How to : How to Improve Typing Speed: Touch Typing, Ergonomics, & More

Things You Should Know

Get to know your keyboard! The better you know the layout and shortcuts, the faster you’ll be able to type.
Practice touch typing, the art of using a keyboard without looking at the keyboard. This can markedly improve your typing speed.
To improve ergonomics, support your back, relax your shoulders, keep your elbows close to your sides, and your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:

Keyboard Fundamentals

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Familiarize yourself with the keyboard. While most keyboards have a fairly standard set-up, some may have different features, layouts, and shortcuts. Read the instructions that come with your keyboard so you know what all of the keys do and what shortcuts may be useful to you.^{[1]

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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

Once you understand what all of the keys do, try to create a visual layout of the keyboard in your mind that you can call upon when you’re typing.
Many keyboards are equipped with time-saving keys that provide shortcuts for common commands or keystrokes. Be sure to read up on your keyboard’s shortcuts to help increase your speed.
Check out our guide on using a computer keyboard for more information.}

Method 2

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Typing Basics

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Arrange your fingers properly. The most important step to improving your typing speed is ensuring that you place your fingers correctly on the keyboard. Rest the index finger of your left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key. These two keys usually have slight bumps on their surface, so you can feel for them without actually looking at the keyboard. The other three fingers on your left hand should rest on the “A,” “S,” and “D” keys, while the other three fingers on your right hand should rest on the “K,” “L,” and “;” keys. Place your thumbs on the space bar.^{[2]

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The row with the “A,” “S,” “D,” “F,” “J,” “K,” “L,” and “;” keys is known as the home run because it’s the row that your fingers always start at and return to while you’re typing.
When you arrange your fingers on the keyboard, curve them slightly, but keep your hands relaxed.
Make sure that your keyboard is centered directly in front of your body.}
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Use the proper fingers to strike the other keys. When you’re typing, you will hit all of the keys on your keyboard from the home position. That means certain fingers are designated to strike certain keys for the most efficient typing. In most cases, you’ll use the same fingers from the home row to hit the keys that line up in the rows above and below.^{[3]

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Strike the “1,” “2,” “Q,” and “Z” keys, in addition to the “A” key, with your left pinky.
Strike the “3,” “W”, and “X” keys, in addition to the “S” key, with your left ring finger.
Strike the “4,” “E”, and “C” keys, in addition to the “D” key, with your left middle finger.
Strike the “5,” “6,” “R,” “T,” “G,” “V,” and “B” keys, in addition to the “F” key, with your left index finger.
Strike the “7,” “Y,” “U,” “H,” “N,” and “M” keys, in addition to the “J” key, with your right index finger.
Strike the “8,” “I,” and “,” keys, in addition to the “K” with your right middle finger.
Strike the “9,” “O,” and “.” keys, in addition to the “L” key, with your right ring finger.
Strike the “0,” “-,” “=,” “P,” “[,” “],” “‘,” and “/” keys, in addition to the “;” key, with your right pinky.
Hit the “Shift” key with the pinky on the opposite hand from the finger that you’re using to strike the other key.
Hit the spacebar with whichever thumb feels most comfortable to you.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:

Touch Typing

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Keep your eyes on the screen. Your natural instinct may be to look down at the keyboard as you’re typing. However, looking at the keys actually slows down your typing and increases the chance of errors. As you type, keep your eyes on the screen instead to use the technique known as touch typing. You may see a slight increase in errors when your first start using this method, but you’ll quickly learn the layout of the keyboard and the position of the keys, which will improve your typing speed.^{[4]

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When learning how to type without looking at the keyboard, consider covering your hands with a cloth, piece of paper, or cardboard, so you’re unable to see the keys even if you peek.
While you should try to keep your gaze on the computer screen as much as possible, it’s okay to cheat occasionally and glance down at the keyboard to ensure that you know where the keys are.
Read our article on learning to type extremely fast for additional tips on increasing speed.}

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Practice Typing

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Practice regularly. As with most skills, the only way to truly improve your typing speed is to practice on a regular basis. The more that you type, the more comfortable you’ll become with the layout of the keyboard and the proper positioning of your fingers. You’ll also develop muscle memory when you’re typing common letter combinations, so your typing will become faster and more accurate.^{[5]

