Anyone feel like tactility slow down your typing?

[Hyde]

I'm pretty sure this is a personal preference type of thing but....  Anyone else feel like tactility slow you down?

Though at the same time it also feel like tactile bump help lesson the typing mistakes.


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MX Red - Feel like I can type really fast but I also get a lot of typo.

MX Brown - Since it's a very subtle tactile bump I feel like I can type pretty fast without much typo.

Topre - At this point it start to feel like the tactile point is becoming more noticeable and I start so slow down a little bit.  But at this point I still get a good speed vs typo ratio.

Matias Quiet Pro - With the ALPS I find I have to hammer the keys to overcome the tactile point (since ALPS are pretty tactile) to type fast.  And at this amount of tactility it really slows me down.


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So I haven't own any keyboard that's more tactile than Matias Quiet Pro so I can't really comment on it.  Nor do I own any switches more linear than MX Red.

I'm pretty sure those switches exists but someone else might have to put their 2 cents on it.

As for me at the moment it feels like MX Brown and Topre switch have a good balance between tactile but not too tactile for typing.  And MX Red is still the best gaming switch for me so far.

[Tony]

In the long term, accuracy wins over speed. If a typo happens, you have to press Backspace, that hurts the typing flow.

I have tried brown and red and I feel that brown give me good overall speed, red is good for breaking typing record.

[TimIsABat]

I think it is just getting used to the switches. I type on reds now, but when I used to be able to type on my ergoclears (talk about uber tactility) I was slow at first. Then I got used to them and could type faster. God I miss those switches. I'm going to buy a HHKB Pro 2 and I hear the tactility is nice and smooth and still noticeable despite being 45g. Accuracy is definitely more important, although I am pretty accurate with mx reds.

[metalliqaz]

Perhaps a little bit on the MX clears.  But they VERY tactile.  I can still do 80+ WPM on them, though.

[Sifo]

I find myself typing faster on 62g gold clears than anything else... and definitely making the least amount of mistakes. It feels like I type faster on blues because of the sound and because they're lighter, but I end up making way more mistakes and typing slower than I think I am. And I can't find myself to type on linear switches, always making mistakes and when I try to ride the actuation I always end up missing letters.

[TimIsABat]

I find myself typing faster on 62g gold clears than anything else... and definitely making the least amount of mistakes. It feels like I type faster on blues because of the sound and because they're lighter, but I end up making way more mistakes and typing slower than I think I am. And I can't find myself to type on linear switches, always making mistakes and when I try to ride the actuation I always end up missing letters.

It really just takes a lot of time. I end up bottoming out on these reds. I feel that when you type on reds and you want to type pretty accurate on these, you gotta add some o-rings. The red silica rings do pretty well with these. Not so harsh of a bottom out.

[PointyFox]

I find myself typing faster on 62g gold clears than anything else... and definitely making the least amount of mistakes. It feels like I type faster on blues because of the sound and because they're lighter, but I end up making way more mistakes and typing slower than I think I am. And I can't find myself to type on linear switches, always making mistakes and when I try to ride the actuation I always end up missing letters.

It really just takes a lot of time. I end up bottoming out on these reds. I feel that when you type on reds and you want to type pretty accurate on these, you gotta add some o-rings. The red silica rings do pretty well with these. Not so harsh of a bottom out.

Or get MX black and don't bottom out.

[eth0s]

I noticed that my fingers get tired more easily on the 45g Topres than on the ergo silent variable (45g & 30g).  But that is only when I type for like 3 hours or more.  But at that point I can really start to feel the fatigue, and start making more mistakes.  If you really want to type a lot, I would say the Topre ergo silent variable is the best option.  Browns start to feel really scratchy to me.  Blues, meh.  Reds are pretty nice for volume typing.  But i still prefer Topre.  Blacks are too stiff if you have to type a lot.  Vintage blacks seem to be a little nicer.

