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When it comes to improving your typing skills, one often overlooked aspect is the type of keyboard you use. While it may seem like a minor detail, the right keyboard can make a significant difference in your typing speed and accuracy. In this article, we will explore the world of mechanical keyboards and why they are considered superior for typing. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to improve your typing skills using a mechanical keyboard.
What are Mechanical Keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards are keyboards that use mechanical switches to register key presses. Unlike traditional rubber dome keyboards, which use a single dome to register each key press, mechanical keyboards use a physical switch for each key. There are three main types of “key switches” used for mechanical keyboards that give different feels and functions to the user.
Linear
These switches are smooth and offer a consistent feel without any particularly “tactile” feedback. There are no bumps, and thus, are most preferred by gamers who like for their gaming experience to feel smooth and non-invasive. They also provide some advantages in multiplayer games, with consistent keystrokes allowing for some precision maneuvers.
Tactile
These switches are the middle ground of switches. It offers some tactile feel and provides a moderate noise for the typer. Tactile switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their signature bumps and quiet audible clicks. These switches are perfect for those looking to upgrade from a traditional laptop or membrane keyboard and are suitable for both seasoned keyboard users and newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world
Clicky
These switches are loud and proud, maximizing tactile feel and satisfying clicking noises (hence its name). Clicky keyboards provide the most audio feedback when typing, mainly because the clicking sound of a clicky keyboard is satisfying for many keyboard enthusiasts. They offer a lot of fun thanks to their flashy sounds, but make sure to only use this one in a private setting, such as one’s home.
Why are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Typing?
There are several reasons why mechanical keyboards are better for typing than traditional rubber dome keyboards. Firstly, the physical switch provides tactile and audible feedback that makes it easier to know when a key press has been registered. This can improve typing speed and accuracy, as you don’t need to rely on visual cues to know when you’ve pressed a key.
Another advantage of mechanical keyboards is the durability of the switches. Unlike rubber dome keyboards, which can wear out over time, mechanical switches are much more durable and are rated for millions of key presses. This allows you to fine-tune the feel of your keyboard to your preferences, be it the humble compact keyboard or a full-blown LED RGB monster.
Mechanical keyboards offer a higher level of customization. With a locked cord to your keyboard, you can also ensure your keyboard never runs out of power. As previously discussed, mechanical keyboards come with a variety of switch options, so you can choose the switch that best suits your typing needs.
How to Improve Your Typing Skills on a Mechanical Keyboard
Now that you know why mechanical keyboards are better for typing, let’s look at some tips on how to maximize your productivity with the best keyboards as a remote worker.
Position Hands Properly
Keep your hands in a comfortable and relaxed position that works best for you. No pair of hands is the same, and what might be comfortable for one person may be unbearable for another. When typing, make sure that you don’t feel any unnecessary strain on your hand. That could save you a lot of aching pains in the future.
Type With Muscle Memory, Not Sight
Instead of looking at the keys, focus on developing the muscle memory needed for touch typing, where you type by feel rather than sight. While typists are all different, many agree that being able to type on the fly is an impressive feat. Muscle memory is key to mastering the craft of typing. For those with tactile or clicky keyboards, pay close attention to where these different sounds are coming from.
Take Typing Tests
Pay attention to your typing accuracy and aim for as few errors as possible. There are several typing tests online and all of them have varying degrees of difficulty. Accuracy and speed are the names of the game when it comes to typing contests of any kind. Typing tests also drill the best typing techniques onto the player themselves.
Check out keyboardsimulator.xyz for a handy mechanical keyboard typing test.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of mechanical keyboards is one of those things that sound silly until you’ve actually tried it. Mechanical keyboards are sturdier, offer better tactile and audio feedback to the user, and are much easier to customize than the standard-issue keyboards on the market. Finally, typing on a mechanical keyboard is just plain fun, and people should give the concept a go.