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Can a mechanical keyboard help you type faster?

Gamers love them, but will they make you a faster typer?

Cherry office keyboard
Image: Joe Rice-Jones / KnowTechie

Quick Answer: Yes, mechanical keyboards can help increase typing speed and accuracy compared to membrane keyboards. The tactile feedback and actuation force of mechanical switches allow your fingers to move faster and more precisely between keys.

Nowadays, it’s common to see mechanical keyboards on gamers’ desks, with their tactile switches and vibrant RGB lighting.

This type of keyboard is often marketed as enhancing gaming performance, as the mechanical switch design allows for quick, precise keypresses. The responsive, durable keys are built for high-speed action and gameplay requiring split-second reactions.

That’s not all they’re good for, though. I mean, it’s a keyboard, right? Primarily used for typing, not just fragging noobs?

Whether you’re a coder, a writer, or just doing your school homework, the typing experience with a mechanical keyboard is second to none.

So, is it going to improve your typing ability? Will you be able to type faster for typing on a mechanical keyboard?

So, do mechanical keyboards make you type faster?

Short answer: Yes, but not without practice

The thing about mechanical keyboards, for most people, is their tactility.

The additional feedback on your fingertips not only lets you know that you hit the right key but also that you pressed it far enough down to register a keystroke. This feedback loop will, over time, make you a faster typer as your fingers acclimate.

No matter what type of key switch you have on your keyboard, whether it’s linear, tactile, or clicky switches, they all provide physical feedback.

Kono store whitefox with some keycaps removed
Image: Joe Rice-Jones / KnowTechie

In addition, clicky switches also make a louder noise when pressed down. If you type on these switches for a while, you’ll see an improvement in your typing speed.

You can speed the process along by using online tools, such as typrX, which has gamified typing with online leaderboards and the ability to race other people across the world or challenge specific friends to a type-out.

How To Type Faster On A Mechanical Keyboard

To type faster on a mechanical keyboard, firstly, practice proper finger placement and utilize all your fingers. Secondly, develop muscle memory by regularly typing and gradually increasing your speed. Lastly, consider using typing software or online tools that offer lessons and exercises specifically for mechanical keyboards.

Trying out blank keycaps can also help by making it impossible for you to see the legends on each key by looking down at your fingers. Oh, and don’t slouch. Bad posture also makes your typing slower and could lead to injury.

So, do mechanical keyboards make you type faster?

A lowfree flow mechanical keyboard sits on the table.
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

When it comes to typing speed, having that solid key travel and actuation force can definitely help increase your words per minute. Your fingers instantly know when a key is registered, so you can move on to the next one faster.

That said, no magic keyboard is going to instantly double your typing speed. You still need practice and good technique to max out those gains.

But if you’re serious about getting faster and more accurate at typing, a high-end mechanical board gives you an advantage. The durability keeps that smooth, speedy feel going for years too.

So if you’ve got the cash, mechanical is the way to go. Your fingers will thank you, even if your wallet won’t.

What do you think? Do you feel like you type faster on a mechanical keyboard? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.

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