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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

One of the best ways to practice is to repeatedly type sample passages over and over again. You can find plenty of passages online that are geared toward improving your typing accuracy and speed.
When you’re practicing, focus on accuracy first. Make sure that you’re typing each word correctly and achieving proper spacing and punctuation. Once you feel like your typing has become accurate, you can work on improving your speed.
Practice doesn’t just mean taking online typing tests. Writing emails to friends and family and posting on online forums can help sharpen your typing skills and increase your speed.}

Method 5

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Games & Classes

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Use touch typing software and games. You’ll be able to type most quickly if you do it by feeling instead of sight. That’s why it helps to use touch typing software to help refine your typing skills so you can work more quickly. They usually include helpful exercises and even fun games that can make increasing your typing speed more enjoyable.
- While you can purchase touch typing software, there are also a variety of free programs, such as TypingClub, TypeRacer, Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor, and Rapid Typing.
- If you’ve already learned the touch typing basics, use free online typing games to help you improve your typing speed. Try some of the fun games at FreeTypingGame.net or WordGames.com. They’re more enjoyable than practicing the same old passages, so you may find it easier to stay committed to improving your typing speed.
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Find a typing class. If you’ve tried to improve your typing speed on your own and haven’t seen the results that you’d like, you may want to take a typing or keyboarding class. Instructors can make sure that you know the proper finger positioning and posture to type quickly and accurately. If you’re in high school or college, check to see if your school offers a class. If you’re out of school, your local community college or continuing education program may have a typing course that can help.^{[6]

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If you don’t have a typing course available to you in your area, there are online programs that may help. You won’t have the opportunity for in-person assistance, but the instruction can still help you improve your typing speed.}

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Typing Tests

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Take online typing tests. If you want to see how efficient your typing is, you can use a variety of online typing tests to see how you rate. In most cases, you’ll be asked to type a certain passage of text, and the website will time you to determine how many words per minute (wpm) you type and how accurate your typing is. These programs are an effective way to track your progress as you work to improve your typing speed.^{[7]

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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

Some online typing tests that are available for free include https://www.typing.com/, https://www.typingmaster.com/, and http://www.educational-freeware.com/online/typingweb.aspx.}

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Ergonomics

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Make sure your back is supported. Setting up an ergonomically correct workstation often starts with supporting your back. When you’re typing, it’s important to choose a chair that provides proper support for your back. The best type of chair is one that features a slightly curved backrest so it helps maintain your normal spine curvature. It also helps to use a chair that has a cushion built in near the bottom of the backrest to provide support for your lower back.^{[8]

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You may prefer reclining slightly in your chair to help take pressure off your back. However, keep in mind that typing in a reclined position may cause shoulder and neck strain. Moving your chair closer to the desk can help alleviate some of that stress.
If your chair doesn’t have a built-in cushion for your lower back, you can place a small pillow between your back and the chair for additional support.
Learn more in our guide to choosing an ergonomic office chair.}
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Relax your neck and shoulders. As you sit in your chair to type, make sure to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. In most cases, you can accomplish this by sitting back against your chair’s backrest. It will help support your neck and shoulders, so you don’t have to put stress on them to keep them straight.^{[9]

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If you’re not sure that your shoulders are relaxed, breathe in and out slowly. The position that your shoulders naturally fall in as you breathe out is usually relaxed.}
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Keep your elbows close to your sides. As you get comfortable in your desk chair, check that you’re keeping your elbows tucked into your sides. You may want to use a chair that has adjustable armrests that make it easy to keep your elbows comfortably at your sides.^{[10]

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You don’t have to use your chair’s armrests if you don’t want to. Just make sure that your elbows remain close to your sides even without the added support.}
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Place your feet flat on the floor. Once you’re settled in your chair, it helps to sit up straight with your feet planted flat on the floor so your lower body is supported. Crossing your legs or folding one underneath you makes it more difficult to maintain proper posture. If you have a chair with an adjustable seat, adjust the height until your feet comfortably reach the floor.^{[11]

