useful as a sword when engaged with an assailant packing a pistol or revolver.
Manual or electric?
And is it red, by any chance?
Good luck!
In a surprize situation where you there no warning, both parties have no idea what will happen.
If your armed invader has the intention of murdering you, then there is probably nothing that you can do about it. Premeditated murder is, by definition, well planned and any defense you attempt, will be breached.
For a typical home invader that was expecting to rob some defenseless old man, my sword would be more effective than anything he could imagine!
Just that flash of steal, even if his head remained attached, would put the fear of GOD into him.