For typing speed tips, look nowhere else! You have reached the most comprehensive source for typing tips on the internet.
Roughly 150 years ago, the typewriter was invented and commercialized.
Back then, businessmen, writers, and people who worked in offices were the only ones that were able to utilize this powerful invention. It was deemed as an indispensable tool in the workplace, but a hundred and fifty years later, it has long been replaced by computers.
And to this day it remains the most universal form of quickly interacting with computers for productive work.
Even people who don’t work in an office or run a business benefit from having decent typing skill. It has been an essential skill to aid device mediated communication, and most millennials in 2019 have mastered it naturally through their constant use of social media.
How your Typing Skill Affects your Career and Business
Before its normalization, you could comfortably go through your day without seeing, not to mention touching, a single key. There was no need to self-train or enroll in a typing program just so you could work efficiently.
However, in the 21st century, it’s practically one of the most basic skills everyone should acquire, and it can have a huge if subtle impact on your working career no matter what field you are in. This is especially true for office and administrative jobs, and most of those positions even require speed typists.
People who type properly, quickly, and accurately have more of an edge in securing that corporate office job than those who use the hunt and peck method, or than those who type with only two fingers while struggling to find the next letter to press.
When it comes to business, entrepreneurs make use of software to properly execute their business plans and strategies. Most entrepreneurs work virtually online, and don’t even need big scale offices to do business as usual, so computer literacy is crucial.
Fortunately, most people in the workforce today grew up with the rise of technology, and naturally developed their touch typing skill through constant exposure.
Needless to say, it is never too late to develop or brush up this useful skill, as it only takes will, determination, and repetition to improve speed, accuracy, and muscle memory.
All Typing Speed Ideas Sort able List with Cost, Effectiveness, Difficulty.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of things you can do to take your typing skills to the next level.
There are many, many ways to learn and develop your typing skills, and it might be overwhelming as a beginner..
We here at Doakio understand that learning a skill isn’t black and white, and might be a different experience from one person to another. That is why this list of tips will also cover the cost, effectiveness, and difficulty of each practice, so you can filter through and find what fits best with your schedule and budget. Click on the column headers to sort the list in a way that makes sense for you.
Feel free to browse using our list, and start leveling up your skills today!
| Image | Idea | Cost (Lower is Better) | Effectiveness (Higher is Better) | Difficulty (Lower is Better) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Don't worry about speed. Be accurate! Speed will come with time. | 1.6 | 4 | 2.2 |
 | Reduce ambient noise with ear plugs or through relocation of your typing area. | 1.8 | 3.4 | 2.6 |
 | Regularly eat fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods that enhance your concentration and memory. | 3.2 | 4.2 | 2.6 |
 | Ensure your knees are at a 90 degree angle by sitting on a chair at the proper height. | 2.6 | 4 | 2.4 |
 | Ensure your elbows are at a 90 degree angle by having your desk at the proper height. | 2 | 4 | 2 |
 | Don't edit as you go - skip fixing mistakes including typos until later during the editing stage. | 1.8 | 4 | 2 |
 | Switch your keyboard to the DVORAK layout. | 2.6 | 3.6 | 3 |
 | Ensure your workspace is at a comfortable temperature, humidity, and ordered cleanliness. | 2.4 | 3.4 | 2.8 |
 | Get an ergonomic keyboard, or at least a comfortable separate keyboard (as opposed to a laptop keyboard for example). | 3.8 | 3.8 | 2.2 |
 | Feel the bumps on the keys intended for the index fingers - F and J on the QWERTY layout. | 1.2 | 4.2 | 1.4 |
 | Trim your fingernails if you have long fingernails that could get in the way. | 1.4 | 3.8 | 1.8 |
 | Use a free typing tutor program. | 1.2 | 3.8 | 2.4 |
 | Improve your hand-eye coordination through other non-typing related activities. | 2.2 | 3.2 | 2 |
 | Look for strategies that you actually enjoy so you can have fun while learning to type. | 1.6 | 3.8 | 2.6 |
