Touch Typing - a Stupid Idea

Touch Typing was a Stupid Idea.

Why?

Because it torques your wrists at a terrible angle, leading to Repetitive Strain Injury:

If you are a computer professional sooner or later RSI will get you if you don't put some kind of defense in place.

So... What to do?

Microsoft gave it a try. Assuming people would not change how they type, they broke the keyboard apart to fix the wrist angle problem.  But "yuck" is my response.

Another brilliant but unfortunate attempt came long before from Dvorak. Knowing that keyboard keys were arranged to hobble typing speeds (mechanical typewriters couldn't keep pace) they re-arranged the keys for speed.

The beauty of Dvorak is that faster typing also means less finger travel distance, and hence less strain. The drawback is that every freaking keyboard in the world isn't Dvorak. And if you're still following a home-row method your wrist is still at a nasty angle.

OK Mr. Smarty Pants (you might be saying) what is your answer?

When I was twelve years old I got fascinated by computers.  Being young and undisciplined (now I'm old and undisciplined) I didn't have the patience to learn to touch-type.

So I taught myself. My "method" was to do whatever felt natural: it involves the thumb and first two fingers of each hand, and ignores both ring and pinky fingers. Even using the left-shift button involves bending my thumb under to press it. Obviously, it wasn't genius that brought this to me, just chance and a natural unwillingness to position my hands in an awkward way.

The GOOD

• My hands come at the keyboard from a natural angle.
• I have never suffered RSI of any kind.

The BAD

• I'm a bit slower than a pro touch typist (I type 56 WPM, as measured here)
• I do occasionally lose my fingering and I have to glance down at the keyboard.

Would I recommend my method to others? You should find what works for you, but I will say this:

RSI is probably coming your way. Whether you choose the MS keyboard, Dvorak, or some other method, I wish you luck. The workstation is a harsh mistress.

Oh, and for Pete's sake, adjust the height of your monitor and save your back!