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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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] X Research source 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.
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.
