You are reading the article Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing And Gaming? updated in December 2023 on the website Bellydancehcm.com. We hope that the information we have shared is helpful to you. If you find the content interesting and meaningful, please share it with your friends and continue to follow and support us for the latest updates. Suggested January 2024 Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing And Gaming?
Mechanical keyboards have become more popular recently, and for a good reason: they offer many benefits over traditional keyboards. These features include better tactile feedback, faster typing speeds, and longer lifespans.
For gamers, mechanical keyboards offer faster response times and customizable backlighting options. Plus, they offer greater tactile feedback, which can give you an edge in competitive games.
Read on to understand the features that make mechanical keyboards better for typing and gaming than traditional keyboards.
A mechanical keyboard uses individual switches underneath each key to register input. These switches are made from various materials, including metal and plastic, with different characteristics that affect their responsiveness, durability, and more.
Their keys have shorter travel distances, allowing quicker key presses, and their more responsive action provides improved tactile feedback and precision. Additionally, mechanical keyboards can withstand more wear and tear than traditional ones, making them an ideal choice for heavy-duty typing or gaming sessions.
Below are some reasons why a mechanical keyboard is better for typing and gaming.
One of the most outstanding features of mechanical keyboards is their programmable keys. You can program these keys to do different things when you press them, such as opening an app or website.
Some keyboards even come with extra software to customize these functions further by letting you define macros, key combos, commands, and more.
Programmable keys can help you streamline your workflow, for example, letting you switch between different apps and websites without having to move your hands from the keyboard.
They can also be helpful if you want certain functions not natively available on keyboards, such as controlling background music playback or using a specific key for a different language’s characters.
The tactile and auditory feedback you get from pressing a mechanical key is typically more satisfying than that of a traditional membrane keyboard. This can help improve your gameplay by increasing focus and agility.
Some keyboards also allow you to save different profiles in their onboard memory so you can use them on different PCs without reconfiguring everything for each device. Overall, a programmable mechanical keyboard can be a great addition to your hardware setup if you play games or do a lot of typing.
Mechanical keyboards are built to be durable and long-lasting. Unlike traditional membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards feature individual switches for each key that you can replace when they wear out. This allows you to keep your keyboard functioning well for many years – unlike a membrane keyboard that you must throw away once the keys start sticking or typing becomes difficult.
Another benefit of mechanical keyboards is that they have greater resistance to dust and dirt, which can interfere with the performance of a membrane keyboard. Mechanical keyboards also offer better tactile feedback, allowing you to type faster and more accurately than on a membrane keyboard.
The switches on mechanical keyboards offer a high number of keystrokes. Some keyboards offer 50 million keystrokes, while others offer up to 100 million. The high number of keystrokes means the keyboard will serve you for a long time before noticing any wear and tear.
N-key Rollover (or NKRO) refers to the ability of a keyboard to register multiple key presses at once. Typical computer keyboards are limited to only six keys pressed at any given time, but some high-end mechanical keyboards can detect any number of simultaneous keys pressed. The feature is called NKRO, and it can be a helpful way to ensure quick responses in games or other situations where multiple inputs need to be registered at once.
The N-Key rollover feature comes in handy while gaming. You want to ensure that all the keystrokes register, especially when gaming. Registering more than one keystroke at a time gives you control, thus enhancing your experience. The roll-over feature is a lifesaver, especially if you are a touch-typist. The feature lets you press more than one key simultaneously, and you are assured your input will register.
To test your keyboard’s n-key rollover, simply press several keys and see how many are correctly recorded. Most keyboards will only register the first few keys, but some will register them all. The number of simultaneous key presses that can be detected varies depending on the keyboard.
A mechanical keyboard uses an array of levers to facilitate the pressing and releasing of buttons. These keyboards have a better response time than traditional membrane keyboards, which means they can register your keystrokes more quickly and accurately. A mechanical keyboard may be the right choice if you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard for gaming or other intensive computing tasks.
