KEYBOARD SPEED TEST
Type the phrase below to benchmark your keyboard. Then scroll down to learn how different keyboards affect your speed.
Click here and type the words to check your speed
HOW TO TEST YOUR KEYBOARD
The teaser above gives you a quick benchmark — type the phrase and see your WPM result instantly. But a single phrase only tells part of the story. To properly test your keyboard, you want longer sessions that reveal how consistent your keystrokes feel over time.
Here is what to do: take the quick test above to get a baseline number. Then open the full typing test and run three 60-second sessions. Average your results. That average is your true keyboard speed — not your peak, but the speed you can actually sustain.
If you have access to different keyboards, repeat this process on each one. You might be surprised how much the feel of the switch affects your consistency. Most people find their speed varies by 5-15 WPM between keyboard types — not because one keyboard is mechanically faster, but because feedback quality changes how confidently your fingers move.
KEYBOARD TYPES COMPARED
Six keyboard categories — how each one feels, performs, and affects your WPM
Membrane
MOST COMMON- +Affordable ($10-30)
- +Quiet operation
- +Spill-resistant designs available
- +Lightweight and portable
- -Imprecise key feedback
- -Inconsistent actuation force
- -Keys degrade over time
- -Difficult to build muscle memory
Membrane keyboards are fine for casual use, but the mushy key feel makes it harder to develop the precise muscle memory needed for fast typing. If you are stuck below 60 WPM, your membrane board might be part of the problem — not because it limits your speed mechanically, but because the lack of feedback slows your learning.
Mechanical (Linear)
SPEED FOCUSED- +Fastest actuation — no resistance bump
- +Great for rapid key presses
- +Lower fatigue during long sessions
- +Preferred by competitive typists
- -No tactile confirmation of keypress
- -Easy to accidentally press keys
- -Learning curve if coming from membrane
- -Can feel too light for some typists
Linear switches are the go-to for speed typists. The key travels straight down with zero interruption, so your fingers never have to fight a bump or wait for a click. The trade-off is that you get no physical confirmation of registration — you rely entirely on muscle memory. Most typists who break 100 WPM prefer linear switches.
Mechanical (Tactile)
BEST ALL-ROUNDER- +Feedback bump confirms registration
- +Quieter than clicky switches
- +Good balance of speed and accuracy
- +Best for coding and writing
- -Slightly slower than linear at top speeds
- -Bump can feel subtle on some switches
- -Brown switches often criticized as too mild
- -Higher-quality tactile switches are expensive
Tactile switches are the most popular choice among daily typists for good reason. The bump gives your brain just enough feedback to confirm a keypress without slowing you down. If you type for hours each day — writing, coding, chatting — tactile switches hit the sweet spot between speed and confidence in every keystroke.
Mechanical (Clicky)
MOST SATISFYING- +Extremely satisfying feedback
- +Both audio and tactile confirmation
- +Great for learning touch typing
- +You always know when a key registers
- -Very loud — not office-friendly
- -Click mechanism adds slight resistance
- -Can cause fatigue at very high speeds
- -Coworkers and family will complain
Clicky switches are the best teacher. The audible click creates a tight feedback loop — your brain connects the finger motion to the sound instantly, which accelerates muscle memory development. They are not the fastest for raw WPM, but they are excellent for learning. Many fast typists started on clicky and switched to linear once their technique was locked in.
Low-Profile
TRAVEL FRIENDLY- +Slim, portable design
- +Minimal wrist elevation needed
- +Feels natural for laptop typists
- +Modern aesthetic fits any desk
- -Less key travel means less feedback
- -Fewer switch options than full-size
- -Keycap customization is limited
- -Can feel cramped with larger hands
Low-profile keyboards are a solid choice if you travel frequently or prefer the feel of a laptop keyboard. The reduced key travel means less finger movement per keystroke, which can be an advantage for speed once you adapt. The trade-off is that the shorter travel reduces tactile feedback, making it slightly harder to sense when a key registers.
Ergonomic / Split
LONG-TERM COMFORT- +Dramatically reduces wrist and shoulder strain
- +Natural typing posture
- +Can prevent or alleviate RSI
- +Many typists report faster long-session speeds
- -Steep learning curve (2-6 weeks)
- -Expensive ($100-400+)
- -Not portable
- -Your WPM will drop temporarily
Ergonomic and split keyboards are the long game. Your speed will drop for the first few weeks as your fingers relearn positions on a split layout. But once adapted, most typists find they can sustain higher speeds over longer sessions because fatigue and strain are virtually eliminated. If you type 6+ hours daily, the initial slowdown pays off.
DOES YOUR KEYBOARD MATTER?
The honest answer is: it depends on what you mean
FOR COMFORT — YES, ABSOLUTELY
This is where keyboards make the biggest difference. A well-built mechanical keyboard with the right switch type for your preference will feel dramatically better than a cheap membrane board. Your fingers will be less fatigued after long sessions, your hands will thank you, and the overall experience of typing becomes something you enjoy rather than endure. If you type more than an hour a day, upgrading your keyboard is one of the best investments you can make for comfort.
FOR RAW SPEED — MARGINAL
Here is the truth that keyboard enthusiasts sometimes avoid: the difference in raw WPM between a $30 membrane and a $200 mechanical keyboard is typically 5-15 WPM. Your speed is determined almost entirely by your technique, finger coordination, and how much you practice. A professional typist can hit 120 WPM on a membrane board. That said, mechanical keyboards make it easier to develop good technique because the consistent feedback accelerates muscle memory formation. The keyboard does not make you faster — it helps you learn faster.