 | Adjust the height of your monitor or any other material you are viewing so that it is at eye level, and not below eye level. | 2.2 | 3.4 | 2.2 |
 | Have a friend watch you type and ask them to watch for posture, position, eye movement, etc. | 2.4 | 3.4 | 2.6 |
 | Hide the keyboard or use a keyboard with no markings so you can learn to type by touch and not sight. | 1.4 | 4.2 | 1.8 |
 | Memorize the home row keys in particular. | 1.6 | 4.2 | 2.4 |
 | Improve your reading skills so that you can easily type sentences without looking frequently to the source material. | 1.6 | 4.4 | 3 |
 | Apply light pressure on the keys while typing. | 1.6 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
 | Learn the position of every key on the keyboard by touch. | 1.6 | 4 | 2 |
 | Ensure proper lighting in your workspace to avoid mental fatigue. | 2.6 | 3.4 | 2.4 |
 | Try listening to different types of music while you pratice typing. | 1.8 | 2.8 | 2.4 |
 | You should establish and maintain a rhythm while typing so the keystrokes come at somewhat equal intervals. | 1.6 | 3 | 2.6 |
 | Try other modern keyboard layoutst such as Workman or Colemark. | 3 | 2.6 | 3 |
 | Use a paid typing tutor program. | 3.2 | 3.4 | 2 |
 | Sit up straight with good posture. | 1.6 | 3.4 | 1.8 |
 | Improve your fingers control and strength by playing the piano. | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
 | Practice your skills using typing tests. Place a time time limit so you don't burn out. | 1.6 | 4 | 2.8 |
 | Remove all distractions, turn off phones, lock doors, put up a do-not-disturb sign, and focus on the task at hand. | 2.4 | 4.2 | 3.2 |
 | Make sure you are well rested and relaxed. | 1.2 | 4 | 1.2 |
 | Learn to use common keyboard shortcuts with correct finger positioning. | 2.2 | 3.4 | 3 |
 | Try slanting your keyboard slightly to see if it feels better. | 1.4 | 3 | 1.8 |
 | Turn typing into a social event with social media typing games like Typing Races on Facebook. | 3.2 | 4.2 | 2.8 |
 | Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated | 1.4 | 4.2 | 1.6 |
 | List some of your bad typing habits and work on eliminating them. | 1.6 | 3 | 2.2 |
 | Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, back and neck regularly throughout the day. | 2.2 | 3.8 | 2.2 |
 | Take regular breaks every 60 minutes for 5 minutes away from the computer. Look 20 meters away for a few minutes to relieve eye strain. | 2 | 3.6 | 2.8 |
 | Use All ten Fingers, don't jump around with just three or four fingers on each hand. | 1.2 | 4.2 | 3 |
 | Consider using a text expander but only after you have mastered the basics. | 2.4 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
 | Track your progress over weeks and months to stay encouraged or to be able to recognize when strategies are not working. | 2.6 | 3.6 | 2.6 |
 | Use a typing analytics program to see which mistakes you are making most often. | 2.8 | 3.6 | 1.6 |
 | Consider formal typing classes to have an expert monitor your position and technique and so forth. | 4 | 3.8 | 2.6 |
 | Enter any local or onlite typing contests you can find to help with motivation to become faster. | 2.8 | 4.2 | 3 |
 | Practice your skills using typing solo typing games. | 2 | 4.4 | 2.2 |
 | Practice typing while listening to someone dictate. Slow down the audio first, or find a very slow speaker. | 2.2 | 3.6 | 2.2 |
Typing Speed Tips – All the Best and Worst Ideas
Accuracy Over Speed
It’s always better to be accurate than to be fast when you’re a beginner. Speed can be improved at any point of your learning, but it is crucial to be accurate at your starting point. This isn’t a race, so take your time!
Ambient Noise
A noisy environment may make it harder for you to focus on your typing, so it is recommended that you look for a more peaceful area without any distractions.
Brain Food
The progress of all this training comes down to how well your brain functions more than anything else. Make sure to give your brain some lovin’ by eating healthy food and/or beverages that will boost function and memory, such as blueberries, broccoli, nuts, and…
Chair Height
Just like Desk Height, your Chair Height is also important. This will determine how your legs are positioned during typing. Again, you want your legs bent at a 90 degree angle, with your feet comfortably flat on the floor. If your feet are dangling, your chair is too high. If your knees are bent upwards, then your chair is too short. Adjust accordingly.
Desk Height
The secret to fast-tracking your typing progress is to have proper posture, and this includes having a proper desk that is the perfect height for you. You want your elbow to be at a 90 degree angle while you type, and this is easily achievable with a couple of adjustments.