Response time is the time it takes your system to register a keystroke. The switch’s design offers an unparalleled response time on mechanical keyboards. Many of them offer response times up to 10 times faster. A mechanical keyboard’s quick response time can be crucial for victory in gaming or other intensive computing tasks.
Mechanical keyboards have different types of switches. Optical switches, for example, offer a very low actuation force and eliminate the need to press down on the key. These switches also feature an LED that transmits light through a lens directly onto the switch. This results in a more accurate reading of your keystrokes by your system, which can improve performance while reducing response time.
Another type of switch is called a buckling spring switch. This type of switch uses a spring to activate the keypress and has been widely used in typewriters, adding machines, and mechanical keyboards for decades. Although this design isn’t quite as popular or well-known as other types of switches, it is considered one of the most reliable and accurate.
Whether you’re a serious gamer or simply someone who values performance, a mechanical keyboard can improve your computing experience. With its quick response time and variety of switch types, it’s the ideal choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their computer system.
The type of switches you choose depends on your use of the keyboard. A tactile switch is perfect if you want feedback from your keyboard. Linear switches are best if you want a smooth typing or gaming experience. You should go for heavy switches if you type or game hard since heavy switches can withstand the pressure.
When choosing a mechanical keyboard for gaming, consider how much resistance or feedback you want from your keys. Feedback is essential if you’re looking for a typing or gaming experience that closely resembles that of a mechanical typewriter.
Still, some people may prefer the smooth feel of linear switches. Regardless of which type you choose, ensure the keyboard feels comfortable and responsive under your fingers when gaming or typing.
Image Source: Amazon
Mechanical keyboards are known for their superior comfort and ergonomics compared to regular keyboards. They often have higher key travel distances, which makes them easier and more pleasant to use over long periods.
Additionally, many mechanical keyboards have Cherry MX switches that provide distinct tactile feedback when depressing a key, which helps you get into the groove of typing and gaming more quickly. Most mechanical keyboards use more durable key switches than their membrane counterparts and can survive for years of heavy typing without a sign of wear.
Some mechanical keyboards also come with a wrist rest, ensuring your wrist does not tire even after long periods of typing or gaming. You can also buy a wrist rest separately if the keyboard does not have the feature. Thanks to the ability to customize a mechanical keyboard, you can make it as comfortable as possible.
You can also choose silent switches if the noise is distracting when typing or gaming. Loud switches are often distracting if you share the same office with co-workers.
However, you can reduce the sound of the keystrokes by installing O-rings that act as dampeners. You should also be careful with the keyboard assembly. If the keyboard has poor assembly, it may rattle, thus increasing the noise while typing or gaming.
Silent switches have also gained popularity recently, but the most popular options are Cherry MX switches. These come in various styles, including Reds, Blues, Blacks, and Browns. These switches are best if you prefer a quiet gaming or typing environment.
If you drink water, coffee, or soda while playing, chances are high that you will spill something on the keyboard. Remember, the keyboards are splash and water-resistant but not waterproof. Therefore, the keyboard will stop working if you immerse it in water.
A splash-proof keyboard is a lifesaver since you will not have to buy a new one each time you spill a drink on the device.
You can also customize the backlight and combine different shades and lights to give your keyboard a personal touch. The backlight also protects your eyes from straining, especially in a dark room.
Remember, not all mechanical keyboards have RGB backlighting. It is, therefore, critical to check if the keyboard you select has this feature.
Mechanical keyboards offer superior comfort and ergonomics compared to regular keyboards. They often have higher key travel distances, which makes them easier and more pleasant to use over long periods.
Additionally, many mechanical keyboards have Cherry MX switches that provide distinct tactile feedback when depressing a key, which helps you get into the groove of typing and gaming more quickly.
Most mechanical keyboards also use more durable key switches than their membrane counterparts and can survive years of heavy typing without a sign of wear.
RGB lighting, durability, N-Key rollover, fast response times, and many other features make mechanical keyboards better for typing and gaming. For this reason, grab one today to enhance your gaming and typing experience!
You're reading Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing And Gaming?
