Learning to Type Again

I have been contemplating, getting an Ergodox keyboard for a while and I kept putting it off. This holiday season, I put it into my wishlist because, according to my family and friends, I’m notoriously difficult to buy a gift for. I got gifted the Moonlander and it’s been an interesting few days.

First Impressions

I realised that I never quite touch typed. One of the things, I’m forcing myself to do is to actually learn to touch type. Once I got past that learning curve, it’s not too bad. The Moonlander is quite pretty and compact. I could carry it every day. I’m using the default layout for now. In the first week, my typing speed was around 25 to 30 WPM.

My Moonlander keyboard with a printed layout.

Positives

The second layer having a dedicated numpad is something I enjoy when I’m working with numbers — usually for accounts. Having used a keyboard without a numpad for years, it is super helpful.

Surprises

  • Backpace where I expect caps lock. I’m still learning to use it.
  • A single space key. I need to use my left thumb for it.
  • The position of the Esc key. It’s at my right thumb.

Frustrations

This may be due my own making by picking the default layout; but some keys always frustrate me. At the moment, combinations that use the Tab key are my stumbling block. I keep having to think really hard to remember how to change windows.

Practice Makes Perfect

Throughout the holidays, I practiced around 6 to 8 times throughout the day. As of today, my typing speed is at 70 WPM. I’m even touch typing better than I used to!

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