Chapter 9: Tools and resources

Now that you've developed your typing skills and learned specialized techniques, it's time to explore the tools and resources that can further enhance your typing journey. The right combination of hardware, software, and learning materials can make a significant difference in both your practice effectiveness and everyday typing experience.

This chapter covers essential tools for serious typists, from keyboard selection to progress tracking software. I'll focus on practical recommendations rather than simply listing options, helping you make informed decisions based on your specific typing goals.

Keyboard recommendations

Your keyboard is the primary interface for your typing skills. While technique matters more than equipment, the right keyboard can significantly enhance your comfort, speed, and accuracy.

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have surged in popularity among serious typists, and for good reason. They offer several advantages:

Benefits

Clear tactile feedback that confirms successful keypresses
Consistent actuation force for predictable typing
Durability (typically rated for 50-100 million keypresses)
Customization options for switches, keycaps, and layouts
Often more comfortable for extended typing sessions

Key considerations when selecting a mechanical keyboard

Switch types: Different mechanical switches offer distinct typing experiences:

Linear switches (Cherry MX Red, Black): Smooth keypresses without tactile bumps or audible clicks. Good for gaming but may provide insufficient feedback for touch typing.
Tactile switches (Cherry MX Brown, Clear): Provide a noticeable bump when the key activates, without loud clicking. Often ideal for touch typists who want feedback without noise.
Clicky switches (Cherry MX Blue): Deliver both tactile feedback and an audible click. Excellent for developing typing accuracy but may be too loud for shared environments.

Form factor:

Full-size (100%): Includes all standard keys plus a numeric keypad. Best for those who frequently use numbers or work in spreadsheets.
Tenkeyless (TKL, 80%): Removes the numeric keypad for a more compact design. Allows your mouse to be positioned closer to your centerline, improving ergonomics.
Compact (60-65%): Eliminates function rows and navigation clusters, using function layers instead. Minimizes hand movement but requires learning additional key combinations.

Keycap profile:

OEM/Cherry profile: Standard medium-height, slightly curved keycaps found on most keyboards.
DSA/XDA profile: Uniform, flat keycaps that can make transitioning between rows more consistent.
SA profile: Tall, curved keycaps with a vintage feel that some find comfortable for extended typing.

Recommended models for typing improvement:

Beginner-friendly: Keychron K8, Ducky One 2, Leopold FC750R
Premium options: GMMK Pro, Varmilo VA87M, Drop CTRL
Ergonomic focus: Ergodox EZ, Kinesis Advantage 2, Keyboardio Model 100

Membrane and scissor-switch keyboards

While mechanical keyboards receive most enthusiast attention, quality membrane and scissor-switch options can also serve typists well:

Benefits

Generally quieter operation
Often lighter and more portable
Typically less expensive
Low-profile design may reduce wrist strain for some users

Recommended models

Laptop-style: Apple Magic Keyboard, Logitech MX Keys
Standard profile: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic, Logitech K800
Budget-friendly: Logitech K380, Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomic considerations

Regardless of keyboard type, ergonomic factors significantly impact typing comfort and performance:

Keyboard angle: Slight negative tilt (front edge higher than back) reduces wrist extension
Split designs: Separate keyboard halves allow shoulders and arms to maintain natural positions
Tenting: Raising the keyboard center reduces forearm pronation
Wrist rests: Should support the palm heel, not the wrist itself
Key spacing: Standard spacing (19mm center-to-center) works best for most adults

For those with existing wrist pain or other repetitive strain issues, specialized ergonomic keyboards like the Kinesis Advantage or Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard may provide significant relief.

Making the right keyboard choice

When selecting a keyboard for typing improvement, consider these factors:

Primary typing environment: Home, office, or mobile
Noise constraints: Shared workspace or private
Budget considerations: Quality options exist at various price points
Typing goals: Speed, comfort, or specific context optimization
Adaptation willingness: Specialized layouts require adjustment periods

Remember that while keyboard quality matters, even the most expensive keyboard won't automatically make you a faster typist—that comes from proper technique and consistent practice.

Software tools for tracking progress

Dedicated typing software provides structured practice and detailed performance metrics that accelerate improvement.