How To Make Cherry Mx Switches Quieter On Mechanical Keyboards
O-Rings Label
The O-Ring Mod seems to be a popular modification on the Geek Hack forums. Basically, you get a bunch of o-rings at the hardware store and put it under your key caps. The idea is that the rubber o-rings muffles the *Clacking* sound when you bottom out the keys. The plastic caps hitting the plastic base creates a harsh and loud clacking sound. Personally, I like the sound but for the sake of a good sleep, I decided to go through with this mod.
I went to my local hardware store and headed down to the plumbing section. The forum said? to look for size -008 standard o-rings but I could not find them anywhere. The o-rings I found used OD (Outer Diameter) and ID (Inner Diameter) measurements. I settle for 4 little boxed of #36 O-Rings which were 5/16 OD, 3/16 ID, and 1/16 in thickness. These o-rings were rather expensive at $2 per box and it only came with 10 o-rings each. If you can get it cheaper online, I would suggest you do that if you dont mind the wait.
Installation was easy. First, remove your key caps. Either use a special tool or improvise. I used the wire from a pair of cheap headphones and a nail clipper. I pushed the wire under the key cap with the help of the nail clipper. Then I spaced the wires evenly and carefully pulled upwards until the key caps popped out. Pay special care when doing wide keys like the spacebar, shift, enter, and backspace. I then placed one o-ring for each Cherry MX switch. Wider keys have stabilizers which need more o-rings for even distribution. For example, the spacebar has the Cherry MX switch in the center and two stabilizer pylons so I used 3 o-rings. Same goes for the backspace and shift keys. Refer to the picture for an idea of how I do this. Then, repeat. I only had 40 o-rings so I wasnt able to do my complete keyboard. I will probably finish that up in the weekend. For now, I have o-rings under my most used keys omitting the numbers, F-keys, arrow keys, and right-side keys.
Step 1: Get string or wire under key cap Step 2: Center string and pull up carefully Step 3: Get O-Ring Step 4: Slide o-ring deep into key cap Step 5: Firmly reinstall key cap
At first, the results were underwhelming. They only appeared to muffle the sound slightly. Almost as if it was still the same volume, just at another pitch. It was a lower sound. After a few day, I did notice it was noticeably quieter. I suppose, during the daytime, there was a lot white noise in the background which distracted from the performance. At night, the slightest sounds are amplified. At first, I wasnt too sure if the mod was worth the effort and cost. Now, I can say for sure that they’re worth it. The keys bottom out sooner. About 1/16th of an inch sooner but it is barely noticeable. This mod does not change the switch activation point, just the bottoming point. The keys do feel slightly different. The unmodded keys feel lighter while the silenced keys feels a bit mushy. Its not bad. I think the audible *clack* had a psychological impact on the feeling. Overall, I think this was a good mod. If you dont want to wake up a college roommate or want to be more discreet while typing, then this mod is worth the time and effort. If you can, order or buy in bulk. It should save you more money. I also noticed that I typed a bit faster. Maybe I was getting used to the keyboard but when taking a typing test, I scored higher than average. This mod is fairly easy to do. If you want to make your mechanical keyboard quieter, give this mod a chance. You will like the results.
The Best Gaming Keyboards You Can Buy
Luke Little / Android Authority
When you think “gaming keyboard,” a distinct look probably comes to mind: a flashy, angular design with bright, colorful lights, media keys, and some pretty sweet-looking keys. When it comes to looking for the perfect fit for you, however, the search is muddled by low-quality boards that range from half-decent to plain bad. Here, we’re going to break down the vast landscape a bit and point out the best gaming keyboards we can find, along with a few honorable mentions that are also worth looking at.
See also: The best keyboards you can buy
For starters, the vast majority of gaming keyboards are mechanical. We recommend checking out our full explainer on what that means. Basically, these keyboards use switches with springs in them to provide a tactile feel, more travel distance, different types of noises, actuation distances, etc. If you’re new to this, definitely read up first. Here are some of the very basics:
Red switches are quiet, not tactile, and require very little force to actuate.
Blue switches are loud, fairly tactile, and require more force to actuate.
Brown switches are similar to red switches but with some tactility and little noise.
