Does the keyboard I use affect my WPM?

Keyboard choice has a real but small effect on typing speed. The factors that matter most — in order — are:

1. Technique (touch typing, finger placement, home row discipline)
2. Practice (hours of deliberate repetition)
3. Keyboard layout (QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak)
4. Keyboard hardware (membrane vs mechanical, switch type)

Does a mechanical keyboard make you faster?

Some typists report small gains on mechanical keyboards due to the consistent actuation force and tactile feedback. The more significant benefit is ergonomic: mechanical switches require less bottoming-out force, which reduces finger fatigue over long sessions. Whether this translates to higher WPM depends on the individual.

Switch types

Linear switches (like Cherry MX Red) are smooth and quiet — popular for fast typing. Tactile switches (like Cherry MX Brown) have a bump at the actuation point — useful feedback for accuracy. Clicky switches (like Cherry MX Blue) are loud but provide clear auditory confirmation.

Layout: QWERTY vs alternatives

Switching to Dvorak or Colemak costs 2–4 months of productivity during the transition. Top typists exist on all layouts. For most people, improving QWERTY technique is a better investment than switching layouts. See Dvorak and Colemak explained.

The practical advice

Don't buy a new keyboard to improve your WPM. Fix your technique first. If you're already typing 80+ WPM and want to reduce fatigue during long sessions, a mechanical keyboard with tactile or linear switches is a reasonable investment.