Getting better at typing

[1048576]

I type while looking at the keyboard at about 30 wpm, which is really sad. I'm trying to get better without looking at it, but so far, practicing with a bunch of random passages hasn't helped. So far, I've spent about 9 hours just practicing touch typing to no avail. My touch typing speed is still about 18 wpm. I know where all of the keys are on the keyboard, but I just never seem to hit them. Also, my hands are kind of big, so I've gotten into the habit of hitting Y with my left hand. I also use Caps Lock.

Any ideas on how to get faster at typing would be appreciated. "Practice more" is not helping.

 

[GreenMarth]

typer shark perhaps..

http://www.popcap.com/games/free/typershark


well its a fun little game thats good for repetition not a super serious program and w/e

 

[Xsyven]

Just like anything else, "practice more" is seriously the only thing there is to do. I've been using computers since I was 11, and the past 9 years of practice have landed me a solid 90wpm.

From what I see from your post though, you're practicing use of proper grammar, punctuation, and everything else that matters. So just keep it up.

 

[Weed]

Talk lots on instant messengers, it's how I developed my typing skill, been messaging since grade 6. Also, try to cut down on using heavy slang (if you do).
The typer shark game posted above does also work, I've tried it

 

[1048576]

I talk really slow on AIM. People get annoyed at me for it. Also, whenever anyone starts flaming me, I can't keep up with them. I tend to stay away from instant messengers.

 

[pdk]

i'd try learning the position of the most commonly used letters in english first (ETAOIN SHRDLU in order, just do the vowels if that's a bit of a load to handle) by typing a few words/phrases "blind" then work your way up from there

 

[omfgomfg]

Ignore ALL the above posters.

Use Dvorak like I do.
It's much better than QWERTY.
It takes about 15-30 seconds to switch between layouts, as both are installed on your computer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard

 

[1048576]

I often have to type on other computers, so I can't use the DVORAK setting. I can't play typershark anymore because one of my friends typed an average of 93wpm on it, gloated, and now I'm entirely demotivated. I'm emo like that.

 

[Junpappy]

http://cognitivelabs.com/word_shoot.htm

 

[Bassoonist]

I've found that talking on the internet is a great way to increase your typing speed.

Seriously... Back in like 9th grade or so I was a slow typer, in fact I was way behind in my typing class and it was incredibly embarrassing. Then I found the internet, and now people envy my typing skills! (I'm not over exaggerating, I've had several people tell me they wish they could type as fast as me!)

 

[omfgomfg]

You can switch between QWERTY and Dvorak easily on any operating system, be it Linux, Macintosh, or Windows.

 

[pdk]

You can switch between QWERTY and Dvorak easily on any operating system, be it Linux, Macintosh, or Windows.

switching in the control panel is clearly not the point, it's learning to be competent in both then switching between them a lot that is

 

[Best101]

Don't think about the letters while typing, trust me it works. I type about 100 WPM without looking at the key board, and I tend to go even fast when I'm not thinking about it

 

[1048576]

Kikm matyb that touys ehen you can hit all the letters,
Translation: Lol, maybe that works when you can hit all the letters.
See.

Edit: I'm about 20 wpm now.

 

[Mr.Lombardi34]

I started IMing in 6th grade and trust me, thats how I got faster. If your freinds complain about you being too slow and don't want to talk, how do they expect you to get any better?

By a few months, you will naturaly just find the keys and you will be able to at least be able to talk pretty well on IM. And yes, practice is the only real way to get better.

 

[Deleted member]

When I'm working, I type at 120 wpm..you simply need to practice more and more.

Also, I transcribe (somewhat?) professionally, so don't use me as an example. Just practice - msn, typing games, whatever.

 

[1048576]

Holy ****, I got 25 wpm just now. I'm so happy... and pathetic.

 

[some guy named Mike]

just slowly type to get the locations of the keys. I use to look to find every key but now i have most of them. you will slowly learn the keys you use alot. I still look to type really fast but I'm trying to get the locations completly memorized so I don't have to look at all. trust me 20-30 isn't that bad and at least your not typing with just two fingers. and don't tell people "don't tell me i need to practice" that is truly the only way to learn it. just don't look and keep erasing the wrong letters you will learn the locations or become really good at erasing.

 

[Crimson King]

Typing of the Dead is coming to Gametap in a week or so. I expect to play that a lot. Look for me type fast, really fast.

 

[KevinM]

I already type rather fast thanks to typing class and such but i'd like to get better if not just for me to be able to say that i type fast LOL. Its really quite sad.