There are too many variations of these switches for us to cover here, but many are covered in our explainer. There are many manufacturers of mechanical switches, but German company Cherry is the biggest and most mainstream, followed by Kailh and Gateron, who offer excellent alternatives. Some accessory companies like Razer and Logitech produce their own awesome switches as well.
Razer BlackWidow Lite: This TKL board from Razer serves looks and is made with the company’s orange switches for silence and tactility.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL: This keyboard is likely similar to the image you think of when you hear “gaming keyboard”. With a tall build, customizable RGB, and media keys, this is an all-rounder that is well worth consideration.
ROCCAT Vulcan TKL: The Vulcan TKL is built like a slightly flashier G915. It has a metal top plate, tactile or linear switches, media keys, and will be a pleasure to play on.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL: How could we make a list of gaming keyboards without including Razer? This one’s hallmark is the blazing fast 8,000Hz polling rate, which means that the keyboard will respond to inputs faster than the standard 1,000Hz keyboard. Eliminating latency is critical in fast-paced games.
Anne Pro 2 60%: This is the most miniature gaming keyboard on the list, eliminating the cursor control keys to create a smaller footprint.
ROG Claymore II: Maybe you want the space savings of TKL but still need the number pad sometimes; ASUS has you covered. The Claymore II keyboard has a removable number pad, so you can freely switch between form factors or even place it on the left side for some extra functionality in games.
Logitech G213: This is Logitech’s best budget gaming keyboard, hands down. It has everything you’ll need to get going with gaming-grade performance, plus spill resistance because we all need a drink in the heat of battle sometimes.
Corsair K100: The K100 is built like a tank. Featuring a brushed aluminum look, 44 zones of RGB lighting, and Corsair’s Axon processing tech, the only concern you’ll have is what to personalize first.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2: HyperX is a pretty well-known name in the PC peripheral space. The Alloy Elite 2 has everything you’d expect from a gaming keyboard, plus media keys and a USB passthrough.
Find the perfect mouse to go with it: The best Logitech mice
Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard
See price at Amazon
Save
$41.00
Razer Blackwidow Lite gaming keyboard
See price at Amazon
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL gaming keyboard
See price at Amazon
ROCCAT Vulcan TKL Gaming Keyboard
See price at Amazon
Save
$33.00
Looking for more mechanical goodness?: The best mechanical keyboards
Anne Pro 2 60%
Amazon
A 60% keyboard is, you guessed it, about 60% of a standard 104-key keyboard. The Anne Pro 2 gets fantastic reviews for what it does in this highly compact form factor.
It is a Bluetooth gaming keyboard that offers various Kailh switches, USB-C charging, and up to four paired devices. You can also enable a set of pseudo-arrow keys on this board, just in case you need those back momentarily. This keyboard is made for travel, but gamers review the Pro 2 very well.
Anne Pro 2 60% gaming keyboard
See price at Amazon
ASUS ROG Claymore II gaming keyboard
See price at Amazon
Read more: The best budget gaming keyboards
Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard
See price at Amazon
Save
$23.00
Corsair K100 gaming keyboard
See price at Amazon
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 Gaming Keyboard
See price at Amazon
Save
$40.00
That’s it for our list of the best gaming keyboards you can buy, but there are many that we didn’t cover. We also want to give a shoutout to the following gaming keyboards:
HAVIT KB395L: I’ve used this one myself, and it is surprising how on-par this board is with the Logitech G915 for the price. The Kailh blue switches feel incredibly close to those of Logitech, and the metal faceplate greatly enhances build quality.
Razer Tartarus v2: This gaming keypad is a peculiar thing, and I’d recommend watching videos that detail how it works in use. We love to see expanded accessibility, so this is a pretty cool accessory for those who have a hard time using standard keyboards and mice.
Complete your setup with the perfect accessories:
Ipad Typing Tips And Tricks For Faster Typing On Your Tablet
Tapping away at the keyboard on a smartphone or tablet isn’t all that different from the physical keyboard these days. Interestingly though, because there are a few limitations like the number of keys displayed, lack of a Character Map-like interface from where you can copy-paste special characters and some more, it takes some tips and a lot of experience to master typing on the iPad.
