I’ve always been fascinated by typing speed. When I learned that Andrew can type at 150 words per minute and Marquez at 121, I wondered: could average typists type faster to reach these impressive speeds? After conducting several experiments and training sessions, The Studio is convinced the answer is yes.
Over the past week, The Studio team tested various methods to improve typing speed—some based on science, others on intuition. The results were surprising, with some participants nearly doubling their typing speed in just one work week.
The Science Behind Faster Typing
The first experiment involved a “weighted keyboard” concept inspired by baseball training. They modified a keyboard to require three times the normal actuation force, thinking that switching back to a regular keyboard would feel effortlessly fast afterward.
The results were mixed. While Adam’s speed actually decreased during the weighted test (64 WPM), when he switched back to the standard keyboard, his speed jumped to 75 WPM—a 10 WPM improvement! The technique seemed to help him focus on accuracy and individual keystrokes, creating stronger muscle memory.
For the second test, they created a visually distracting typing environment to force participants to focus on what they needed to type rather than how they were typing. This approach yielded inconsistent results, working better for some than others.
Practical Methods You Can Try Today
Based on the experiments, here are the most effective ways to type faster:
- Use keybr.com for personalized typing practice that identifies and targets your weak spots
- Try Monkey Type’s “read ahead” mode, which hides the next word as you type, forcing you to develop muscle memory
- Create custom typing tests with words you use frequently
- Practice typing to music with a steady beat to develop rhythm and flow
The music test was exciting. When typing to music at 120 beats per minute, participants’ speeds gradually increased throughout the test. The graph showed a steady rise as they found their groove and began bobbing their heads to the rhythm.
The 20-Minute Daily Practice That Works
The most compelling evidence came from the week-long training program. Six studio members committed to 20 minutes of daily practice—10 minutes in the morning and 10 in the afternoon—followed by a test.
Every single participant improved their typing speed. Three of them broke 100 WPM for the first time, and two nearly doubled their original scores. This wasn’t just a minor improvement; it was a transformative one.
What made this approach so effective was consistency and focused practice. By breaking the training into two short sessions per day, participants can maintain concentration and build skills without feeling burned out.
Thinking Like a Musician
One insight that changed my approach to typing was thinking of the keyboard as a musical instrument. Musicians often say they’re “never not playing their instrument”—they visualize playing even when they’re not physically at their instrument.
I’ve started doing this with typing. During my commute, I’ll listen to song lyrics and mentally type them out. It might sound strange, but this kind of visualization helps build the neural pathways needed for faster typing.
Typing, like playing music, is about finding a flow state. When you’re in the zone, your fingers move almost automatically, and your speed naturally increases. Music can help you find this rhythm, which is why our music-based test showed promising results.
Beyond Speed: The Benefits of Faster Typing
Improving your typing speed isn’t just about winning contests or impressing colleagues. It’s about removing the barrier between your thoughts and their expression. When typing becomes second nature, you can focus entirely on your ideas rather than the mechanics of getting them onto the screen.
This has profound implications for productivity, creativity, and communication. The less mental energy you spend on typing, the more you can devote to what you’re actually trying to say.
With just 20 minutes of daily practice for one week, you could potentially double your typing speed. That’s an investment with returns that will benefit you throughout your entire career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to improve typing speed significantly?
Based on my experiments, noticeable improvements can happen in just one week with consistent practice. Two 10-minute sessions daily led to substantial gains for all participants, with some nearly doubling their speed in five workdays.
Q: Which typing practice website is most effective for beginners?
For those just starting out, keybr.com is excellent because it identifies your weak spots and creates personalized exercises to help you improve. As you advance, Monkey Type offers more specialized training modes, like “read ahead,” that can further push your skills.
Q: Does the type of keyboard affect typing speed?
While keyboard typing was not explicitly tested in these experiments, comfort and familiarity with your keyboard are crucial factors. The weighted keyboard test suggests that muscle memory and finger strength play roles in typing efficiency, regardless of the specific keyboard model.
Q: Can visualization techniques actually improve typing speed?
Yes, mental practice appears to be effective. Treating typing like a musical skill and visualizing typing words (like song lyrics during a commute) helps build neural pathways that translate to physical improvement. This approach borrows from techniques used by musicians who mentally practice even when away from their instruments.
