Typing Basics
Build a stable home row before chasing speed
Use ASDF / JKL; as the return point for every keypress. The fastest route to better typing is not raw speed first, but a stable hand position.
Reviewed on February 28, 2026
The first finger placement to learn
Place your left hand on A S D F and your right hand on J K L ;, with both thumbs resting lightly on the space bar.
The home row is not only where you start. It is the position you return to after each reach.
- Use the bumps on F and J to re-center without looking down
- Keep wrists relaxed instead of locked high or pressed into the desk
- Spend more time watching the screen than watching the keys
Keys that break home row most often
Beginners usually lose position after Enter, Backspace, and the number row.
Treat the reach and the return as one movement. That is what keeps long text stable.
- Return to the right home row after pressing Enter
- Do not leave the right pinky floating after Backspace
- Practice recovering from the number row before practicing speed
How this connects to KeyboardGym
Start with short accurate inputs, then test whether the same posture survives in realistic chat-style prompts.
TypingGym makes breakdowns easy to notice because Enter timing and line breaks matter, not just letter speed.
FAQ
Should I always return to the home row?
Yes. You do not need to freeze there at all times, but returning there naturally after each reach keeps long text more stable.
Is it okay to look at the keyboard at first?
It is fine in the beginning, but use the F and J bumps and gradually shift attention back to the screen.
Should beginners focus on speed or accuracy first?
Accuracy first. Speed built on unstable finger movement usually creates bad habits.