The iPad’s onscreen keypad is designed to help you type faster, better and easier. However, using a few tips might save you considerable typing time (and the number of strokes) – and it will undoubtedly help you become a pro at typing faster on the iPad.
Handy Keyboard Tips and Tricks for iPad to Enhance your Typing Experience
Customize The Keyboard Settings:
To begin with, let’s get familiar with the keyboard settings. The reason why I’ve mentioned this tip right at the top is that it offers you some neat customization. So, based on your personal taste, you can fine-tune the setting.
To get it done, head over to Settings → General → Keyboard. (You can also touch and hold the emoji icon on the keyboard and then choose Keyboard Settings.)
On the next screen, you get many options like Text Replacement, Auto-Capitalization, Shortcuts and more. Customize the entire settings to as per your convenience.
Essential iPad Keyboard Shortcuts Tip
Let’s begin with a couple of keyboard shortcuts that you might be very useful if you type a lot on the iPad:
#1. There’s a caps-lock shortcut on the iPad for those all-caps words (like abbreviated names, USA, etc.). All you do is double-tap the Shift key. Tap the Shift key again to get back to the normal mode.
#2. Thanks to the smart trackpad, moving a cursor or selecting text while editing text is pretty simple. All you have to do is just press and hold the space to activate the space bar (Or use two fingers to press anywhere on the keyboard to activate the trackpad). Then, you can drag your finger on the trackpad to swiftly move the cursor. To find out more about it, head over to this post.
Getting a Little Further
Pressing and holding certain keys offers a lot of options. You probably know this already but it is often hard to find which keys offer those quotes or the degree symbol etc.
And having to shift to the numeric keypad occasionally is a definite turn-off sometimes. Here are some more tips that can make typing easier.
#3. Automatic Apostrophes: The iOS dictionary is smart. If enabled (which is the default state), you don’t have to worry about having to type those single quotes in “I’m”, “don’t”, “can’t” etc. Just type “Im”, “don’t” or “cant” and the iPad keypad will automatically correct it.
Of course, when enabled, the auto-correct is a very bad guy occasionally: it changes certain unrecognized words into something totally unrelated that makes for those awful (or insanely funny, depending on the situation, auto-correct fails).
#4. Begin and End Quotes: Tap and hold the quote key on the numeric pad, and you get begin and end quotes that you can use while typing. These make the message look better.
#5. Double/Single Quotes: If you’re looking for double and single quotes, you’ll need to remember this combination:
Double Quotes: Tap and hold the ? key for double quotes
Single Quotes: Tap and hold the ! for single quotes
#6. Typing numbers/punctuation faster: I hate having to switch to the numeric keypad just to type an exclamation. It’s a little uncomfortable especially when you type fast. However, there’s an easy way out if you’re in need of those punctuation marks occasionally amidst a lot of alphabets.
Tap and hold the .?123 key and when the keypad switches to the numeric, slide over to the number or the key that you want to use. Then, just remove your finger. The iPad will type the key you chose and then the keypad will switch back to the alphabets. There! You got it!
#7. Degree: In many countries, people use the metric system which gives the “degree” sign for use in temperature and elsewhere. Where do you get the degree symbol on the iPad? It’s buried in 0 (zero). Hold on 0(zero) for a while and out of the options, you get the degree sign.
Tap and hold on “?” in Safari and you get many options to choose from. Saves you four strokes.
#11. Quickly Switch Between Languages: The QuickType keyboard makes it pretty easy to switch between languages. All you have to do is touch and hold the globe icon and swipe to the keyboard language you wish to use.
Keep this little but pivotal hack for the times when you wish to express your views in multiple lingoes!
Split The Keyboard For Comfortable One-Handed Typing…
There are times when you wish to type with just one hand instead of engaging both your hands. And that’s when this feature comes into the play. Just touch and hold the tiny keyboard icon and choose Split.
Now, the keyboard will be split, allowing you to type comfortably with one hand. And when you want to merge the keyboard, touch and hold the keyboard icon and choose Merge or Dock and Merge.