[Linkbane]

I love the feeling on my MX Reds, and I practice typing Dvorak quite a bit, so my best with it was 133 wpm. On the Blues, which are about as light but lets my fingers know when to let go, thus making typing faster, I can reach 130 more frequently, with less mistakes, and even a one-time 140 wpm.
But about being too tactile, the MX Green switches are very hard; it's good because it teaches you to not bottom out (Now I don't bottom out on Reds most of the time), but it requires so much dedication that it's hard to flow over the keys; the best I had was a low 130 and I type with it more than the reds. They simply fatigue the fingers too much after typing quickly. Linear keys are easier on the fingers while taking away the physical sensation that tells you when you can let go and start a new letter.

[TimIsABat]

I find myself typing faster on 62g gold clears than anything else... and definitely making the least amount of mistakes. It feels like I type faster on blues because of the sound and because they're lighter, but I end up making way more mistakes and typing slower than I think I am. And I can't find myself to type on linear switches, always making mistakes and when I try to ride the actuation I always end up missing letters.

It really just takes a lot of time. I end up bottoming out on these reds. I feel that when you type on reds and you want to type pretty accurate on these, you gotta add some o-rings. The red silica rings do pretty well with these. Not so harsh of a bottom out.

Or get MX black and don't bottom out.

When I tried it I ended up still bottoming out because I would not go past the actuation point at times missing keystrokes.

[Hyde]

Yeah I mean I feel like I can still type carefully on MX Red to avoid making mistakes but it feels like too much effort.  Where as MX Brown / Topre I can kinda type without thinking and get by ok.

Though I currently have my MX Red board plugged in with PS2 and have the repeat delay to shortest timing.  So even if I rest my finger just a tiny bit longer and I get aaaaaaaaa.  Maybe I should try to lower the delay or switch to USB (USB is slower even on the same software setting) so it's a bit forgiving lol.

And from what you guys are saying it makes me really want to try Ergo Clear.  But I'm too lazy to mod my own now so maybe one day. 

[TimIsABat]

Yeah I mean I feel like I can still type carefully on MX Red to avoid making mistakes but it feels like too much effort.  Where as MX Brown / Topre I can kinda type without thinking and get by ok.

Though I currently have my MX Red board plugged in with PS2 and have the repeat delay to shortest timing.  So even if I rest my finger just a tiny bit longer and I get aaaaaaaaa.  Maybe I should try to lower the delay or switch to USB (USB is slower even on the same software setting) so it's a bit forgiving lol.

At from what you guys are saying it makes me really want to try Ergo Clear.  But I'm too lazy to mod my own now so maybe one day. 

Do ergoclear and never look back. I am going Topre soon though. But seriously...ergoclear is really nice with its tactile feedback and a spring force that is comfortable for you (although I here that 45g is a bit sticky feeling). Also if you want to go the extra mile, you could lube em up. I hear it feels almost like a Topre...and I bet it would feel more tactile than 45g Topre.

[Moosecraft]

Lubed ergoclears are my goto typing switch atm,
Gaming on reds with 55g springs.

[BliTzKiN]

Im on ergoclears for both typing and gaming, feel that the tactility actually benefits me more then the linear switches.

[Panoptic]

My daily-use board has MX Greens on it, and when I go back to a board with lighter keys, I get really sloppy.

[d0m3r]

I've used browns and blues before (not personally owned) the tactile feed back didn't do to much, But i notice i type faster on my blacks than i did on blues or browns

[whileycoyote]

i personally type faster in a tactile feedback. Its simply a matter of getting your timing right when using a tactile switch. If your not used to it your not gonna type as fast as you would on a bottom out switch.

[uzoc]

Both tactility and sound should and do (at least to me) give ques and help speed and efficacy.
Hearing/feeling a click or tactile response (blue/browns) BEFORE it bottoms out allows you to type the next letter.
Typing on a low travel key-switch/keycap help.
For example, I can type the fastest if the key has less travel (ex ML, low Cherry keycaps with o-rings). OEM keycaps with no o-rings being the slowest.
My fastest typing is with the my shortest travel keyboard - the Arc.
It bottoms out, but that's where you get and auditory sound, I wish it had a faint mouse click (the arrow keys do).     

[Hyde]

Typing on a low travel key-switch/keycap help.
For example, I can type the fastest if the key has less travel (ex ML, low Cherry keycaps with o-rings). OEM keycaps with no o-rings being the slowest.
My fastest typing is with the my shortest travel keyboard - the Arc. 

