How to choose a keyboard for faster typing [closed]

I noticed that, with different keyboards, my typing speed varies greatly. However, I don't know what, exactly, in the keyboard, affects the typing speed?

My current keyboard makes me type very slow. I need to exert a lot of force for pressing a key.

I want to buy a new keyboard with which I can type faster. However, the dealer won't let me open the package and try. Is there any way I can tell, in advance, what keyboard will make me type faster?

What is really important is the force and consistency of the force necessary to push a key, and the way it pushes back. They keys have to slide, without friction, which excludes most cheap keyboards which have a high friction mechanism for positioning each key. Yes, in most keyboards you can't check that until you try them. And usually low profile keyboards are better at providing a faster typing rate because they lack that mechanism, if we're talking low cost. Such low profile keys rely on rubber (or whatever) to hold the keys in position, and use classic plastic nest only for securing less common movements. Logitech UltraX keyboard has a different plastic mechanism which offers less friction and better stability.

Too low profile is also bad, when it comes to flattening the keys. Some laptops today provide a totally flat keyboard, which doesn't offer much tactile feedback. It's harder to feel the keys shape and position, thus it is necessary for each key to have relief (high edges, lowered center).

When you talk about very fast typing, faster than 6 characters per second, you might want to take a look at mechanical keys offered in high end keyboards such as Das Keyboard.

So what you need is:

• Less friction
• Key relief
• Stability (stable key position, no wobbling)
• *Might also take a look at keyboards that claim to be ergonomic. They usually offer more comfort, and you may type faster on them.

Sounds like you might want to consider a mechanical keyboard. Pressing keys is generally lighter, and the recognizable 'click' you hear when the key is pressed will allow you to stop pushing the keys further.

If you want to go all-in, consider the Model S Ultimate Keyboard. Not only is this a very solid, durable mechanical keyboard, but it also has no letters printed on it. Harder at first, but on the long term it forces you to touch-type and will improve typing speed (on this and on future keyboards).

You should clarify what fast and what slow means. According to this article an average computer user does above 30WPM. Typing fast on a keyboard is at least a two part thing. I'll try to explain myself:

Keyboard layout

The layout of the letters you're using is important. Almost everyone uses QWERTY layout, but It's not designed for speed. You could consider switching to a faster layout like DVORAK. It should take a month or two. Personally I decided it's too much for me and I'm sticked with QWERTY.

Keyboard build

Not all keyboards are equal - I personally prefer notebook (or laptop) like keyboards. Why? - They have short key travel and all keys are near. My favorite one is the Apple wireless keyboard (Yes I'm a mac user) and a very nice one is one of the IBM ThinkPad USB Keyboards (now Lenovo). ThinkPads used to have a great keyboard, and with a few exceptions the external USB keyboards are almost like them.

ps. Visit an Apple store - you should be able to try the keyboards.