Dont Edit
While you are at the beginning of your learning journey to typing mastery, avoid editing out mistakes as you go. Just keep typing, and leave the editing for later.
DVORAK Layout
The Dvorak Layout is a subset of the alternate keyboard layouts idea, but it deserves it’s own mention because Dvorak is the only alternate layout that has achieved widespread adoption across almost every modern operating system. This means that you don’t need to install special software or carry special hardware to use Dvorak on most systems throughout the world. Dvorak is optimized compared to the QWERTY standard, so you may find yourself typing a tiny bit faster, with less repetitive strain.
Environment
You can’t possibly focus on your typing training if you’re in a chaotic environment! Take time to tidy up a little bit and make your space as comfortable and as stressful free as possible.
Ergonomic Keyboard
If you wanna get fancy, try out an ergonomic keyboard like this one here. Ergonomic keyboards aren’t your typical flat-laid keyboard with straight rows. They are friendlier to your wrists, and more comfortable as many would claim.
Feel the Bumps
Most beginner typists often look back and forth from the keyboard to the monitor. While this is a common beginner practice, this is not something you want to do forever. There are bumps on the keyboard – the F and J keys on a QWERTY layout – that will help you mark spots with just a touch, and this will ensure that you never press the wrong key.
Fingernails
Sometimes, having long fingernails may hinder you from pressing the correct keys, and to an extent, may be damaging to your keyboard! Simply try trimming them for easier typing.
Free Programs
There are many free downloadable typing programs you can download from the internet. You can even find browser-based programs which don’t require any installation. A couple of these free programs are TypingClub.com, Typing.com, and KeyBr.com. Try them out – they’re free!
Hand-Eye Coordination
When learning how to type faster and more accurately, you don’t have to break your back typing 24/7. Do other activities that will subconsciously improve your typing skills, such as playing PC based games, playing the piano, or anything that involves some serious hand-eye coordination.
Have Fun
One size doesn’t fit all. If one learning method isn’t working for you and it just frustrates you, try another method that is more fun for you. Learning how to type doesn’t have to be all frustrated tears and hair-pulling. Just have fun!
Height of Monitor
Just like having the correct desk and chair height, monitor height is important too. Ideally, your monitor should be at eye-level. This ensures that you don’t strain your eyes by looking at the monitor at an awkward angle.
Helpful Friend
It’s true: we get by with a little help from our friends. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, or a close relative, to help you out with your typing training. They can watch your posture, and keep a lookout in case your springing back to your bad habits!
Hide Keyboard
Your end goal is to be able to type without looking away from your monitor or source material. This means… no looking at the keyboard! Hide your keyboard by placing a sheet of paper at the back of your palm, or use a keyboard without markings on it. Using the DVORAK layout also accomplishes this goal nicely.
Home Row
Take note where the home row is and remember to always place your fingers there as a starting point before typing anything. Making this a habit will help you easily remember where the rest of the keys are.
Improve Reading
Basically, if you read slow, you’ll type slow. So try improving your reading skills and see how fast you can type! Look for other resources out there that improve your reading comprehension and speed.
Key Pressure
When you’re typing, you don’t have to smash the keys when pressing them. For one, this distracts you from locating the next letter to press, and second, this may damage your keyboard. Use light pressure when pressing keys, and if you have to press harder, it means you need a new keyboard!
Learn Key Positions
When you have memorized the home row, it will be easier to memorize the rest of the key positions. For instance, in QWERTY keyboards, the letters Q, W, S, Z, and X are near the letter A. Visualize that, so that when you need to press either Q, W, S, Z, or X, you’d know they’re near A!.
Lighting
Unless you have a backlit keyboard while typing in the dark (which is honestly also not advisable), you ought to have a decent lighting. This isn’t only for the purpose of seeing the keys on your keyboard in case you get lost, it’s also so that you don’t get fatigued from the light of the monitor.
Listen To Music
Sometimes, practicing typing may get you frustrated. Put your favorite music on to relieve you from the stress, and let the sounds take over you. Remember to not stress too much when practicing!
Maintain Rhythm
Typing is like playing the piano – you have to maintain rhythm. Observe an equal amount of interval when moving from one key to another.
Other Layouts
Contrary to popular belief, there are other keyboard layouts aside from the QWERTY layout that you have grown used to. Give others a try and see which one you get along with. In particular Colemak and Workman are two modern layout variants with good optimization.
