Touch typing lesson 4: d→e, k→i

Left-hand typing rules for lesson 4

The character "e" can be typed by pressing the key "E" while holding the keys Alt and Shift. We press the keyboard key "E" by moving the finger from the key "D" to "E".

After typing the letters, the left-hand fingers should naturally return to their base position in the keyboard home row (where the CapsLock key is located).

Right-hand typing for lesson 4

The character "i" can be typed by pressing the key "I" while holding the keys Alt and Shift. We press the keyboard key "I" by moving the finger from the key "K" to "I".

After typing the letters, the right-hand fingers should naturally return to their base position on the keyboard.

Keyboard layouts

Keyboard layouts affect how you type, and while several different layouts are available, mastering one is often sufficient. Layouts such as QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY differ in the placement of letters as well as symbols like |, >, or \. Whether you use a keyboard with a tall Enter key spanning two rows (the home row and the one above) or a typical US keyboard with a horizontal Enter key about two ordinary keys wide, choose a layout that suits you. Switching between layouts, e.g., having a different one at home and work or a different one on a laptop and desktop, may lead you to make typos and slow down your typing. Check which language-specific layouts are available when ordering a computer; Apple keyboards, for example, come in different language versions. What matters is using the correct fingers to press the corresponding keys, no matter your keyboard layout. While learning, it is better to look at the keyboard and press each key with the designated finger than to type without looking and repeatedly press the wrong keys. The aim is to learn to type efficiently and accurately without looking, using the layout you have chosen.