Typing

Typing is the act of composing text by pressing keys on a keyboard or other input device. It is used to enter letters, numbers, symbols, and commands in computing, writing, data entry, and communication. Typing efficiency is commonly measured by speed and accuracy.

Historically, typing evolved from typewriters in the 19th century to computer keyboards. The standard QWERTY layout, designed in the 1870s for typewriters, remains dominant. Early typists learned touch typing, placing fingers on the home row and reading keystrokes without looking at the keys. As computing grew, keyboards were integrated into personal computers and mobile devices.

Techniques: Touch typing uses all fingers and the home-row positions (A S D F left hand; J K L ; right). It emphasizes muscle memory and posture to maximize speed and minimize strain. Hunt-and-peck uses a few fingers and often looks at the keyboard. Ergonomics focuses on desk setup, chair height, monitor position, and keyboard angle.

Performance: Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy in percent. Averages vary, with typical adults typing around 40–60 WPM; 70–100 WPM is common among proficient typists; 100+ WPM is considered fast. Tests often require a fixed passage and compute WPM and accuracy.

Keyboard layouts: QWERTY is standard in many countries; alternatives include DVORAK, Colemak, and layouts intended to reduce finger movement. Layout choice affects learning time and long-term efficiency.

Other input methods: On-screen keyboards and predictive text on mobile devices, voice typing and speech recognition, handwriting input, and stenography used in courts or live captioning. Typing remains a core skill in digital literacy, with accessibility tools available for individuals with disabilities.