18 ms·

I type somewhat fast, so I labored for years under the impression that I already knew touch typing. But the reality is I didn't -- like I don't keep my fingers

by wenc 1y ago

I type somewhat fast, so I labored for years under the impression that I already knew touch typing. But the reality is I didn't -- like I don't keep my fingers on the home row, and I make tons of mistakes that I mindlessly correct using Bksp. I find keeping my fingers on the home row quite unnatural and prevents me from typing chords with Ctrl/Alt and Shift. How have folks overcome this?

lknuth 1y ago
I habe a virtual layer on my keyboard that contains all symbols I need regularly. Holding down a specific key (that is simple to reach) toggles the layer - like the normal Shift key.
GianFabien 1y ago
Touch typing courses focus on writing English prose. Programming requires a far greater range of ability with all the punctuation and special symbols. Then you have all the function and special keys too. I wouldn't be too hung up on how it is taught. Once you learn the essentials and can type a sentence or so without looking, then you'll be fine. Personally, I just watch the screen and correct and make slight hand position adjustments without looking down at the keyboard. The fun trick is when somebody walks up to my desk to ask a question, and I continue typing whilst engaging in their conversation. It is sort of a file-write-flush for me, to capture whatever was on my mind when I was interrupted.
NitpickLawyer 1y ago
> Ctrl/Alt and Shift. How have folks overcome this? ctrl and shift heavy flows are a remnant from ibmpc / windows era and suck for ergonomics, unfortunately. Most people realise just how much more comfortable cmd+ is from using a mac. You're holding the thumb there anyway, might as well make use of it.
uxcolumbo 1y ago
I'm in the exact same situation. I can type around 60-70 wpm with non touch typing. Same as you, often have to correct things with Backspace. I rarely use my pinky. But with touch typing I have to use it more and it feels very unnatural. When I have to bang out emails or any other form of text for work, I can't see myself slowing down to force sticking on the home row to learn touch typing. I can practice in the evening. But then you essentially keep using the 'bad' way of typing while also learning the good way. Seems confusing.

by wenc 1y ago

lknuth 1y ago

I habe a virtual layer on my keyboard that contains all symbols I need regularly. Holding down a specific key (that is simple to reach) toggles the layer - like the normal Shift key.

GianFabien 1y ago

Touch typing courses focus on writing English prose. Programming requires a far greater range of ability with all the punctuation and special symbols. Then you have all the function and special keys too. I wouldn't be too hung up on how it is taught. Once you learn the essentials and can type a sentence or so without looking, then you'll be fine. Personally, I just watch the screen and correct and make slight hand position adjustments without looking down at the keyboard. The fun trick is when somebody walks up to my desk to ask a question, and I continue typing whilst engaging in their conversation. It is sort of a file-write-flush for me, to capture whatever was on my mind when I was interrupted.

NitpickLawyer 1y ago

> Ctrl/Alt and Shift. How have folks overcome this? ctrl and shift heavy flows are a remnant from ibmpc / windows era and suck for ergonomics, unfortunately. Most people realise just how much more comfortable cmd+ is from using a mac. You're holding the thumb there anyway, might as well make use of it.

uxcolumbo 1y ago

I'm in the exact same situation. I can type around 60-70 wpm with non touch typing. Same as you, often have to correct things with Backspace. I rarely use my pinky. But with touch typing I have to use it more and it feels very unnatural. When I have to bang out emails or any other form of text for work, I can't see myself slowing down to force sticking on the home row to learn touch typing. I can practice in the evening. But then you essentially keep using the 'bad' way of typing while also learning the good way. Seems confusing.