Hey guys, Pat here. I’m excited to share some tips on how to type faster.
Whether you’re a student trying to finish that paper or a professional trying to get more work done, being able to type fast is a valuable skill that can save you a lot of time.
In this article, I’ll cover keyboard hardware, keyboard layouts, and the best websites to practice with. I’ll also give you tips on how to improve your speed, and some advice for beginner typists.
Keyboard Hardware
Keyboards… one of the most essential tools for a typist, and yet there are so many options out there. It’s important to find the right one that suits your needs and typing style.
Let’s dive deeper into the topic of keyboard hardware and see what we can learn.
First off, let’s address the age-old question: what’s the best keyboard for typing? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people swear by mechanical keyboards, while others love the sleek and minimal design of an Apple Magic keyboard.
Personally, I’ve always felt the most comfortable with my trusty laptop keyboard.
That being said, there are some things to consider when it comes to keyboard hardware. For one, make sure you have a working keyboard with higher than two key rollover. This means that it can accurately detect when more than two keys are pressed down simultaneously. You can check your keyboard’s rollover on a website I’ve linked in the description.
Some typists argue that mechanical keyboards are the best for typing, They provide a nice tactile feedback without being too loud or distracting. However, what works best for me might not work best for you. Ultimately, the best keyboard for you is the one that you’re most comfortable with.
It’s worth noting that if you’re serious about typing, investing in a good keyboard can make a big difference. While it might seem like a small thing, having a keyboard that feels good to type on can actually increase your speed and accuracy.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to find a good keyboard. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will still give you a satisfying typing experience.
Keyboard hardware is an important factor to consider when it comes to typing. Make sure you have a working keyboard with good rollover, and find one that feels comfortable for you to use.
Don’t be afraid to invest in a good keyboard if you’re serious about typing, but remember that the best keyboard is ultimately the one that works best for you.
Keyboard Layouts
We all know the standard QWERTY layout, but did you know that there are other keyboard layouts out there that have been designed to be more efficient and faster?
Two popular alternative layouts are Dvorak and Colmac. However, keep in mind that while it’s okay to use a different keyboard layout if it sounds fun, don’t switch just for the sake of speed. The reality is, it takes time to get used to a new layout and the potential benefits of switching may not be worth the effort.
I personally use Dvorak.
So if you’re curious about trying out a different keyboard layout, go for it! But don’t expect to become a typing superstar overnight.
Remember, practice and perseverance are key to improving your typing speed and accuracy.
Best Websites to Practice With
If you’re looking to practice your typing skills, you may be wondering which websites to use.
Well, fear not my friends, as I’m here to give you the lowdown on the four main websites people use: Nitro Type, Type Racer, 10 Fast Fingers, and Monkey Type.
Of these four, Nitro Type and Type Racer are considered the cream of the crop. Why? Well, for starters, they’re both sentence or paragraph-based, which is more accurate to real-life typing.
With Nitro Type and Type Racer, you’ll be typing out coherent sentences and paragraphs, which is a much more practical way to practice your typing skills.
Type Racer, in particular, is great because it forces you to correct mistakes. This means you’ll be less likely to make the same mistakes over and over again, which is key to improving your speed and accuracy.
On the other hand, Nitro Type has a more enjoyable interface that many people find more engaging. It’s designed like a racing game, where you compete against other players to see who can type the fastest.
As for 10 Fast Fingers and Monkey Type, these websites are more geared towards random words rather than coherent sentences or paragraphs. While they can still be helpful for practicing your typing skills, they’re not as accurate to real-life typing as Nitro Type and Type Racer.
So, if you’re looking for the best websites to practice with, Nitro Type and Type Racer are definitely the way to go. But hey, everyone has their own preferences, so feel free to try out all four and see which one works best for you.
Tips for Beginner Typists
Welcome, my typing enthusiast friends! If you’re a beginner typist, then you’re in the right place. It’s important to start with the basics and develop good habits from the start.
Let’s get into some tips for beginner typists that will help you improve your typing skills in no time flat.
Start with the Standard Home Row Technique
The home row is the foundation of touch typing, which is the skill of typing without looking at the keyboard. Rest your fingers on ASDF and JKL semicolon and keep your fingers curved. Your left-hand pinky should rest on A, your ring finger should rest on S, middle finger on D, and index finger on F. Your right-hand index finger should rest on J, middle finger on K, ring finger on L, and pinky on semicolon.
Focus on Accuracy Rather Than Speed
As a beginner, it’s crucial to focus on accuracy rather than speed. Accuracy is more important than speed because it’s harder to correct bad habits that you develop when you’re typing fast. Aim to keep your average accuracy above 96. If you need to slow down to raise your accuracy, it’s worth it in the long run.
Use Typing.com to Form Good Habits and Correct the Bad Ones
Typing.com is a great resource for beginner typists. It’s a free online typing tutor that will teach you how to type properly. Typing.com offers a range of lessons and games that are designed to help you form good habits or correct bad ones. Plus, it’s free, so what do you have to lose?
In conclusion, if you’re a beginner typist, start with the home row technique, focus on accuracy rather than speed, and use typing.com to form good habits or correct bad ones.
Tips to Improve Your Speed
Type word by word, rather than letter by letter. Reading ahead is important; the quickest typists are look at words ahead of what they’re typing. And optimize your typing style by eliminating consecutive finger usage.
Let’s talk a little more about each:
Type Word by Word
One of the most important things to keep in mind while practicing typing is to type word by word, rather than letter by letter. Think of typing like playing a piano chord and drop your hands on the keyboard. This technique may take some getting used to, but it will ultimately help you type faster with less effort.
Read Ahead
Reading ahead is crucial when trying to improve your typing speed. You should aim to read two to four words ahead of what you’re typing. This will help you stay ahead of the words you’re typing and avoid pausing or hesitating.
Optimize Your Typing Style
Another key tip to improve your typing speed is to optimize your typing style. One way to do this is by eliminating consecutive finger usage. You don’t want to use the same finger for two letters in a row. This can slow you down and make it harder to type quickly.
For example, if you’re using a standard typing technique, both the letters “d” and “e” would be typed with your middle finger. However, I personally use my index finger for “d” and ring finger for “e”. You should aim to find your own typing style preferences and stick with them.
While there’s no magic trick to double your typing speed — with practice, you’ll improve. The most important thing is to practice with intention and focus on accuracy, speed, and smaller details. Mindless practice will only get you so far. Remember, progress is not linear, so don’t get frustrated if you go through weeks or even months without making tangible progress. Keep at it, and you’ll see results. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to drop a like and subscribe for more typing tips!