Paid Programs
While there are many free programs to learn typing from, there are also paid programs that are way more valuable. Check out your local area if there are typing tutors near you, or do a quick google and look for online courses. Udemy.com is a good start.
Posture
Maintaining good posture ensures that your physical health isn’t endangered with long hours of sitting in front of the computer and typing. Bad posture makes you feel tired faster, so you need that little boost by just sitting properly with a straight back.
Practice Piano
The piano is the closest thing to a keyboard. It’s got keys that you need pressing with your ten fingers as well. If you’re very good with piano, it’s highly likely that learning how to type will be a breeze!
Practice Tests
Do a quick google search and find typing tests. You will find browser-based practice tests that will be able to tell you your progress and your WPM, or Words Per Minute. Also include some examples here.
Remove Distractions
If you are trying to learn how to type in a cramped up, noisy, and crowded area, it is nearly impossible to retain whatever you have learned. Keep away from distractions, and make your area feel like a classroom: distraction-free.
Rest and Relax
Like any other tasks, typing involves a lot of brain and hand coordination. Thus, being fully rested and well-relaxed is going to help you function better and type faster and more accurately.
Shortcuts
Shortcuts, or hotkeys, are combinations of keys that you press to perform an action that will otherwise require you to use your mouse. If you have mastered the essential shortcuts, such as Ctrl+C for copying and Ctrl+V for pasting, you won’t need to reach for the mouse, letting you keep your momentum!
Slanted Keyboard
The default position of a keyboard is laid flat. However, if you’re not comfortable hitting the keys on a flat surface, you can adjust your keyboard into a slanted position and see if it’s more comfortable for you.
Social Typing
We will say this again and again: type, learn, and have fun. Take the “fun” to the next level by social typing. Simply log on to Facebook, and browse the typing games available. Now, you can learn, improve, and socialize all at the same time.
Stay Hydrated
The human body is made of 70% water. It’s only right to stay hydrated no matter what you’re doing! This is to maintain brain function and faster response time, so you can progress more each day with your typing training.
Stop Bad Habits
Just like with all things in life, bad habits are BAD, and you want to get rid of them from the get-go. Identify your bad typing habits, such as only using two fingers to type, or slouching, and try to avoid doing them.
Stretching
Your fingers may get tired with typing, especially if you have been practicing too hard. The easy solution is to just get up from your chair and do a quick stretching. Keep the blood flowing and don’t be stagnant!
Take Breaks
Progress doesn’t necessarily mean typing non-stop. Rest is essential too. For every 60 minutes of typing, rest your hands and eyes for 5 minutes by doing other things and looking away from the monitor. Or you can also try the Pomodoro Technique!
Ten Fingers
It’s important that you know which keys to press using all of your ten fingers. It’s like giving each finger an important job, and ten is always better than one. So put them all to work!
Text Expander
Text expanders are a great way to rapidly reproduce repetitive text blocks that you may find yourself typing again and again. It’s a bit outside the realm of typing, but it’s still good to know about the technology especially for those two type prolifically. With some expander programs, you can even create your own custom snippets
Tracking Progress
Keep track of your progress using whatever method you prefer: pencil and paper or digital. Take note of your WPM on a daily or weekly basis, and see how you can improve more by understanding your manner of learning.
Typing Analytics
There are programs online that will help you identify which mistakes you are making often, and this will enable you to adjust your learning strategy accordingly. Similarly, you can also track your progress and how often you make mistakes using websites such as TypingTest.com. After a diagnostic test, it tells you your WPM, and how many mistakes you make per minute.
Typing Classes
If you want a more hands-on and individualized learning, you’ll probably benefit more from taking formal typing classes. These are usually offered locally and by computer institutions.
Typing Contests
Experience is the best teacher. Believe it or not, joining contests will fast-track your progress and may trick your brain into thinking that you are better than you actually are! Who knows, you might be the next typing master.
Typing Games
Make learning fun and try typing games. A study shows that learning while having fun decreases the amount of time needed to completely learn something. This is why children in preschool are always all fun and games, so they can learn faster. This also applies to adults learning how to type!
Typing to Dictation
Typing while looking at another visual source may be stressful for beginners with all the back and forth referencing involved. Listening to a dictation may be easier for some, since your eyes will be free from all the back and forth movements, and you can keep them looking straight to the monitor.
What do you think is stopping you from learning how to type quickly and accurately? Let us know in the comments below!
