Boost Your Typing Speed With 5 Methods
The average typing speed test is 40 words per minute. However, if the right tools and methods improve typing speed, this number can be doubled, and more time can be given for creativity.
That's why we've chosen five ways to significantly improve typing speed and overall productivity, plus some bonus tips for achieving better WPM speeds.
Use predictive typing
The predictive typing solutions for PC keyboards are different from the mobile phones we currently have. The predictive typing solutions offer a confidence-based suggestion rather than choosing from other word options after each tap on the screen.
Instead of being bothered by the many requests that show up after each keystroke, you're able to focus on your content.
Using a state-of-the-art AI-powered inline prediction interface can significantly improve typing speed when using a computer keyboard.
According to a review by TheWindowsClub, once you get used to the new predictive typing experience, typing speed can increase to 30 to 40 words per minute.
There are many predictive typing solutions, most notably Google and Lightkey. Let's take a look at each of their features below.
Google's Smart Compose is a predictive typing feature for Gmail. Once activated, word predictions will appear as you type.
Google's prediction engine combines popular phrases with your typing patterns for wider public use. To accept the prediction, you have to press the RIGHT ARROW KEY.
If you don't see the estimate, ensure the "Create notification" option is enabled in the Gmail settings menu. Currently, Smart Design is supported in 5 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian.
Lightkey is a predictive typing solution for PC (Windows) that helps you create emails, documents, presentations and more.
It provides relevant insights when creating content, from casual to professional. Lightkey's prediction engine is based entirely on your typing style, and it can predict up to 12 words with punctuation in more than 80 languages.
Take a Free Online Touch-Typing Course
Touch-typing can keep your visual focus on the screen, and otherwise, moving your visual guide between Keyboard and screen slows things down and makes the whole typing process more inefficient.
Learning touch-typing can significantly increase your typing speed and overall productivity if this is the case with you.
Touch-typing courses teach basic skills such as hand placement on the home line. The home row keys on the QWERTY keyboard are ASDF (for your left hand) and JKL (for your right hand).
Using all your fingers to type is one of the most basic and efficient ways to speed up typing. If you're not used to this typing style, it might feel awkward at first. But with practice, you will find that you can type comfortably while staring at the screen.
There are many ways to speed up typing and improve your typing skills. However, the most accessible method is to take a free online course.
TypingClub offers one of the best free online typing programs in multiple languages. His progressive path focuses on small achievable actions. Once done, your eyes can be focused entirely on the screen as you type.
Play touch-typing games online
Playing touch-typing games is a great way to have fun improving your typing skills. There are many online games out there, and most of them offer increasing levels of difficulty. How to speed up your typing? Turn exercise into healthy competition.
Ratatype offers informal groups where you can compete with friends, classmates, co-workers and anyone else! You can see who has completed more lessons and higher typing speed.
Moving to Keyboard will help bring the team together in a fun and exciting way and improve its members' typing speed.
If you want to explore more online games, enter "typing games" in your browser's search bar and see where they take you. Have fun.
Switch to split Keyboard
One important aspect that I haven't touched on yet is wrist health. Repeated stress from excessive use of a computer keyboard can lead to injury, reducing productivity.
One positive move is to replace your standard Keyboard with an ergonomic split keyboard.
There are two significant benefits to using a split keyboard. First, a physical splint will keep your arms well-aligned with your shoulders, reducing stress on the wrists and reducing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Secondly, which hand should reach each key, especially the center key column, will create clarity.
Use dictation
We usually speak at an average rate of 120 words per minute, and this is three times faster than the average typing speed of 40 words per minute.
This basic math tells us that dictation can be a beneficial alternative to typing to improve typing speed. However, keep in mind that dictation has its inherent limitations.
Here are some guidelines to help you decide whether to choose dictation instead of typing:
You have a clear idea of the content you want to create. Using dictation can be challenging if you make further edits during the process.
"Take it out, move two words back, add an apostrophe, move one word forward, change it. It doesn't sound funny, and it's slower than using your Keyboard. However, if your thoughts are clear and ready to go, then a simple one.
Dictation sessions can speed up typing and work like magic. There is a difference between dictation and creation.
Stay in the right environment with low background noise. Otherwise, extra noise may get in your way and interfere with both your ability to focus and the machine's ability to understand what you are saying.
Note that speech-to-text engines now do an excellent job of keeping your voice out of the background, so give it a try and see if you are comfortable with the dictation environment.
Live in a public domain? You also need to think about privacy issues before you start talking.
Your thoughts are convenient enough to think and speak in the target language, especially if it is not your mother tongue.
You have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people. Remember this and be patient if you want to get into the habit of dictation.