Touch typing lesson 17: Lessons 13 - 16

Keys and finger movements

Keyboard layout: English US.

Combine the keys from the earlier lessons in a steady rhythm. If the same transition keeps causing errors, revisit the lesson that introduced it before increasing your speed.

• f: F
• v: V
• j: J
• m: M
• b: B
• n: N
• d: D
• c: C
• k: K
• ,: ,
• s: S
• x: X
• l: L
• .: .
• a: A
• z: Z

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have a devoted community of enthusiasts. One of their standout features is the variety of switches available, which differ in feel and sound. Common switch types are linear, tactile and clicky; colours such as blue, red and brown identify particular models rather than universal categories.

In the CHERRY MX range, for example, blue switches offer a tactile bump and an audible click that recalls a typewriter. Red switches provide a smooth, linear keystroke without a tactile bump or a click mechanism. Brown switches have a subtle tactile bump but no click mechanism.

Red and brown switches can still make noise when the keys are pressed and released. These are just a few examples; the choice for typing or gaming depends on your preferences. Many full-height mechanical keyboards have substantial key travel and a tall housing that raises your hands when typing.

Adjust the keyboard's position so that your wrists stay straight. A wrist rest can support the heels of your hands during pauses; while typing, keep your hands free to move above it. Low-profile mechanical keyboards offer a lower height while retaining mechanical switches. They let you choose a lower keyboard without giving up the switch feel you enjoy, though the feel and key travel vary by model.

On your current keyboard, try releasing a key as soon as it registers. There is no need to strike every key hard.