Individual Learner - Getting Started

We're so glad you've chosen to develop your keyboarding skills with the KeyMaster^® Keyboard!  You will find that by mastering touch typing and improving your keyboarding skill you will become more productive as you complete tasks in a shorter amount of time.  You will also step up your cognitive brain power by freeing your mind from the logistics of typing so you can better focus on the task at hand.

You may have a few questions about our KeyMaster^® Keyboard and how to utilize it during touch type practice.  Review the following topics as you learn to use the KeyMaster^® Keyboard for keyboard mastery.

 

Integration Basics

You may be wondering how to use the KeyMaster^® Keyboard to practice touch typing and improve your overall keyboarding proficiency.  Here are a few integration methods we recommend to get you started:

1. All In Method -  If you are ready to master the keyboard quickly and efficiently, we strongly recommend you pair the KeyMaster^® Keyboard with online keyboarding software such as typing.com. The keyboarding software will provide technique instruction and practice opportunities while the blackout feature of the KeyMaster^® Keyboard will ensure that eyes remain on copy (not on keys!) during touch type practice.  The KeyMaster^® Keyboard will be a valuable tool in your keyboarding journey but just like any skill, practice is essential to successful mastery.
   
   Complete a few lessons every day, blacking out the keys you are practicing so there's no temptation to peek at your fingers. Continue to black out each key that is practiced and taught until all keys are mastered.  Before you know it you will have the entire keyboard blacked out and your WPM will skyrocket!
   
   
2. Daily Integration Method - If you'd like to incorporate your keyboarding practice into your everyday computer activities, choose 2-3 keys to turn off each day.  As you learn to master these keys without looking at your keyboard, continue to black out a few more keys each day until all alpha and numeric keys have been mastered.  Review the diagram below to ensure that proper finger placement is used as keys are practiced and mastered.
   
   To avoid the temptation of looking at fingers, be sure to leave practiced keys off during daily computer activities. As additional keys are practiced and you grow more confident in your key-by-touch abilities, typing without looking at your fingers will replace your current hunt-and-peck typing habits. 

 

Lights On/Off Feature

All alpha and numeric keys may be turned on or blacked out as appropriate during keyboarding practice.  To turn on or off key visibility, press the "lights on" key.  To turn on or off visibility to specific keys, press the Set key, plus the desired key.

 

Keyboard Positioning

For best "lights on" visibility, the KeyMaster^® Keyboard should be placed at elbow height, one hand span in front of the body, with keyboard kickstand extended.  This is the optimal height and distance for key visibility and proper keyboarding technique.

  

Cleaning Tips

Keyboards should be cleaned regularly to avoid oily buildup on the keys that may slightly alter the appearance of the black out feature on the keyboards.  A 2:1 rubbing alcohol solution for cleaning keys is effective at removing buildup and keeping keys in optimal condition for "lights off" practice.