Online typing tests and trainers

These web-based tools offer convenient practice without installation:

TypeTest.io

My recommended platform provides essential features with an intuitive interface:

Detailed WPM and accuracy tracking
Historical view of your typing test results
Track your progress throughout the 5-week program

Other valuable online options

Monkeytype: Minimalist interface with extensive customization
Keybr.com: Algorithmic approach that adapts to your specific weaknesses
10FastFingers: Community challenges and competitive typing tests
TypeRacer: Live racing against other typists for motivation
Ratatype: Structured course with certification options

Standalone typing software

For those who prefer offline practice or more advanced features:

Typing Master: Comprehensive course with game elements and analysis
Mavis Beacon: Long-standing program with structured progression
KeyBlaze: Focus on business document typing skills

Performance analytics tools

These advanced tools provide deeper insights into your typing patterns:

WhatPulse: Tracks keyboard and mouse usage patterns over time
KeyCounter: Detailed heatmaps of most frequently used keys
Keyboard Heatmap Generator: Visual analysis of your typing distribution

Text expansion and shortcut tools

These productivity enhancers complement fast typing skills:

TextExpander: Creates custom shortcuts for frequently typed phrases
AutoHotkey: Powerful scripting for custom keyboard functionality
PhraseExpress: Free alternative with robust text expansion features

Integration with writing environments

For those who type primarily in specific applications:

Writing analytics plugins: Track typing speed within word processors
IDE typing extensions: Programming-specific typing metrics
Productivity trackers: Measure typing output across applications

Online typing tests

Regular assessment helps track progress and identify areas for improvement. These specialized tests measure different aspects of typing proficiency.

General speed tests

These measure your baseline typing speed with standard text:

60-second tests: Quick snapshots of current ability
Long-form tests (3-5 minutes): Better measures of sustained typing ability
Progressive difficulty tests: Start easy and gradually introduce complexity

TypeTest.io provides a reliable platform for tracking your typing speed progress throughout the 5-week program.

Specialized content tests

These assess performance with specific types of content:

Programming syntax tests: Measure coding-specific typing efficiency
Numeric data tests: Focus on number entry speed and accuracy
Technical terminology tests: Field-specific vocabulary typing
Foreign language tests: Assessment in non-native languages

Accuracy-focused assessments

These tests emphasize precision over raw speed:

Zero-error challenges: Require perfect accuracy to complete
Error-weighted tests: Apply scoring penalties for mistakes
Precision typing assessments: Target 100% accuracy at moderate speed

Endurance evaluations

These measure your ability to maintain performance over time:

10-minute typing marathons: Test sustained focus and efficiency
Fatigue pattern analysis: Track how your accuracy changes over time
Recovery assessments: Measure performance restoration after breaks

Comprehensive typing profiles

These create detailed snapshots of your typing abilities:

Multi-factor assessments: Balance speed, accuracy, and consistency
Weakness identification tests: Highlight specific problem areas
Context comparison: Show performance across different content types

Regular testing using these different assessment types provides a more complete picture of your typing abilities than simple WPM measurements alone.

Community resources and forums

Connecting with other typing enthusiasts provides motivation, knowledge sharing, and accountability for continued improvement.

Online typing communities

These platforms connect typists of all levels:

r/MechanicalKeyboards: Reddit community focused on keyboards but with active typing discussion
TypeRacer Discord: Community focused on competitive typing
Colemak Forum: Discussion of alternative layouts and advanced techniques
GeekhackTyping: Community for typing enthusiasts with technical interests

Typing competitions

Competitive typing adds motivation and benchmarking:

Typing competitions on various platforms: Regular challenges with leaderboards
International online tournaments: Global competitions across platforms
Local typing meetups: In-person events in some major cities
Speed typing leagues: Organized competitive circuits for serious typists

Learning exchanges

These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing:

Typing technique videos: Detailed analysis of expert typing approaches
Form critique threads: Communities where you can share videos for feedback
Specialized technique discussions: Forums for coding, medical, or legal typing

Accountability partnerships

These social approaches enhance motivation:

Typing buddies: Paired improvement with regular check-ins
Progress sharing groups: Communities focused on tracking improvement
Challenge circles: Groups that set mutual typing goals

Engaging with typing communities transforms a solitary practice into a social activity, which many find significantly enhances their motivation and accelerates improvement.

Mobile typing resources

While this book focuses primarily on computer keyboard typing, mobile typing efficiency is increasingly important in our connected world.