More Hacks For Boosting Your Productivity…
We’ve lined up 18 smart keyboard tips and tricks for getting the most out of the iOS keyboard. If you wish to get more such cool hacks, head over here.
Stay Tuned In For More…
Now that you’ve got the tricks, you know how you can make typing more convenient and faster on your iPad. Of course, it’s gonna take some time before you will be able to master them. However, once you’ve got a good hold on them, typing will definitely become hassle-free.
You shouldn’t miss out on these posts as well:
Author Profile
Dhvanesh
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Mechanical Keyboard
There you are, sitting on your office chair. Feeling comfortable and good about yourself. Let me tell you something. You are lost. You are a nobody. Why? Because you don’t have a mechanical keyboard in your life! Like some evangelical preacher, I have an idea I need to sell you. That is the glory of the mechanical keyboard. If you accept the mechanical keyboard into your life, you could be experiencing increased comfort, improved productivity, and glory! It will change the way you type forever! Don’t just ask me, there are plenty of fanatics that have forever converted from using cheap, rubber-dome keyboards to high-quality mechanicals. I have made a short list of five reasons why you should switch to a mechanical keyboard. I have faith that you will see the light.
The second reason why you need to switch to a mechanical keyboard is ergonomics. Mechanical keyboards generally have higher quality keycaps which are rounded to let your fingers rest on them more comfortably. Traditional laptop keys, with the exception of Lenovo’s, are flat. Flat keys are good for space-saving designs but you not only lose precision, but also comfort. I find flat keys uncomfortable to type on for long periods because I have to hit them “head on” in order not to make an error. Also, it is very easy to hit these keycaps on the corners which will cause your fingers to slip and mis-type. If you hit the corner of a keycap on a mechanical keyboard, you still have a good chance of registering the input. The longer “throw” of mechanical keyboards are also more comfortable for long typing sessions compared to the short engagement point of chicklet-style keyboards. For a long time, I thought the main attribute of an ergonomic keyboard is shape. After using the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic keyboard for 2-3 years and using my Leopold Tenkeyless for about 5 months, I realize that it’s not about the shape. The main reason mechanical keyboards are better is the key switches.
The third benefit is reduced strain. I realize this is closely related to comfort but I felt that this deserved its own section simply because of RSI(Repetitive Strain Injury). We use our computers for hours and some of us do not take RSI seriously. I take good care of my hands. And so should you. For most people, their hands are their livelihood. Hand health is very important if you are a musician, laborer, or athlete. One thing I’ve notice after spending a few months with my mechanical keyboard compared to keyboards of my past is finger pain. I use to get finger pain after prolonged typing on the rubber dome keys. They were all I knew so I didn’t question. It wasn’t until I was in the market for a better keyboard where I found out about mechanical key switches. Subsequently, it wasn’t until I was typing on them for hours until I realized my finger pain was mainly caused by the cheap rubber-dome keyboards. If you are on the computer for hours, or if your profession involves extensive amounts of typing, consider investing on a mechanical keyboard for this very reason. These key switches will reduce finger strain. Your hands will thank you.
The fourth benefit of using a mechanical keyboard is improved speed. A more precise, comfortable keyboard means improved typing speed. I was never a speed typist. Barely being able to type 25 WPM, after a few months of serious training, I can now type 60-70 WPM. Your mileage may vary but you will improve your speed. If not in burst typing, definitely in endurance typing. That’s typing long essays or reports. Wiki has the average typing speed rated at 33 WPM. If you are over this, you are doing very well.
The last and most important reason why you need a mechanical keyboard? They’re fun! That may sound silly to say but after getting one, I now enjoy typing. I like the sound of these Cherry MX browns. Some people like the blues. You can’t go wrong either way. They’re great to type on. Mechanical keyboards have their own unique personalities. From the simple Leopold Tenkeyless to the highly sought after HHKB Pro 2. Typing shouldn’t be a chore. Most people probably won’t be competing on typeracer for leisure, but mechanical keyboards will make you smile. It’s like buying a luxury car. Sure, you don’t NEED leather heated seat with power everything but if you can afford it, why not treat yourself? Especially a tool that you will spend years using. Once you punch the keys, you will see the light
What Is The Correct Hand Position For Typing?
