How To Quit Using Only Two Fingers While Typing

Free online training tasks, keyboard accessories, ergonomic improvements and goal setting can help you break the habit of two finger typing and become a faster and more accurate typist

The best way to fully stop typing with two fingers is to actually dedicate some time to learning how to touch type (not to be confused with regular typing) from the very beginning. 

The bonus to this approach being that even if you don’t become fully proficient at the end of the course you’ll likely inherit some an increase in typing speed. 

We’re not suggesting you go as far as learning how to use a Dvorak layout to reach peak WPM speeds. Just take it slow, accept it will be frustrating to begin with – and know that it’s absolutely fine to develop your own unique typing style. 

Learn about tools and techniques you can use to make the switch from two-finger to touch typing by scanning over the article below. 

Accessorize your keyboard to type more accurately

Accessorizing your keyboard can help you learn to touch type more easily by giving you visual cues of the changes you are making to your typing habits.

Hide your key caps

You can purchase stickers to hide the letters on your key caps. Blank keyboard stickers cover the cap of each key. Using this tool will prevent you from typing by sight, because you won’t be able to look down and “cheat” by reading the letters on your keyboard.

Try colorful key stickers

Colorful key cap stickers show you which finger should be used to hit each key. These key stickers are a favorite in computer classroom settings as a visual reminder of how to touch type. Look for “finger position stickers” or “colored keyboard stickers” to find these stickers for sale online.

Use online resources to type faster

The internet has free resources for typing which may not have existed when you first learned to type. Taking advantage of these resources can help you bring your A-game to the office as you build new typing habits.

Take a touch typing course

Many people learn how to touch type in school, but that’s not the only place to find a touch typing course. Look online for touch typing courses and find one that meets your needs. Search for “free touch typing course” to see what’s available!

Try a touch typing game

Some people learn best by playing.There are many free online games where you can practice your touch typing. After you’ve covered the basics in a course, play some fun typing games and see if you can beat your own score!

Improve ergonomics to type more accurately

Ergonomics refers to the ease and comfort that your work station gives you to help you get the job done. If your desk is not set up well, you may struggle with touch typing and wrist fatigue.

Elevate your wrists

A wrist rest can help you keep your hands in a more comfortable position to make touch typing easier. The fastest typists move their palms very little. If you have small hands or arthritis, using a wrist rest can reduce the fatigue you might otherwise get from keeping your hands in one place over the keys.

Raise your monitor

If your monitor is not at eye-level, it will be tempting to look at the keyboard as you look down at your monitor. Raising your monitor will remind you to look at the screen, not at your hands. As an added bonus, you might reduce neck fatigue with this set-up! Try a stack of books or purchase a monitor stand.

Try a new keyboard

Sometimes the only barrier between typing with two fingers and touch typing is an uncomfortable keyboard. If you have always used the same keyboard, see if purchasing a more ergonomic keyboard speeds up your typing. Mechanical keyboards are popular among computer coders and video game players for the satisfying click of the keys, like an old-fashioned typewriter.

Keep your nails short

Some people struggle to type using their fingertips because of long nails. If you wear acrylic nails or keep your natural nails long, see if a shorter nail length speeds up your typing. A rounded nail edge may also help you type with all of your fingers more easily, as the corner of the nail can get caught in the keys.

Change your typing content

Perhaps you can escape your two-finger typing rut by changing the content of what you type. Many of us type as we think, which slows us down. Having different content to type can change the focus from the content to the typing process.

Type song lyrics

Think of this as touch-typing karaoke. Put on your favorite playlist and type along. Because you don’t have to think of your own sentences, you can focus on keeping up with the song lyrics as you type.

Learn keyboard shortcuts

Learning keyboard shortcuts is a great way to incorporate other fingers into your typing habits. Keyboard shortcuts can also increase your productivity on your PC, because you won’t have to move your hands away from the keys to use the mouse as often.

Set typing goals

Setting goals helps you stay accountable for any new habit. As you break your two-finger typing habit, use goal-setting to focus on your future as a touch typist. Will you improve your speed, increase your accuracy, or beat a friend in a typing competition?

Practice typing daily

Even if you were once a quick typist, it’s easy to lose a skill you don’t practice often. Make a commitment to practice your typing each day and watch as your two-finger habit transforms into confident touch typing.

Set a speed goal

Professional typists measure their typing speed in words per minute. Use a words per minute typing timer to measure your speed daily, and set a goal for the speed you want to achieve. Average touch typists can type around 40-50 words per minute. If you can make it to 75 words per minute, you’re a pro!

Set an accuracy goal

Speed isn’t everything when it comes to typing. After all, anyone can type gibberish at a quick pace. Some people are afraid of making too many mistakes when switching from two-finger to touch typing. Set an accuracy goal so you know that you are maintaining your two-finger accuracy with your new typing style.

Challenge a friend

If you have a friend, coworker, or family member who is also a two-finger typist, it’s time for a friendly competition. Competing with a friend can help both of you commit to your new typing habits and push harder to achieve new typing goals.

Say goodbye to the two-finger typing habit

If you can learn to type twice as quickly by touch typing rather than using two fingers, you can cut your time writing emails, essays, or homework assignments in half.

Train yourself on touch typing basics online. Accessorize your keyboard and set up your office space to make typing easy. Mix up your typing content. Set goals for yourself and your friends to become the best typist you can be!