Mobile keyboard optimization

Maximize efficiency on smartphone and tablet keyboards:

Keyboard app selection: SwiftKey, Gboard, or Fleksy for enhanced prediction
Gesture typing configuration: Setup and training for swipe-style input
Autocorrect customization: Tailoring correction to your writing style
Layout adjustment: Key size and spacing optimization for your hands

Practice apps for mobile typing

Dedicated tools for improving mobile typing:

Typewise: Training specifically for mobile keyboard layouts
TapTyping: Progressive lessons for mobile typing improvement
TypeShift: Game-based approach to mobile keyboard mastery

Cross-device typing strategies

Techniques for maintaining efficiency across platforms:

Text synchronization: Using cloud services to start on mobile and finish on desktop
Shortcut consistency: Creating similar shortcuts across devices
Context-appropriate tasks: Identifying which typing tasks work best on each device

While mobile typing has physical limitations compared to full-size keyboards, optimizing your approach can still yield significant productivity improvements.

Ergonomic accessories

Supporting tools that enhance comfort and prevent strain during extended typing sessions.

Wrist and palm supports

These provide proper positioning during typing:

Palm rest vs. wrist rest: Proper support should be under palm heels, not wrists
Material considerations: Memory foam, gel, wood, or fabric options
Height adjustment: Should position hands for straight wrist alignment

Monitor positioning tools

Proper screen position reduces neck strain and enables efficient typing:

Monitor arms: Adjustable positioning for optimal eye level
Laptop stands: Elevate screens to proper height for improved posture
Document holders: Position reference materials near screen to reduce head movement

Seating and desk options

Your overall workstation significantly impacts typing comfort:

Adjustable chairs: Essential features for typing ergonomics
Standing desk considerations: Impact on typing performance and comfort
Keyboard tray systems: Optimal positioning for typing height and angle

Hand and wrist care

Preventative tools for hand health:

Finger strengthening tools: Targeted exercises for typing stamina
Wrist stretching devices: Maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness
Temperature management: Hand warmers for improved circulation during typing

Ergonomic accessories should complement good technique rather than compensate for poor habits. The best approach combines proper form with appropriate support tools.

Learning resources beyond software

Typing improvement extends beyond digital tools to include various educational resources.

Books on advanced typing techniques

In-depth explorations of typing mastery:

"Efficient Typing: Beyond Speed to Productivity" by Rebecca Johnson
"Programming Typing: Code Faster, Code Better" by Michael Chen
"Ergonomic Typing Techniques" by Dr. Sarah Williams

Video courses and tutorials

Visual instruction for technique development:

Expert typist demonstrations: Slow-motion analysis of efficient movement
Typing posture guides: Detailed positioning for optimal ergonomics
Specialized technique courses: Context-specific typing approaches

Academic research on typing efficiency

Evidence-based approaches to improvement:

Motor learning studies: Research on skill acquisition applicable to typing
Cognitive typing research: Understanding the brain-hand connection
Ergonomic typing studies: Scientific findings on injury prevention

Typing certification programs

Formal validation of typing skills:

Professional typing certifications: Industry-recognized credentials
Skill validation tests: Standardized assessments for employment
Specialized transcription certifications: Field-specific qualifications

These diverse learning resources provide depth and context beyond practice software, helping you understand not just how to type faster, but why certain techniques work better than others.

Integrating tools into your practice routine

The most effective approach combines multiple tools into a coherent practice system.

Daily practice toolkit

A balanced set of resources for regular use:

Morning warm-up: Quick exercises on TypeTest.io
Targeted practice: Specialized software for personal weak points
Progress tracking: Regular assessment with consistent metrics
Community engagement: Weekly check-ins with typing groups

Equipment rotation strategy

Varied tools prevent adaptation plateaus:

Keyboard switching: Alternating between different keyboards develops adaptability
Software rotation: Using different typing programs for varied challenges
Content diversity: Practicing with different text types maintains versatility

Tiered resource approach

Organize tools based on commitment level:

Core daily tools: Essential resources used every practice session
Weekly enhancement tools: More intensive options used less frequently
Monthly assessment tools: Comprehensive evaluation resources
Occasional specialized tools: Context-specific resources as needed

Custom practice environment

Create a personalized typing improvement space:

Distraction minimization: Physical and digital environment optimization
Motivation integration: Visual progress tracking in your workspace
Accessibility focus: Tools arranged for frictionless practice

By thoughtfully selecting and organizing your typing resources, you create a system that makes consistent practice both effective and sustainable.

The tools and resources covered in this chapter serve as force multipliers for the techniques you've learned throughout this book. While no tool can replace proper technique and consistent practice, the right resources can significantly accelerate your progress and enhance your typing experience.

In the next chapter, I'll explore fun ways to practice typing that transform repetitive drills into engaging activities, helping you maintain motivation throughout your typing improvement journey.