What Kind of Keyboard Do You Need to Get into Touch Typing?

When it comes to learning to touch type, the type of keyboard you use can play a significant role in your typing journey. Whether you're starting from scratch or transitioning from a manual typewriter to a digital keyboard, the right setup can enhance your experience and help you improve your typing skills.

Historical Context and Modern Preferences

Back in my days, true typewriter aficionados learned to type on manual typewriters. The IBM Model M is particularly renowned, known for its mechanical switches that produced a satisfying click. Mechanical switches offer a tactile and audible feedback, much like using a regular typewriter. Today, most keyboards come with soft-dome or membrane switches that provide a more spongy but affordable typing experience.

Modern Keyboard Choices

As of 2023, if you were to start learning touch typing, the primary consideration would be the backlight feature. Backlit keyboards ensure that you can see the key caps clearly, especially in low-light conditions. However, the absence of backlight isn't a significant drawback if you have adequate lighting in your typing environment. In fact, some enthusiasts might argue that removing backlight can reduce distractions, as it forces you to focus on the keys rather than the display.

Backlight Feature: A Necessity or a Luxury?

While backlit keyboards are convenient, they often come with a price tag. Therefore, spending extra money on backlighting might not be necessary for everyone. Instead, consider using colored tape on key caps, a more budget-friendly solution. This low-cost alternative can help maintain the clarity of your key labels, ensuring that you can identify keys even without backlighting.

Other Considerations

Other attributes that might be worth considering when choosing a keyboard for touch typing include:

Key size and spacing: Ensure that the keys are appropriately spaced to facilitate easy movement of your fingers. Travel distance: The distance keys need to be pressed to register a keystroke. Touch typists often prefer keyboards with longer travel distances as they provide better feedback and more tactile response. Weight and size: A portable and comfortable keyboard might be better for those who need to type on the go, while a heavier model may provide greater stability.

Conclusion

In summary, the ideal keyboard for touch typing is one that suits your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a mechanical switch for tactile feedback, a soft-dome switch for affordability, or a backlit keyboard for enhanced visibility, the choice ultimately depends on your learning environment and goals. As long as the keyboard is ergonomically designed and comfortable to use, you can effectively learn touch typing regardless of the specific model.

Note: This article is designed to help new touch typers make informed decisions about their keyboard. For more in-depth guides and tutorials, check out our dedicated touch typing section.