Do you feel your typing speed on the keyboard is too slow, or are you making too many typos in each sentence?
The chances are that you have been typing wrong all this time, where the primary culprit is your incorrect hand position.
You heard it right! Hand position and posture matter a lot when typing on a keyboard.
The correct hand position for typing generally includes straight hands, arms bent to 90 degrees, and fingers curved over the keys (A, S, D, F, and J, K, L, semi-colon) with thumbs resting near the spacebar.
Moreover, the wrist should float above the keyboard with a slight positive tilt to prevent carpal tunnel risks.
Read more to find the best hand position when typing to increase productivity.
Does Hand Position Matter in Typing?In short, yes! A correct hand position will be a game-changer when it comes to typing.
Most computer users make the mistake of incorrectly resting their hands on the keyboard, affecting their productivity and health.
Poor typing and posture can lead to many problems, including repetitive strain injury (RSI) of muscles and tendons.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons points out that RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and cubital tunnel syndrome are more familiar to users with poor typing practice.
ProblemSpecification
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)Damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves is caused by repetitive motions such as typing, moving the mouse, writing, etc.
Cubital Tunnel SyndromeWhen you bend the elbow often, the ulnar nerve gets irritated or compressed inside your elbow.
MedilinePlus.Gov reports that carpal tunnel syndrome is estimated to affect 1 to 5 percent of adults annually, with the incidence of CTS and repetitive injury rising, with 1-3 cases per 1000 subjects yearly.
Although cubital tunnel syndrome is less seen than carpal tunnel syndrome, it has risen, especially among computer users.
Therefore, the proper hand position is essential to ward off health problems.
However, experts point out that your hands, shoulder, and body should align with the keyboard to increase productivity.
When your overall position is correct, you can type on the keyboard continuously with speed and precision without feeling sore fingers or hands.
What is the Correct Hand Position for Typing?Ideally, your hands (palm and finger) and forearms should sit parallel to the keyboard.
However, it may be impossible to attain this posture when your shoulders are broader than the keyboard and your body posture is wrong.
Therefore, the key is maintaining an overall body posture, considering your hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and distance between the keyboard and upper body.
Overall, body posture and comfort are far more critical.
Let us look at different factors that will affect your typing.
1. Finger Position While TypingLet us talk about finger placement on the QWERTY keypad, as this keypad format is more prevalent in several regions of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia,
The basic rule of using the QWERTY keypad is to place your finger on the home row keys.
Left Fingers: Pinky (A), Ring (S), Middle (D), and Index (F)
Right Fingers: Pinky (J), Ring (K), Middle (L), and Index (; or semi-colon)
The home row keys are where you place your finger when learning to type.
Your fingers are precisely positioned at the center to help press the surrounding keys quickly, where each finger is used to reach the keys diagonally above and below it.
For example, your left pinky will tackle the closest keys, such as the control menu, Tab, Caps Lock, and Shift, on the far left, whereas the right pinky will tackle Enter key on the far right.
Imagine a game of soccer where players only tackle the opponent close to them; usually, a defender will take on the forward player or striker.
Similarly, your thumb hovers over the space bar, ready to punch the key.
Assuming this finger’s position also helps build muscle memory, so you can remember each key’s position and press them without looking.
Many newbies only use their index fingers, which is good for a starter but the worst for quick typing.
With both hands’ four fingers on the home row, there should be eight fingers on the home row.
Hence, you will not reach anywhere with it and risk repetitive strain injury.
Assuming the correct finger position on the keyboard is a must.
Keep your fingers curved instead of flat to press each key accurately and efficiently.
Here is a detailed video describing typing on the keyboard with proper finger position.
2. Wrist Position While TypingDoes your wrist stiffen and tingle with pain after spending time on your keyboard? You may be overstressing your wrist, leading to swollen tendons and carpal tunnel.
