Touch Typing
Typing using all ten fingers without looking at the keyboard.
Definition
Touch typing is the ability to type using all ten fingers based on muscle memory, without needing to look at the keyboard. The typist's eyes remain on the screen at all times, and each finger has a designated set of keys it is responsible for.
Touch Typing vs Hunt-and-Peck
Hunt-and-peck is typing by visually locating each key and pressing it, typically with two fingers. Most self-taught typists use some variation of this. While experienced hunt-and-peckers can reach 40–60 WPM, touch typists with the same amount of practice will typically reach 70–120 WPM because they eliminate the visual search overhead.
The Home Row System
Touch typing is built around the home row: A S D F J K L ;. Fingers rest here between keystrokes. The small bumps on the F and J keys let you feel your position without looking. Every key on the keyboard is assigned to a specific finger, and fingers reach from the home row to type other keys.
Learning Timeline
- Week 1–2: Learning home row and basic finger placement (slow and awkward)
- Week 3–6: Speed begins to improve, mistakes decrease
- Month 2–3: Often back to your pre-touch-typing speed but with better form
- Month 3–6: Speed climbs past your old ceiling; 60–80 WPM is common