Mastering Muscle Memory
Train Smarter, Not Just Longer
Train Smarter, Not Just Longer
TIPS
Practice daily for 30+ minutes, even short sessions in between can help
A quick session before a good night's sleep consolidates motor skills
Use different tools
Prioritize precision over speed for optimal efficiency
Learn shortcuts like Ctrl + Backspace
Type with audible feedback to reinforce rhythm and accuracy
Use Keybr to find and fix weak keys.
Practice with Ngram exercises for common letter patterns
Be patient — take breaks and allow time to improve
Stay motivated, watch this — everyone improves with time and effort.
Your brain is very good at learning different keyboard layouts for different devices. This means you can still use QWERTY on your laptop while learning a new layout on the Glove80.
Your brain creates separate muscle memories for different keyboard types. Just like you can ride both a bicycle and a skateboard without getting confused, you can type on different keyboards without a problem.
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 alternative layout like Colemak Mod-DH, Enthium, or Aptmak on the Glove80, try not to use QWERTY on it. Using two layouts on the same device can confuse your brain. Instead, stick to the new layout on the Glove80 to learn it faster and more easily. Your brain creates separate muscle memory for different keyboard styles—staggered (laptop), split ortholinear (Glove80), or phone keyboards. It will switch between them instantly without confusion, just like switching between riding a bike and a skateboard. Try the Alpha Test Drive Tool.
Summary: Your brain can handle multiple keyboard layouts without trouble. But if you're learning a new layout, keep it consistent on one device to improve your typing speed and avoid confusion.
NOTE: If your workflow heavily relies on hotkeys, this can pose a challenge.
Learning an alternative keyboard layout is generally about comfort rather than speed. For many, including myself, the speed increase primarily comes from learning proper touch typing during the transition. Recommended: Why are the fastest typists on QWERTY?
If you're a programmer or engineer, consider creating a dedicated symbol layer. Frequently using symbols with your right pinky and ring finger can lead to wrist strain and increase the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Recommended: Prime about the symbols causing the problem.
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