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Typing has become more than just a basic digital skill; it is a core component of productivity. Your typing speed plays an important role in how fast and efficiently you can get things done. For anyone who is connected to digital devices and a keyboard, it should be known that typing is a critical digital skill in today’s age.

 

Yet, despite typing being so common, many people unknowingly develop habits that slow their typing speed down. If you are someone who is stuck at a certain words-per-minute threshold or feels like you are typing inefficiently, then you might be making typing mistakes that are slowing down your typing speed. Let us explore common mistakes that slow down typing speed so that you can avoid them.

1. Using the Wrong Finger Placement

Wrong finger placement is one of the most common typing mistakes that can slow down your typing speed. Ideally, your fingers should rest on the “home row” keys: A, S, D, and F for the left hand and J, K, L, and ; for the right. This placement is considered ideal because it allows your fingers to quickly reach any key with minimal movement.

 

Unfortunately, many people, especially those who self-learn typing, develop a hunt-and-peck method or rely heavily on just a few fingers. This type of typing technique and finger replacement is unnatural and causes uneven movement, frequent pauses, and unnecessary stretching. The best way to fix this issue is to relearn finger placement by using visual guides and practising finger placement on websites like TypingTest.co.

2. Looking at the Keyboard While Typing

Looking at the keyboard while typing is another dire mistake that slows down typing speed. If you are glancing down at the keyboard after every few seconds to find the right key, then the momentum breaks and focus shifts. You lose rhythm and waste precious seconds that prevent you from typing in a proper flow.

 

To fix this issue, it is recommended that you practice and master touch typing, which is basically typing without looking at the keyboard. At first, you will find touch typing quite hard, but over time, as you continue to practice, you’ll train your fingers to find keys without visual guidance, which unlocks real speed.

3. Not Practicing Regularly

Like any other skill, typing requires consistent practice. If you want to develop typing skills and improve your typing skills, then you need to consistently practice typing. Skipping days or typing only when necessary can lead to stagnation or even regression. Because typing speed and accuracy are developed over time through constant repetition, if you are not typing consistently, then your finger agility starts to diminish, and your brain loses coordination.

 

To make sure that your typing speed does not decrease, set aside 10-15 minutes daily for focused typing practice. For those who don’t even have 10-15 minutes of time, they can try 1 Minute on Typing Test. The 1-minute test is a time-based typing test session that lasts for 1 minute and can help you improve your typing speed and accuracy if you practice it consistently.

4. Using the Wrong Keyboard

Your keyboard plays an important role in determining your typing speed and accuracy. A low-quality or poorly designed keyboard can hold you back from typing at your peak speed. If the keyboard has an uncomfortable layout or sticky keys, then your efforts would be wasted. Signs that indicate that your keyboard is part of the problem include inconsistent keypress registration, awkward spacing, or discomfort in your wrists.

 

Try to invest in a smart mechanical keyboard that is popular among professionals due to its tactile feedback and durability. Try different keyboards to find out which feels more natural and comfortable.

5. Ignoring Posture and Ergonomics

The way you sit and hold your hands can affect your typing efficiency as well. A hunched posture and bent wrist can cause fatigue, which can tire your body and slow you down over time. Poor posture can also lead to back strain in the long term, which can further hinder your typing performance. Therefore, it is suggested to always have a natural posture with your feet flat on the ground, back straight, and arms at a 90-degree angle. Keep your wrists elevated and fingers relaxed.