Touch Typing

What is touch typing?

Typewriting in which the fingers are trained to hit particular keys. Typist can read and type at the same time. (S)He need not look at the keyboard. A touch typist knows the location of the keys through muscle memory.

Why should you touch type?

• It is ergonomically better. Fingers are not strained while typing
  
• You can concentrate more on your work than on the keys while touch typing
• Maximum use is made of your 10 fingers. Hence typing is very fast
  

How to touch type?

Touch typing involves placing eight fingers in a horizontal row along the middle of the keyboard(the home row) and having to reach out for other keys. Most computer keyboards have a raised dot or bar so that the typist can feel them when his fingers are on the home row.

It is recommended that you download a software such as SeSType or Typing Master and follow the instructions given there. SeSType is a freeware and focuses on accuracy whereas Typing Master focuses more on rhythm. It usually takes 1 to 3 months to learn touch typing depending on the effort put in & the grasping capability of the individual.

Typewriter vs Computer Keyboard

You could also join some typing classes in your neighbourhood where they might teach you on a typewriter. Typewriter has the advantage of having the different rows of keys at different heights. So it is easier to feel and type on a typewriter for the beginner. One might graduate to the computer keyboard after some time and then finally to the laptop. Laptop keyboard offers the best speed because of the proximity of the keys. However, it is upto the individual to decide what sort of keyboard to choose depending on his/her comfort level.

Accuracy vs Rhythm & Speed

Again it is upto the individual whether (s)he wishes to go in for accuracy or rhythm & speed. Both have their advantages & disadvantages. One point to be kept in mind though is that the more inaccurate you are the more backspaces you have to press and as a result your speed goes down. Again, accuracy comes when your rhythm is good. So both the aspects are more or less inter-related. A balance is what is required