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Methods for text entry
Thread poster: Daniel Hug
Daniel Hug
Daniel Hug
United Kingdom
Nov 27, 2024

I am trying to improve the speed of my text entries. I'd say typing speed, but if dictation is the best way, so be it. Recently tried a mechanical keyboard, and I was amazed how well the keys work. If you have not tried it, do. Currently using a Microsoft Natural keyboard, have been for ten years or so. What I can think of is:

  1. Just a better keyboard like an ergonomic mechanical keyboard. But they are not cheap, and I don't want to spend that much just to try.

  2. ... See more
I am trying to improve the speed of my text entries. I'd say typing speed, but if dictation is the best way, so be it. Recently tried a mechanical keyboard, and I was amazed how well the keys work. If you have not tried it, do. Currently using a Microsoft Natural keyboard, have been for ten years or so. What I can think of is:

  1. Just a better keyboard like an ergonomic mechanical keyboard. But they are not cheap, and I don't want to spend that much just to try.

  2. Shorthand. That's called "chording" I learned. How many people actually do it? How difficult to learn, which hardware/software is necessary?

  3. Dictation. I'm sharing an office with about 7 other people. Hum-hom... Can that work?


I'd love to learn what other people do. ▲ Collapse
 
Recep Kurt
Recep Kurt  Identity Verified
Türkiye
Local time: 13:50
Member (2011)
English to Turkish
+ ...
Similar setup Nov 28, 2024

1- Mechanical keyboard
2- Dictation (voicenotebook.com)
3- ClipboardFusion
4- AnyCase App
 
Dan Lucas
Dan Lucas  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:50
Member (2014)
Japanese to English
Short forms Nov 28, 2024

You may find this thread on text entry interesting.
https://www.proz.com/forum/translation_theory_and_practice/325966-does_anyone_use_"dutton_speedwords"_or_anything_equivalent.html#2733082

Regards,
Dan
 
Dan Lucas
Dan Lucas  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:50
Member (2014)
Japanese to English
Ergonomic keyboards are about ergonomics rather than speed Nov 28, 2024

Daniel Hug wrote:
  • Just a better keyboard like an ergonomic mechanical keyboard. But they are not cheap, and I don't want to spend that much just to try.

    • You shouldn't be trying an ergonomic mechanical keyboard because you want to type more quickly but because you want to prevent cumulative damage to your hands, wrists, and arms over the long term. Most people do not actually move to ergonomic keyboards until they are already in pain - which is how it happened with me. Note also that you should choose relatively quiet keys (of the type often referred to as "brown," rather than "blue") if you work in an office with other people.

    You might want to consider something like an UHK 80 or a Dygma Defy. Yes, they are expensive, but they should last indefinitely, and they mean that your typing experience will be the same wherever you take it, irrespective of the PC or operating system. Also, any new layout will take a while to get used to, so factor that into your calculations.

    For speed, just practice typing more.

    Dan

    [Edited at 2024-11-28 12:41 GMT]

    Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
    Daryo
     
    Zea_Mays
    Zea_Mays  Identity Verified
    Italy
    Local time: 11:50
    Member (2009)
    English to German
    + ...
    touch typing + Apple equipment Nov 28, 2024

    In terms of speed, I am much faster when typing with all fingers than dictating or anything else (I'm pretty fast at it).
    I use Apple's flat keyboard, which has little resistance and requires little lifting of fingers and hands, adding to the speed. It does a good job, and it's very quiet, I'm just afraid it's not compatible with Win devices. The same goes for the Magic Trackpad, which reduces the time it takes to select, click, swipe and all other mouse gestures. It also reduces stress o    ... See more
    In terms of speed, I am much faster when typing with all fingers than dictating or anything else (I'm pretty fast at it).
    I use Apple's flat keyboard, which has little resistance and requires little lifting of fingers and hands, adding to the speed. It does a good job, and it's very quiet, I'm just afraid it's not compatible with Win devices. The same goes for the Magic Trackpad, which reduces the time it takes to select, click, swipe and all other mouse gestures. It also reduces stress on your fingers and joints as you make just very little movements.
    Automatic word completion is also a useful feature. I know people who have fed their key terminology into Word and were able to save a lot of time.     ▲ Collapse
     


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    Methods for text entry






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