Talk about short travel keyboard, I still wonder why Topre doesn't mass produce Topre short throw.  That switch is amazing and it's kinda like best of both worlds.

Though I haven't try a scissor switch / chiclet keyboard for so long so I'm not too sure if I'll actually type faster on a low travel keyboard now.

[uzoc]

Typing on a low travel key-switch/keycap help.
For example, I can type the fastest if the key has less travel (ex ML, low Cherry keycaps with o-rings). OEM keycaps with no o-rings being the slowest.
My fastest typing is with the my shortest travel keyboard - the Arc. 

Talk about short travel keyboard, I still wonder why Topre doesn't mass produce Topre short throw.  That switch is amazing and it's kinda like best of both worlds.

Though I haven't try a scissor switch / chiclet keyboard for so long so I'm not too sure if I'll actually type faster on a low travel keyboard now.

I guess if they do, people will figure out that they can just do with a mid priced keyboard.

[Niomosy]

I've found myself fastest with reds.  I make fewer mistakes with blacks and browns.  Blues, I'm easily the slowest.  There's something about blues and I that just don't mesh well.  I do well on my Model M but slow noticeably on blues.  My cream Alps SGI board (think it's cream) is nice but even trying to keep a light touch, I can't handle typing on it for all that long before my forearms start getting sore.

[thebeargentile]

For me, it depends on if I'm going for all out speed, or highest average speed. 

If I'm taking a typing test, and am just looking for raw typing speed for 1-2 minutes, I do best on Reds. 

If I'm typing in stream of consciousness, doing work tasks, etc., I find that I perform best on clears... I think that the tactility really helps me find my rhythm while typing, and for some reason the tactile bump makes it easier/feel better to perform key rolls and whatnot that improve my overall typing speed and feel. 

[czarek]

I honestly enjoy linear switches. My favourites are NMB Space Invaders, Vintage Blacks and I like MX Red a little bit (I just don't like the scratchy part of it).
The problem is when I use them for work and I type a lot, I sometimes have to stop and double check if the key registered, that's a very awkward feeling, and it doesn't go away when I use linears for longer periods, instead my overall speed lowers as I type more carefully.
This is easily solved with tactility and is even improved with clicks.

[Linkbane]

For me, it depends on if I'm going for all out speed, or highest average speed. 

If I'm taking a typing test, and am just looking for raw typing speed for 1-2 minutes, I do best on Reds. 

If I'm typing in stream of consciousness, doing work tasks, etc., I find that I perform best on clears... I think that the tactility really helps me find my rhythm while typing, and for some reason the tactile bump makes it easier/feel better to perform key rolls and whatnot that improve my overall typing speed and feel.

Just wondering, what is your WPM (say, on 10fastfingers) using reds?
I'm best with blues simply because it feels good to be able to type very lightly and make sure my fingers don't bounce on extraneous keys (which happens a lot, given ADHD), and usually get within the 130 range.

[thebeargentile]

For me, it depends on if I'm going for all out speed, or highest average speed. 

If I'm taking a typing test, and am just looking for raw typing speed for 1-2 minutes, I do best on Reds. 

If I'm typing in stream of consciousness, doing work tasks, etc., I find that I perform best on clears... I think that the tactility really helps me find my rhythm while typing, and for some reason the tactile bump makes it easier/feel better to perform key rolls and whatnot that improve my overall typing speed and feel.

Just wondering, what is your WPM (say, on 10fastfingers) using reds?
I'm best with blues simply because it feels good to be able to type very lightly and make sure my fingers don't bounce on extraneous keys (which happens a lot, given ADHD), and usually get within the 130 range.

I'm not the fastest typer in the world... I tend to range from mid 90s to 100 with reds, and low to mid 90s with clears.  I would say on average, there is about a 4-5 wpm variance for me between the switches... it's not a massive difference, but it is consistent for me between the switches.  Like I said, though, in real-world typing, I tend to be noticeably (though not quantifiably) faster with tactile switches. 

