Mastering Muscle Memory
Train Smarter, Not Just Longer
Train Smarter, Not Just Longer
Learn Smarter, Not Longer: Master Touch Typing Efficiently
Practice every day for about 30 minutes. Even short sessions during the day help you improve.
Try to practice before going to sleep — your brain consolidates what you’ve learned overnight.
Use different typing tools to make learning fun and interesting.
Focus on accuracy first, not speed. When you type correctly, speed will come later.
Learn keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl + Backspace, to save time.
Turn on typing sounds so you can hear your rhythm and type more smoothly.
Use Keybr to find which keys you are weak at and practice them more.
Try Ngram exercises to get better at common letter patterns.
Be patient — take breaks and give yourself time to improve.
Stay motivated — everyone gets better with effort and practice. Watch this video to stay inspired!
Your brain is really good at learning different keyboard layouts on different devices. That means you can keep using QWERTY on your laptop while learning a new layout on the Glove80—and your brain won’t get confused.
Your brain builds separate muscle memories for each keyboard type. It’s just like learning to ride both a bicycle and a skateboard—different skills, but your body knows which one you’re using.
For example:
Laptop keyboards have staggered keys.
Glove80 has a split ortholinear design with straight columns.
Phone keyboards require tapping or swiping on a screen.
Even though these keyboards are different, your brain will adjust instantly to each one.
Important Tip:
If you want to learn a new layout—like Colemak Mod-DH, Enthium, or Aptmak—on the Glove80, try not to use QWERTY on that same keyboard.
Using two layouts on one device can mix up your muscle memory and make learning slower.
It’s best to stick to one layout per device until the new one feels natural.
Take an alternative layout for a spin with the Alpha Test Drive Tool—no setup changes needed, just see how it feels.
Summary:
Your brain can easily handle two different keyboard layouts without problems.
Just remember—if you’re learning a new layout, keep it consistent on one device to learn faster and avoid confusion.
NOTE:
If you rely on many hotkeys for work, retraining them on a new layout will take extra time and effort.
QWERTY is objectively the least efficient keyboard layout, yet the fastest typists in the world are using it. Switching to a new layout isn’t about typing faster—it’s about comfort and long-term ease. (less finger movement video)
Learning a new layout is challenging. At first, it’s slow, frustrating, and requires a lot of effort. You’ll need real motivation to stick with it. The learning curve is steep, and it can take months before you get back to your normal typing speed. Over time, it starts to feel natural, and for many speed gains come from learning proper touch typing rather than the layout itself.
Recommended video: Why are the fastest typists on QWERTY?
If you’re a programmer or engineer, most of the symbols you use often are typed with your right pinky and ring finger. Pressing these keys repeatedly can twist your wrist slightly sideways and put extra strain on your fingers and wrist, which over time may lead to repetitive strain injury (RSI) or increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Tip: Create a dedicated symbol layer to reduce awkward wrist movements and minimize stress on your right pinky and ring finger and wrist. Pay special attention to the symbols you use most—they’re often the ones causing the most strain.
Recommended video: Prime about the symbols causing the problem. and Sunaku's Symbol Layer
Turn split keyboard on:
options: ctrl-shft-p
Keymap mode -> react Keymap style -> split matrix
In Danger zone you can turn off ads
Speed records: mythicalrocket: https://www.youtube.com/mythicalrocket
Take an alternative alpha layout for a ride—Colemak DH, Dvorak, Enthium, Engram, Aptmak, Gallium, Hands Down Neu, or any other—without touching your current setup in the Layout Editor.
It’s like test-driving a new car: you feel it in the first mile.
Launch the Alpha Test Drive Tool
My Custom colors, so it feels the same as monkeytype
Click the Sun/Moon icon ☀
Custom -> import file
At moment of writing this feature is not working as expected
See also: Discord
Layout -> import Custom Layout
"Touch typing is like learning to ride a bike—don't look down; keep your eyes forward, trust your movement, and go with the rhythm." -Moosy
Don’t switch to a new split keyboard or alt layout unless you’re genuinely motivated to learn it. Make sure you’re ready to invest the necessary time and effort before making the change. If not you end up like this guy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbjEfoyNE0A