Peck or Touch?

Published by Jarred on March 16, 2008 in Computing and Random. View Comments

So, for all the efforts made by my teachers in elementary and middle school, I am a hunt-and-peck typer. But I’m really, really good at it. I usually don’t have to look at the keyboard, and I type something like 100 words per minute (I was tested last summer as part of a job application, but I can’t remember the exact figure). Indeed, I wouldn’t really call what I do “hunt-and-peck” anymore, because there’s no hunting involved. I have developed my own bizarre little system that allows me to, albeit unconventionally, keep up with the rest of you touch-ers.

Recently (as in the last three minutes), I’ve been analyzing how I use my fingers when I type. I use my index fingers almost exclusively for the letters, saving my other digits for Shift, Enter, Tab, Backspace, etc. But my right index even takes care of most of the Space Bar action.

I’m a little worried that my index fingers will suffer down the road from some sort of carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis because of how much I use them in my typing. I am getting the feeling that I need to start spreading the love with my other fingers and thumbs in order to ensure a long, painless future in typing. Plus, I routinely crack my knuckles; that doesn’t exactly help either, huh?

How many of you hunt-and-peck? Are there any recent converts to touch typing from years of hunt-and-peck frenzy? Was it hard? Is it really better? I’m afraid that it’ll be overly difficult to change, given this built-in muscle memory that I have now. It’s not something I think about, you know? Could I learn to type differently without a devastating productivity loss? Or am I doomed to hunt-and-peck for eternity? Not that I have anything against it… I actually kind of like my style. It’s original! It’s me! But in 50 years I also don’t want successfully holding a cup of coffee without spilling it, or putting a key in a lock on the first try, to become monumental victories in a sad struggle with digital (heh) arthritis.

Thoughts?

Image used under a Creative Commons license courtesy of Flickr user cc511.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:

- "Questioning Things: Vol. III", posted by Jarred on April 10, 2008

- "Bloggers: Responsible To Their Readers First, or To Themselves?", posted by Jarred on April 28, 2008

- "Stepping Back from the Mac", posted by Jarred on June 30, 2008

- "The Future of Writing", posted by Jarred on December 10, 2008

- "Addicted to Information, or Wired For It?", posted by Jarred on March 18, 2008

  • For sheer fun--I just took the typing test and got 92 WPM. Of course, that's only with a 93% accuracy. I instinctively backspace when I make mistakes, which definitely slows me down and dorks up my accuracy.
  • Huh... using Austin's link, I only clocked 76 WPM. I only did the 1 minute test, maybe I would average faster over a longer period? Or maybe I was completely off-base with my 100 WPM remark... it's been a while since that job-related test. Oh well.
  • Heh. I have trouble enough getting an LCD monitor to replace the giant light box sitting on my desk, when they have like 30 shiny flatscreens sitting down in IT! I'm actually more worried about my eyes than my fingers, at this point, especially after two weeks of ceaseless staring at a database.

    But once I get my touch-typing groove on, an ergo keyboard will be my next request. Thanks for the tip!
  • I'm always so surprised at how many people type with only a couple fingers. My freshman roommate was the same way, and she was really good at it, too.

    I'm a touch-typist, and have been since before I was forced to take typing in middle school. I already know I'm heading for trouble down the line with carpal tunnel and all that jazz--I already have problems and have a brace.

    What might force you to make the change to "correct" typing might be getting an ergonomic keyboard--it'll force you to learn, while also helping out with the geek factor of eventual hand paralysis via internet addiction. ;) I have one at work and it's helped ever so much.
  • Hmmmm...guilty as charged. I took typing in elementary school (and maybe even middle school?), but never long enough for it to stick. Now I feel embarrassed by my hunt-and-peck style but I feel like it's so ingrained and, frankly, effective, that I can't make the sensible switch. BUT, if I force myself to close my eyes I can still type (I'm doing it right now) without looking. I sacrifice a little accuracy, and I still only use 2-4 fingers...but I'm pretty accustomed to the location of the keys all the same. I wonder if this is any healthier (in terms of carpal tunnel, wrist issues, etc) than "correct" typing form?
  • I took a keyboarding class back in seventh grade, so I'm a touch typist. I also know how to center text in a typewriter and do some other classic secretarial tasks, which are all unbelievably useful skills.

    Cognitive Daily (run by Davidson's Mungers) ran an informal poll on typing quirks that includes a typing speed tester. They found some interesting results. People who only use one thumb to space type faster, as do people who backspace with their ring finger.

    Typing quirks results

    They suggested a test from typingtest.com

    I tested to around 75 WPM, and I type everything (numbers & special characters too by touch. I know when I'm beat.
  • Katherine
    You hunt and peckers drive me crazy! I think it is funny that both you and taylor are such computer people but can only manage to use your index fingers to type! Didn't you have to take typing? I'm pretty sure they started us on it in 3rd grade with those old green and black computer screens. And although you claim to type 100 words a minute, I still say that you look much more professional using proper typing technique (Ms. Nichols my typing teacher would be proud!). And why is it that it is always MEN who seem to use improper technique?? :)
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