Touch typing is a great practice for those who want to type faster. No matter if you are a student, a businessman, or an employee in any sector, a touch typing habit will help you to grow in your job.
Additionally, touch typing reduces physical strain by encouraging proper posture and hand placement, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. It also promotes better focus and concentration, as typists can direct their attention towards the content rather than the keyboard.
Selecting the best keyboard for touch typing is a matter of personal preference. Still, the factors like keyboard layout, ergonomics, key travel and responsiveness play a vital role in selecting a keyboard that suits your touch typing needs.
What Is Touch Typing
Touch typing is a method of typing on a keyboard without the need to look at the keys. It involves using all ten fingers and placing them on the home row keys, which are the middle row of keys on a standard keyboard. The fingers are then trained to reach for the keys without having to visually locate them, relying on muscle memory instead.
Touch typing enables typists to maintain a consistent typing speed and accuracy, as they are not slowed down by the need to search for each key visually.
It also promotes proper finger placement and ergonomics, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
To learn touch typing, individuals typically undergo training and practice exercises to familiarise themselves with the keyboard layout and proper finger placement.
Over time, they develop muscle memory and the ability to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keys.
Touch typing is widely used by professionals who rely on keyboard input, such as typists, writers, programmers, and office workers. It can significantly improve typing speed and efficiency, allowing individuals to focus on their work rather than the mechanics of typing.
Does Keyboard Matters For Touch Typing
Yes, the keyboard does matter for touch typing. While touch typing primarily focuses on the technique and skill of typing without looking at the keys, the physical characteristics of the keyboard can also impact the overall typing experience.
A well-designed keyboard can provide tactile feedback, responsive key switches, and ergonomic features that enhance comfort and efficiency during touch typing. Keyboards with properly spaced and shaped keys, comfortable key travel, and a layout that matches the touch typing technique can contribute to better accuracy and speed.
On the other hand, keyboards with cramped or irregularly shaped keys, sticky or unresponsive switches, or an uncomfortable layout may hinder the touch typing process. They can cause strain or fatigue on the fingers, wrists, and hands, which can impact typing speed and accuracy.
Additionally, some keyboards may offer customizable features, such as programmable keys or adjustable key actuation force, which can be beneficial for touch typists who want to optimize their typing experience based on their preferences.
While touch typing is primarily a skill that depends on your technique and muscle memory, using a well-designed and comfortable keyboard can enhance the overall touch typing experience and contribute to improved performance and comfort.
Which Keyboard Is Best For Touch Typing
When selecting a keyboard for touch typing, consider key layout and spacing, key travel distance, tactile feedback, ergonomics, quiet operation, durability, and compatibility.
Look for a standard layout with well-spaced keys, comfortable key travel, and tactile feedback for accurate typing.
You may opt for an ergonomic design with adjustable tilt and wrist support to reduce strain. Choose a keyboard with a quiet operation to minimise distractions.
Finally, consider personal preferences like key switch type and additional features. Finding a keyboard that meets these criteria will enhance your touch typing experience and productivity.
Below are some suggestions for your reference:
- Dell Kb216 Wired Multimedia USB Keyboard
- HP K300 Backlit Membrane Wired keyboard
- Zebronics Transformer-k wired keyboard
- Portronics Bubble Multimedia Wireless Keyboard
- Zebronics Zeb-DLK01 wired keyboard
- HP 150 Wired Keyboard
- HP 350 Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard
- Logitech K 120 USB Keyboard
- FINGERS Magnifico Backlit Keyboard
- Logitech Rugged Keyboard
What Keyboard Do Fast Typists Use
Fast typists often prefer mechanical keyboards due to their tactile feedback, high responsiveness, and durability.
Mechanical keyboards utilise individual switches for each key, providing a distinct tactile feel and audible click.
Typists can feel the actuation point, allowing for faster and more accurate typing. Common switch types for fast typists include Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, and Kailh Speed switches.
These switches offer a balance of tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience.
Additionally, fast typists may prefer keyboards with a tenkeyless (TKL) or compact layout, as it reduces the distance between keys and allows for faster hand movement. Other features such as anti-ghosting and n-key rollover, which ensure simultaneous key presses are accurately registered, are also desirable for fast typists.
What Is Good Typing Speed
A good typing speed is typically considered to be around 40 to 60 words per minute (WPM) for an average typist.
However, typing speeds can vary depending on various factors such as experience, practice, typing technique, and the complexity of the text being typed.
Professional typists or individuals who frequently engage in typing-intensive tasks may have higher typing speeds, often ranging from 60 to 100 WPM or even more. It’s important to note that accuracy is equally important as speed when it comes to typing.
Maintaining a high level of accuracy while typing quickly ensures efficiency and reduces the need for corrections.
How Long Does It Take For Touch Typing
The time it takes to learn touch typing can vary depending on several factors, including your dedication, practice routine, and prior typing experience.
With consistent practice and focused effort, it is possible to become proficient in touch typing within a few weeks to a few months.
However, it’s important to note that everyone learns at their own pace, and individual results may vary. Regular and structured practice sessions, using appropriate typing techniques, and utilising typing tutorials or software can significantly speed up the learning process.
You can start with basic typing exercises, gradually increasing the difficulty level as skills improve. Personally, I prefer Keybr and Typing.com to practise typing.
You can take tests for letters/words associated with specific fingers or you may take 1-5 minute challenges to practise typing on these platforms.
By adopting proper typing habits, you can develop muscle memory and increase your typing speed and accuracy over time.
With regular practice and proper technique, it’s just a matter of time the faster and more accurate typing will be your second nature.
Enjoy The Journey Of Honing Your Touch Typing Skill
Each keystroke is an opportunity to improve your speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with this pursuit.
Let the rhythmic tapping of the keys guide you towards a seamless and effortless typing experience. With each passing day, witness your fingers dance across the keyboard with grace and precision.
Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your words materialise on the screen effortlessly, as your touch typing skills become second nature. Embrace this journey of growth and empowerment, knowing that mastery of touch typing will open doors to increased productivity and success.
Useful Resources :
Best Keyboards for Writers– Find some of the best keyboards for an amazing typing experience
Best Backlit Keyboards– Keyboards that solve the problem of typing in low-lighting conditions.
Roy is a seasoned technical blog writer with a passion for unravelling the complexities of cutting-edge technology. With a background in Electronics Engineering, he has a keen interest in writing about the intricacies of keyboard and mouse in a simple way.
Very Informative.