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If your chair doesn’t have an adjustable seat, you may want to purchase an ergonomic footrest that makes it easier to keep your feet in a flat position.}
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Keep your wrists and palms off the desk. When you’re typing, you’ll be able to work more quickly and accurately if you avoid resting your wrists or palms on the desk or other surfaces that your keyboard is on. Keep them elevated, but don’t bend them up or down because that may cause discomfort. Instead, keep your wrists in a neutral position, with your thumb in line with your forearm and your wrist slightly bent back so they’re level with the keyboard.^{[12]

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Some keyboard and keyboard trays are equipped with wrist pads, but they’re not there for you to rest your wrists on as you type. They’re only for brief breaks when you’re not typing. If you must rest your hand on the wrist pad, try to place your palm on it rather than your wrist.
If your chair has adjustable armrests, set them so that your forearms are parallel to the floor and your wrist is in a neutral position.}
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Ensure that your keyboard is at the right height. For the most effective typing, your keyboard should be just above lap level, which is lower than most people actually set theirs up. The benefit to placing your keyboard at this height is that it allows you to tilt your arms down so your elbows are in an open, 90-degree angle.^{[13]

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You may want to invest in an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray that you can attach to your desk or work surface. That will allow you to position the keyboard at the most comfortable height.
If you don’t have a keyboard tray, try adjusting your chair’s height to make your position more comfortable.}

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Method 8 of 11:

Take Breaks

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Take regular breaks. While practicing is key to improving your typing speed, make sure to take breaks as needed. If you push yourself too hard, you run the risk of wearing yourself out, or even worse, suffering an injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When you start to feel any discomfort in your hands or wrists, stop typing for a little while to give yourself time to rest.^{[14]

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To keep yourself from working too hard, set up a practice schedule by designating a certain amount of time each day to practice your typing. However, build breaks into your schedule to keep yourself fresh. For example, you might decide to type for 30 minutes each day, taking breaks every ten minutes or so.}

Method 9

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Find the Best Keyboard

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Find a keyboard that you’re comfortable with. Keyboards come in different shapes, including ergonomic models that might feel more comfortable while you’re typing. If you aren’t typing effectively with your current keyboard, you may want to test some ergonomic keyboards to find one that offers more comfort while you’re working.^{[15]

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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.

Keep the size of the keys in mind. The larger they are, the easier it will be to type. That means you may want to look for a keyboard where the keys that you use most often, such as the letters and numbers, are larger than other keys.^{[16]

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A keyboard with concave keys that fit the shape of your fingers is a good option if you’re looking to eliminate errors in your typing as you try to increase your speed.
It’s best to choose a keyboard with keys that have strong tactile feedback, which means they offer enough resistance to alert you that the stroke has registered. The resistance also keeps you from accidentally hitting keys as you’re typing, so you can type more quickly.}

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Try Different Layouts

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Learn about the different keyboard layouts. Keyboards come in a variety of sizes, each with a different amount of keys. There isn’t a standardization of keyboard sizes, meaning that one company’s “compact” layout may differ from another company’s “compact” form. They are often referred to by a percentage of keys, the number of keys, and a nickname. Here are a few of the most common layouts:^{[17]

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100% (104-key) Full Sized: Great for individuals that need a full set of keys. This includes a numbers key row and number pad, function keys, and arrow keys.
80% (87-key) Tenkeyless: A more compact layout with everything in 100% except for the Numpad. If you don’t use the Numpad often, this size lets you have more room for your mouse! (If you’re a right-side mouse user). You can always plug in a separate standalone Numpad if you end up needing one.
65% (68-key) Compact: This layout combines the number and function rows into one, similar to many laptop layouts. The action keys are often smaller and in a single column.}

Method 11

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Consider Mechanical Keyboards

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Look into mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards offer several types of key clicking. They vary in sound and feel. Finding one that fits your preference could help you type faster! The auditory and tactile feedback can be great for building an intuitive typing experience. Try before you buy if possible, since these keyboards tend to be expensive.

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Tips

If you decide to take advantage of chat sites, emails, and forums, make sure you don’t fall into the trap of writing in the shorthand lingo as this will defeat the purpose of you improving your typing skills. Speed is nothing without accuracy.

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