Despite what you may have been lead to believe, the number is more than likely lower than you think; things aren’t like they used to be, certainly, but these days the average person can only type between 38-40 WPM – words per minute. There are professionals out there reaching speeds over 180 WPM, believe it or not, but they are easily in the top 0.5% performers across the planet.
If you can type up to 80 WPM, you’re definitely considered a professional – 911 dispatchers and the like need to have a typing speed this high just to get an interview for the job. Many people who work in the transcription industry also tend to hover between 80 and 100 WPM, with an accuracy of around 90% being the bare minimum required.
But still, that doesn’t answer the question: what IS a good typing speed in 2024? Well, it depends on who you ask, but I’d say anything over 70 WPM is just wonderful – and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone that disagrees.
There are several ways to improve your typing speed – the best of which is to simply practice, every single day. Stephen King, one of my favorite writers, writes 5000 words every single morning. That’s quite an impressive amount, and I can’t quite commit to that myself unless I’m working, but every little bit helps!
Brew yourself a cup of coffee, sit down at your computer with your favorite keyboard – and yes, the keyboard you’re using matters – then fire up www.10fastfingers.com. Practice on the simple typing test for as long as you need to, then move on up to the more complicated ones!
I also recommend taking part in the competitions and the races. Nothing breeds some motivation like a bit of friendly rivalry. You’ll find your fingers flying on and off the keyboard at breakneck speeds before you know it! I personally hover at around 100-120 WPM casually, but when I get serious I maintain speeds of 130-150 WPM.
When it comes to keyboards, many people recommend mechanical switches, but if what you want is to maximize your typing speed then it’s hard to beat a membrane keyboard with scissor switches. I use the Logitech K380 myself – a glorious alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard. Every single key has a shorter actuation time than any keyboard I’ve ever used before, and the spacing is absolutely fantastic. This is probably going to be my forever keyboard, and it comes highly recommended.
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