How to Break Through a Typing Speed Plateau

Stuck at 50 or 80 WPM? Discover advanced techniques to push past your typing speed plateau and reach the next level.

Stop Typing Letters, Start Typing Words

Most typists hit a plateau because they type letter-by-letter. To reach speeds above 80 WPM, you must start thinking in 'word blocks' or 'n-grams' (common letter combinations like -tion, -ing, or the).

Instead of thinking T-H-E, your brain should trigger a single muscle memory 'macro' for the entire word 'the'. Practice by typing common phrases repeatedly until they feel like a single fluid motion rather than individual taps.

The Power of Burst Training

If you're stuck at a certain speed, try 'Burst Training.' Take a short sentence and try to type it as fast as humanly possible, ignoring errors. Then, type it again with perfect accuracy.

Alternating between 'speed-focused' and 'accuracy-focused' sessions pushes your nervous system to fire faster while maintaining the control needed for clean output. On LexiType, use the 'Sprint' mode to practice these high-velocity bursts.

Targeting Problematic Key Sequences

Identify the specific clusters of letters that slow you down. For many, it's words with 'X', 'Z', or 'B'. Use a text analyzer to see which words you type the slowest.

Once identified, create a custom practice list of these 'problem words.' Overcoming the friction of these difficult reaches will naturally lift your overall average speed, as you'll no longer be stuttering on difficult vocabulary.