[rowie]

The only real good tactile keyboard I have experienced is with the classic IBM Model M keyboards. Personally, I think I type faster and more accurately with this keyboard compared to other keyboards I have owned thus far. There is just something so pleasurable I find feeling and hearing the clicking and tile like sensations. To me this keyboard is like typing with majohng tiles or domino tiles, and sensations I get with the Ibm classic keyboard that gets me addicted to it like chocolate. I'd say for me, it's like an orgasmic sensation that is almost comparable to the wonderful sensations I get with eating fancy chocolate. 

[Linkbane]

Just wondering, what is your WPM (say, on 10fastfingers) using reds?
I'm best with blues simply because it feels good to be able to type very lightly and make sure my fingers don't bounce on extraneous keys (which happens a lot, given ADHD), and usually get within the 130 range.

I'm not the fastest typer in the world... I tend to range from mid 90s to 100 with reds, and low to mid 90s with clears.  I would say on average, there is about a 4-5 wpm variance for me between the switches... it's not a massive difference, but it is consistent for me between the switches.  Like I said, though, in real-world typing, I tend to be noticeably (though not quantifiably) faster with tactile switches.

I see, interesting then. Reds really do feel quite good to me, and I love typing on them when I'm not going for speed because they are gentle on the fingers and feel wonderful; I can still get in the 130s or so, but I'd say that I'm also about 5 wpm slower or so on Reds. But I don't pay attention to my fingers so much, so 130 on a membrane or RD is still doable, it just doesn't really let me exceed the low 130, where a Blue could.

And I'm not condoning rubber dome, I hate the ridiculous amount of force on them (greater than an MX Green often) with no give at all when I expect them to go down.

[Altis]

I like the Reds, but I too get more typos from them.

On Reds/browns I get around 95 wpm with 1-4% errors.

For speed, short throw and keycap sizing/shape (I like flat) and space between keys matters quite a bit.  Flame suit on, but I get 104-115 wpm consistently with my Apple BT keyboard and <1% error.  It just doesn't sound like it

[Linkbane]

I like the Reds, but I too get more typos from them.

On Reds/browns I get around 95 wpm with 1-4% errors.

For speed, short throw and keycap sizing/shape (I like flat) and space between keys matters quite a bit.  Flame suit on, but I get 104-115 wpm consistently with my Apple BT keyboard and <1% error.  It just doesn't sound like it

I mean, I can still eke out over 130 from a medium-force scissor style laptop keyboard, I just feel that it is more efficient to use contoured keys. 

[divito]

I was generally faster on my Lycosa due to the flat keys. Eventually would like to do a project putting flat keys on a mechanical keyboard. I can match my best of around ~115 with my Das (blues) if I really try, but that's dependent on the test and how hard I'm really trying.

My speed and efficiency with linear switches is no match for tactile switches though. Far more mistakes, and just an unpleasant feeling. It appears as though bottoming out on reds and blacks simply isn't harsh enough to afford my mind the necessary feedback to go faster. I get a better response from rubber domes than I do reds or blacks.

[uzoc]

I was generally faster on my Lycosa due to the flat keys. Eventually would like to do a project putting flat keys on a mechanical keyboard. I can match my best of around ~115 with my Das (blues) if I really try, but that's dependent on the test and how hard I'm really trying.

My speed and efficiency with linear switches is no match for tactile switches though. Far more mistakes, and just an unpleasant feeling. It appears as though bottoming out on reds and blacks simply isn't harsh enough to afford my mind the necessary feedback to go faster. I get a better response from rubber domes than I do reds or blacks.

I second that

[Jack]

Yeah, same here. I really didn't understand that thread about MX Blacks being the ultimate switch for fast typing. If I get going very fast at all I simply can't deal with linear switches. I have to bottom out for reliable feedback and it gets very tiring. Of what I have, Topres are my best bet. Blues don't really do anything for me. Sort of trip me up. I want my buckling springs back though. I did my best speeds on them.

[terran5992]

I guess that fast touch typist find the tactile bump a distraction

[Jack]

Nah, I definitely don't think it's a distraction. It helps accuracy, which after a point is really the most important thing, errors being more devastating to the final result the faster you're going. With linear switches, I can get great bursts at times by pressing to actuation, but it's really a matter of happening to properly actuate and not miss any. If I get lucky it works out great, but if I do it so that I'll definitely be accurate, it starts to hurt. Tactile feedbacks helps me pace it, so fingers aren't flying around the keyboard quite as much, but the result is more consistently accurate, and so it's faster. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, and the bump keeps it in check.

