The unsung hero, typing, your productivity superpower
In the digital age, the humble keyboard stands as the unsung hero of our daily lives. From crafting emails to coding the next big app, this humble peripheral is our bridge to the vast digital world. Yet, amidst the never ending deluge of cutting-edge technology, the art of typing and the familiar keyboard we use for it, often go unnoticed. In this article we dive into the world of typing speeds and the myriad types of keyboards, exploring how this overlooked skill, powered by the right keyboard, can significantly boost our productivity.
"Boosting an employee's typing speed from 40 to 100 words per minute unlocks a treasure trove of time—between 152 and 456 hours annually per individual."
Calculations are based on:
Workdays per year: 251 (excluding 4 weeks of holiday)
Working hours per day: 35 hours per week / 5 days = 7 hours per day
Percentage of the day spent interacting with computer systems: 65%
Percentage of computer interaction time spent typing: 40%
The art of typing, more than just pecking away
Typing, at its core, is a skill—a blend of muscle memory, coordination, and a bit of digital finesse. The average typing speed hovers around 40 to 50 words per minute (WPM), with most casual typists achieving about 41 WPM at a 92% accuracy rate. However, the digital realm demands speed and efficiency, pushing us to aim for the stars—or at least over 100 WPM. A feat achieved by the likes of Stella Pajunas in 1946 with a blistering 216 WPM and Barbara Blackburn, who sustained 150 WPM for 50 minutes using a Dvorak keyboard.
But why does speed matter? In a world where time is money, faster typing speeds translate directly to increased productivity. Whether you're a student racing against a deadline, a professional juggling emails, or a coder knee-deep in lines of code, the ability to type quickly and accurately is a game-changer. This isn’t just about finishing tasks faster; it's freeing up time to make room for creativity and innovation.
"By elevating typing speeds from a modest 40 words per minute to only 60 wpm, a 200 strong workforce unlocks a staggering collective gain of 30,454 hours annually. This isn't just an improvement; it's a transformation.”
Embracing the keyboard, a path to productivity
So, how do you embark on this journey to faster typing and heightened productivity? It starts with recognising typing as the skill it is and dedicating time to practise and improve.. Online resources abound, from typing courses that teach proper hand positioning to games that make practice fun and engaging.
Choosing the right keyboard is the next step. Whether it's the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard or the comfort of an ergonomic design, finding a keyboard that suits your typing style can make all the difference. It's not just about aesthetics or the clack of the keys; it's about finding a tool that enhances your digital interaction, making every keystroke more efficient and every task a bit easier.
A mechanical boost, the quest for the perfect keyboard
So you reckon you’re a typing pro, what’s next? Enter the vast and varied world of keyboards, where each type promises a different route to typing nirvana. The traditional QWERTY layout, a relic of the typewriter era, reigns supreme in familiarity. Yet, it's just the tip of the iceberg. From ergonomic designs that promise comfort during marathon typing sessions to mechanical keyboards that offer satisfying clicks and tactile feedback, there's a keyboard for every typist.
Mechanical keyboards, in particular, have gained a cult following for their durability and the customisable typing experiences. With their different key switches, typists can tailor their keyboard to their preferred typing style—be it the light touch of Cherry MX Reds or the tactile bump of Cherry MX Brown. The consensus among enthusiasts is clear: the right keyboard matters, we all need a smoother, more responsive typing experience to elevate our WPM.
Conclusion, keyboard excalibur
In the end, typing and the keyboards we use are more than just tools; they're extensions of our digital selves. In a world where digital literacy is paramount, overlooking the importance of typing speed and the impact of a good keyboard is akin to a knight undervaluing their sword. So, as we navigate the digital landscape, let's give the humble keyboard its due, recognising that in the quest for productivity, it might just be our most valuable ally.