Learning to Type FAST in 5 Days - 150+ wpm Guide from MKBHD Team

Summary

In this video, Andrew tests various typing speed exercises to help improve typing performance. He introduces six exercises, including weighted keyboards, accuracy-focused tests, and distractions like visual and auditory challenges. Using websites like keybr.com and Monkey Type, Andrew shows how practicing focused typing can boost typing speed. The results are surprising, with several studio members improving dramatically, including some breaking 100 words per minute for the first time. The video also explores how external factors like music can influence typing speed. A final product sponsor, Nebula, introduces a cutting-edge projector to cap off the video.

Takeaways

• 😀 Typing speed improvement is possible through targeted exercises and practices, with consistent effort showing measurable results.
• 😀 Using a weighted keyboard, similar to baseball bat warm-ups, was tested but didn't show significant improvements, reinforcing that some typing speed myths are debunked.
• 😀 Focusing on accuracy and not looking at the keyboard helps improve typing speed, as demonstrated through testing with keybr.com.
• 😀 Distractions, like visual distractions in typing tests, can impact performance, but overcoming them improves focus and speed over time.
• 😀 Personalized typing tests that target specific weaknesses, like those provided by keybr.com, can speed up the learning process for beginners.
• 😀 Monkey Type's 'Read Ahead' mode helps improve muscle memory by forcing the typist to anticipate and type words ahead of time.
• 😀 Listening to music with a fast tempo can help improve typing rhythm and increase words per minute, as seen in tests with different beats per minute.
• 😀 Typing tests in different environments (like with music or distractions) can teach you how to find and maintain a rhythm to improve typing accuracy and speed.
• 😀 Consistent practice with typing exercises, even for short periods daily, can lead to noticeable improvements in typing speed within a workweek.
• 😀 Music helps establish a typing rhythm, and using it while typing can lead to a natural flow, which is vital for increasing words per minute.
• 😀 Real-world typing improvement can be achieved with simple exercises, and everyone can see results with just 10 minutes of focused practice in a day.

Q & A

How fast can Andrew type?

Andrew can type at a speed of 150 words per minute.

What is the purpose of the weighted keyboard test?

The weighted keyboard test was designed to explore if warming up with a heavier keyboard could improve typing speed when switching to a normal keyboard, similar to how baseball players use weighted bats to warm up.

What was the outcome of the weighted keyboard test?

The weighted keyboard test did not result in significant improvements. In fact, Adam’s typing speed was only slightly faster, while Tim performed worse than in his previous test.

What is keybr.com and how does it help improve typing skills?

Keybr.com is a website that helps improve typing skills by generating personalized tests based on the user’s weak areas on the keyboard. It helps users build muscle memory and type more accurately without looking at the keyboard.

What was the aim of the visually distracting typing test?

The aim was to help participants focus on the content they need to type, rather than how they are typing, by distracting them visually to see if their accuracy or typing speed would improve.

How does the Monkey Type website contribute to typing improvement?

Monkey Type offers various modes for typing practice, including a 'read ahead' mode that challenges users to type based on the next word before it appears, helping to improve muscle memory and typing speed.

What is the 'read ahead' mode on Monkey Type?

The 'read ahead' mode on Monkey Type hides the next word until the user starts typing, encouraging users to anticipate the next word, which improves their ability to type quickly and accurately by reinforcing muscle memory.

How does music affect typing speed according to the video?

Music, especially with a steady beat (beats per minute), was tested to see if it could help participants get into a rhythm or flow, potentially improving their typing speed. The results showed gradual improvement in some cases.

What is the significance of the sound test in the video?

The sound test was used to see if music could influence typing performance. While the direct results on words per minute were inconclusive, participants who got into the groove (such as by moving to the music) showed improved results over time.

What exercise approach was used to improve typing speeds in the studio?

Over a week, six studio members practiced typing for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon using various exercises. At the end of the week, every participant showed improvement, with three breaking 100 words per minute for the first time.