[keymaster]

I believe that tactility makes me type faster and more accurately than I do with linear switches. Tactility lets my subconscious know that I've pressed something. I don't get the same effect with linear switches. Thus, I tend to mistype much more often with linear switches.

[Fragil1ty]

I'll be honest, I think I  can type fastest  on Blues and Blacks, but I do not like either of those switches. Blacks, I cannot stand and I am selling that keyboard on as soon as my new one arrives.

I love reds, I love typing on them and the feel is just fantastic, but the only downside, much like you have pointed out is the fact that they do increase your ability to typo an awful lot, I think it's just a learning  curve when it comes to MX Cherry Reds.

Overall, I think if you're typing on blues, you will have a much better typing experience, I guess the same goes for browns? but I have never had the opportunity to try them I'm afraid.

[uzoc]

I guess that fast touch typist find the tactile bump a distraction

That's almost like saying a metronome keeps you out of sync.

[Belfong]

This is an interesting discussion and I gotta ask, are you guys all touch typist?

I definitely am not. I don't have all 10 fingers on the keyboard. My left thumb is on the edge of the space bar and my left fingers hover around WASD. The right pointer and middle finger are the ones that I move around the right side of the keyboard and I'm basically poking on the keys.

As such, I tend to bottom out more and I find myself typing fastest on the Blues due to tactility AND sound. I think perhaps the sound feedback is more important to my speed than the tactility because I find I didn't type as fast on the Matias Quiet Pro as well.

On the MX Blacks, I bottom out too but because it is linear and quiet, I had the worst speed.

Am I the only one who typed this way?

[Linkbane]

Am I the only one who typed this way?

Probably. I must ask, why buy a mechanical keyboard when you type so inefficiently? It won't make you any faster at all unless you have proper typing technique and don't bottom out.

[dante]

Scratchy switches are far more of a distraction and hindrance than tactility.

[Belfong]

Am I the only one who typed this way?

Probably. I must ask, why buy a mechanical keyboard when you type so inefficiently? It won't make you any faster at all unless you have proper typing technique and don't bottom out.

I've been typing like this for 20 years. It will be difficult to change. You are right.. It's inefficient. And my wpm is just a measly 70 wpm or thereabouts.

[Photoelectric]

After a short period of adjustment, I type about evenly on all the switches I like.  Only exception were 62g Clears that I did not like on my Filco--they really slowed me down.  Typing on vintage Blacks with 62g springs (basically reds) + Cherry profile caps + very thin silicone o-rings feels quite tactile and fast.  Without o-rings and with OEM caps, I think they'd feel more linear, in my experience.  I also really enjoy my light jailhouse blues keyboard--short travel distance, light, tactile, speedy.  Typing on stock Clears is very enjoyable, but I have to exert more effort, so I'm a bit slower.  Blues feel great for typing (but too loud).  Basically anything that doesn't feel wobbly, I can type quickly on.  Browns and ergo Clears feel wobbly / with an odd bump to me now, so I avoid them.

[Linkbane]

I've been typing like this for 20 years. It will be difficult to change. You are right.. It's inefficient. And my wpm is just a measly 70 wpm or thereabouts.

I don't know if you're being sarcastic, because it's not particularly good. Typing to a certain extent is about your brain being able to make out words, so even using one hand when I still used QWERTY just for fun I could reach 60 wpm or so, when my maximum was in the nineties.

With better typing technique you could probably make it to the nineties, if not hundreds. I have only practiced for nine months or so, and I type in the 120-140 range. Proper technique was vital, because it's just a handicap with one less finger.

[Belfong]

Not sarcastic at all.. I'm just stating a fact.

I don't think I started typing with any proper technique. I didn't attend any classes or did any self learning then. So this habit stuck with me.

Edit: I better clarify that my 70wpm was what I scored by typing those online typing game where they give you a paragraph and you have to type as the clock ticked. I think I could type much faster if I were to write an email or blog, as the words form in my brain to my fingers. But I don't know how to measure the wpm for that!