The Fastest Typer in the World

When it comes to using a computer, typing is a necessity. And sure, some of us still use two fingers and stare down at the keyboard. But who are the fastest typists in the world?

Average Typing Speed

For context, it helps to understand the average typing speed. Average typing speed hovers around 40 words per minutes (WPM). When it comes to typing technique, the average speed of someone who uses the “hunt and peck” method (two fingers staring at the board), is 27 WPM.

Barbara Blackburn – The Fastest Typist in the World

The fastest English language typist in the world is Barbara Blackburn. She was able to hit a peak speed of 216 WPM on a Dvorak keyboard. This was accomplished in 2005 and hasn’t been officially beat since.

Anthony ‘Chak’ Ermolin – Ultimate Typing Champion

The Ultimate Typing Championship is an event that identifies and awards the fastest typists in the US. On Saturday, August 22, 2020, Anthony “Chak” Ermolin came out on top as the ultimate typist. The previous winner was Sean Wrona, but he was the runner-up this past competition.

Anthony “Chak” Ermolin posted typing speeds as fast as 210.4 WPM.

Michael Shestov – The Best Multilingual Typist

Michael Shestov is the world’s fastest typer of multiple languages. He is able to type in more than 27 languages and types at a speed of 160 WPM. Not only is he one of the best multilingual typists, he also is one of the most accurate as well.

Davinder Singh – The Fastest Nose Typist

Who needs your hands when you have a nose?

Davinder Singh holds the world record for typing with his nose. He is able to type 103 characters using his nose in 40.19 seconds. This is equivalent to roughly 39 WPM, right about the speed of the average typer!

Grace Pak – The Fastest Smartphone Typist

Everyone these days uses a smartphone, and we all think we’re pretty fast at it. Not as fast as Grace Pak.

Grace was able to type 264 characters in 56.57 seconds on a QWERTY mobile phone in 2011. Her typing speed is equal to 56 WPM.

Hank Torres – The Fastest Hands-Free Typist

Hank Torres holds the record for the fastest speed for hands-free typing. He accomplished this in 83.09 seconds at the 2011 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference.

How was this done hands-free you ask? Hank used facial motion-capture technology to type out he following sentence: “The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.”

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the fastest typer in the world as well as a handful of the most talented typists. Improving your typing speed is just like any other activity it takes practice. But why not practice on a durable, responsive, and comfortable mechanical keyboard.