The forearms will sag as your hands get tired from typing, exerting pressure on the wrists and forcing you to bend them to adjust to the changing pressure.
Moreover, the back-and-forth wrist adjustment creates friction, also known as microtrauma.
Therefore, as shown in the image below, the only way to ensure a correct wrist position is to tilt your keyboard slightly negatively (4-8 degrees).
You can assume this position when the thumb is in line with the forearm and the wrist is bent slightly back, similar to hanging your arm at your side.
The negatively tilted keyboard will help keep your wrist straight or float horizontally.
Most manufacturers design the keyboard with a positive or neutral tilt, requiring you to buy it with custom feet to raise it per your preference.
However, do not let your wrists droop when typing, as your hands will tire more quickly.
Consider taking frequent breaks and performing wrist exercises to prevent stiffness and pain.
Similarly, use wrist rests only when resting your wrist but typing and resting your wrists when typing will create contortions that hurt your hands.
Perform wrist extension and flexion stretches to help relax your wrists and increase mobility. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) will help ward off wrist problems.
3. Body Position While TypingBody posture may not be the most exciting topic, but it significantly improves typing and prevents health problems.
As we have explained the correct finger and wrist position, let us delve into other essential aspects.
a. Feet and legsThe correct sitting posture in front of a computer is to sit up straight with your feet and toes facing the computer.
A medical blog attests that it naturally puts less stress on the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and ligaments).
An improved posture means you can stay in the same position for a longer duration of time.
Similarly, avoid tucking your legs in or extending forward, and keep both soles firmly on the ground.
b. Arms and ShoulderKeep the keyboard at a height that allows your elbows to be bent 90 degrees and not too wide from the body.
Keeping your arm at 90 degrees supports the shoulder to avoid slouching or hunching them.
Similarly, avoid resting the lower arm and wrist on the desk to assume a correct arm position. Here is how you should place your arm when typing.
c. Sitting PostureOverall, sitting posture is probably far more critical.
You must have been consistently taught that posture should be upright when sitting, but it is the opposite.
It would help if you naturally assumed the reclining position to keep your body straight because reclining will help you pull the keyboard towards you instead of leaning towards the keyboard.
A study indicates that sitting upright (90-degrees) may lead to chronic back pain, while reclining at 135- degrees will improve the biomechanical sitting position.
Many Zero Gravity workstations are commonly found in many home offices and workplaces.
Similarly, your neck should be level with the screen, with eyes straight to the top line of the screen.
How to Type Like a Professional?Practice typing daily using the software that helps improve your finger position and typing speed from easy to complex.
Choose an online typing course where the typed letters and words are read aloud to help you remember them.
Do not look down at the keypad; instead, imagine the keyboard and feel your way through it. (Making the same mistakes will help you remember and prevent them the next time).
Assume your finger, wrist, and arm naturally to avoid musculoskeletal strain and tired arms.
Learn keyboard shortcuts such as hotkeys (CTRL+A for select all) to complete the task quickly.
Choose a right sized keyboard: A full-sized keyboard will be appropriate for users with broader shoulders to avoid constraining their arms.
Keep your mouse and keyboard close together and in line to avoid moving your hand too far from the keyboard.
More than 3,000 English words utilize the left hand alone when using QWERTY, and about 300 use the right hand. Hence, be prepared to tackle more typing with your left hand.
Take regular breaks. Take a 5-minute break after every 30 minutes of continuous activity to avoid musculoskeletal strain and injury.
ConclusionEssential finger positioning is relatively straightforward, but it may take some time to speed up your typing and accuracy.
Ensure that your wrist, palm, and arm are in the correct position to decrease the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Moreover, maintain a slightly reclined sitting posture to improve overall body posture.
With some practice and consistency, you can quickly type like a professional.
Related Article: What is the Ergonomic Position for Keyboard and Mouse?
Update the detailed information about Why Are Mechanical Keyboards Better For Typing And Gaming? on the Bellydancehcm.com website. We hope the article's content will meet your needs, and we will regularly update the information to provide you with the fastest and most accurate information. Have a great day!