Comments on: Peck or Touch?

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:21:37 +0000

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.

By: Jarred

Jarred — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:50:42 +0000

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.

By: Jarred

Jarred — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:36:00 +0000

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!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:54:06 +0000

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.

By: Taylor

Taylor — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:57:51 +0000

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?

By: Austin

Austin — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:10:13 +0000

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.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:23:15 +0000

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?? :)