FOR ENDURANCE — SIGNIFICANT
This is the underrated factor. Your peak WPM matters less than the speed you can maintain for 30 minutes, an hour, or a full workday. Cheap keyboards cause finger fatigue faster — mushy keys require bottoming out every keystroke, which compounds strain over thousands of key presses. A quality keyboard with appropriate switch weight lets you type with less force per key, meaning your sustained speed stays closer to your peak speed throughout the day. This is where the upgrade truly pays off.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT KEYBOARD FOR SPEED
Practical tips for picking a keyboard that helps you type faster
START WITH SWITCH TYPE
If speed is your priority, try linear switches first (Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red). If you want a balance of speed and feedback, go tactile (Brown). Only go clicky (Blue) if you are learning touch typing from scratch — the audio feedback is invaluable for beginners.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
75% and TKL (tenkeyless) layouts are ideal for typists. They remove the number pad, bringing your mouse closer and reducing shoulder strain. You keep the function row and arrow keys. Full-size boards waste space unless you use the numpad daily.
GET HOT-SWAPPABLE IF UNSURE
Hot-swap boards let you change switches without soldering. Buy a Keychron C3 Pro or RK84, try the stock switches, then swap in different ones if they do not feel right. This is much cheaper than buying multiple keyboards.
CONSIDER ACTUATION FORCE
Light switches (40-45g) are faster but more prone to accidental presses. Medium switches (50-55g) balance speed and control. Heavy switches (60g+) prevent mistakes but fatigue fingers faster. Most speed typists prefer 45g linear switches.
DO NOT IGNORE KEYCAP PROFILE
Cherry and OEM profile keycaps have a sculpted shape that guides fingers to the center of each key. Flat (DSA/XDA) profiles look clean but provide less physical guidance. For speed, sculpted profiles generally perform better.
PRACTICE MATTERS MORE
Even the best keyboard will not compensate for poor technique. Invest in practice before investing in gear. Use the keyboard speed test on this page to benchmark, then spend 15 minutes daily on the full typing test. Once your technique is solid, a keyboard upgrade amplifies your gains.
RELATED GUIDES
Keep leveling up your typing
TRY IT WITH YOUR KEYBOARD
Now that you know what to look for — test your current keyboard speed
Click here and type the words to check your speed
KEYBOARD FAQ
Common questions about keyboards and typing speed
Does your keyboard actually affect typing speed?
Yes, but the effect is more about comfort and consistency than raw speed. Switching from a membrane to a mechanical keyboard typically adds 5-15 WPM over time — not because the keyboard is faster, but because the consistent feedback helps you build better muscle memory. The biggest gains come from reduced fatigue during long sessions, letting you maintain your top speed for longer.
What is the best keyboard type for fast typing?
Mechanical keyboards with linear switches (Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red) are fastest for raw WPM because they have the lowest resistance and no bump to slow the keystroke. However, many fast typists prefer tactile switches (Brown) for the confirmation feedback. The best keyboard type is the one that feels most natural to your fingers — test different switch types if you can.
Can I type fast on a membrane keyboard?
Absolutely. Many typists exceed 80 WPM on membrane keyboards. The keyboard does not set your speed ceiling — technique and practice do. However, membrane boards make it harder to improve because the mushy key feel provides inconsistent feedback. You can type fast on any keyboard, but mechanical boards make the learning process smoother.
How do I test my keyboard speed online?
Use Kwerty's keyboard speed test at the top of this page. Type the phrase shown, and your WPM (words per minute) result will appear immediately. For a more thorough test, try the full typing test at kwerty.site/play — it gives you 30 or 60-second timed sessions with accuracy tracking. Test on different keyboards if possible, then compare your results.
Are mechanical keyboards better than membrane for gaming?
For typing games and general gaming, mechanical keyboards offer faster actuation and more consistent key registration. Linear switches (Red or Speed Silver) are the most popular for gaming because they actuate with minimal force. However, for typing-heavy games or mixed use, tactile switches give you the best balance of speed and feedback.
What keyboard switch is quietest for office use?
Cherry MX Silent Red and Gateron Silent switches are the quietest mechanical options — they have internal dampeners that absorb the sound of bottoming out and key release. If you want mechanical feedback without disturbing coworkers, silent linear or silent tactile switches are your best bet. Alternatively, the Logitech MX Keys (scissor switch) is near-silent and types well.
How much should I spend on a keyboard for typing speed?
The sweet spot is $50-100. Budget mechanical keyboards like the Redragon K552 ($30) or Keychron C3 Pro ($35) offer genuine mechanical feel at low cost. The best value overall is the $60-80 range — boards like the Keychron K2 and Royal Kludge RK84 give you hot-swappable switches, wireless, and solid build quality. Spending above $150 buys better sound and feel, but not faster typing.
Will a new keyboard help me break 100 WPM?
A new keyboard alone will not break you through 100 WPM. Speed above 80-90 WPM is almost entirely about technique — proper finger placement, minimizing unnecessary movement, and maintaining rhythm. A good mechanical keyboard removes the friction of bad feedback and inconsistent keys, but the speed itself has to come from practice. Use the keyboard speed test above to benchmark, then practice consistently.
START THE KEYBOARD TEST
Your keyboard is ready. Open Kwerty and see what it can do — 30 or 60 seconds is all it takes to know your real speed.