**  One competitor has threatened legal action because his product is listed on this page, so that product's name has been omitted for the time being.

It's deplorable that present typing programs do not use modern learning principles. I thoroughly support your eText project.
Stephanie B, Corporate Trainer

How do people feel about conventional typing tutor software?

Tell us your experiences with any typing tutor package.

As for my lack of success with these products … mostly, its the home row thing, I just can't get my hands to sit on it.
David A.
Head Information Systems

Typing Tutors

How do you compare typing tutors?

  • Do they give positive reinforcement of what you do right?
    Or nasty warning beeps when you get it wrong?
  • What is the risk of developing pain or discomfort from using their methods?
  • How long it will it take to learn to type using that typing tutor?

Read our list of points by which you can choose which typing tutor you prefer.

Are there any major differences?

Judge for yourselves.  Here are charts summarising results of a comparison done by META Innovation.

On what basis were they compared? See below.

Disclaimer

This typing tutor comparison was prepared in-house by META Innovation and it has not yet been verified by a fully independent third part (as we have had difficulty finding a suitably qualified expert).

While taking care, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented, and we do not have any intention to misrepresent or disparage competitive products. Please advise us of any inaccuracies. Comments are also welcome.

How long does it take to learn?

(According to their claim)  

Some typing tutors make no claim as to how long it might take to learn to type.

  Hours to learn
Nail it Now

2

typeSmart

6

Accu-Type

12

12

KAZ Keyboard AZ

12

Features, Methods and Design

  Rating
typeSmart

34.5

Mavis Beacon Deluxe v15

20

Typing Instructor Deluxe v16 

19.5

Ten Thumbs

15.5

Accu-Type

15.5

15

KAZ Keyboard AZ

12.5

Typing Tutor 10

11.5

Nail it Now

10.5

Some people have tried many typing tutors in an effort to find one they were happy with. Read what one such person says about typeSmart's revolutionary methods of helping people learn to type.

Your typeSmart attracted me because it mentioned a new approach. I tried it. I have trained about 20 minutes then I was able to show others my dramatic improvement.

Doing it in a relaxed and creative way made the boring task of typing a good permanent exercise of body intelligence. Curiously, if I do a little effort not to look to keyboard I do type better.

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is the second most interesting program but it isn't innovative. (I tried the Dvorak keyboard - it didn't work). I tried also Stamina, Typing Master Pro, Letter Chase and others. None of them can be compared with yours, the most interesting and creative one.
C de MA, Doctor of Homeopathy, Brazil
This customer mentions the Dvorak keyboard.  For further information read:
Why does eText typeSmart not support the Dvorak keyboard layout?

Platforms the software runs on

  Windows Mac 8/9 Mac OSX Linux Novell

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Thumbs

 

 

 

 

 
typeSmart

 

 

 

   
Mavis Beacon Deluxe v15

 

 

 

   
KAZ Keyboard AZ

 

 

 

   
Typing Instructor Deluxe v16 

 

 

     
Accu-Type

 

       
Typing Tutor 10

 

       
Nail it Now Runs on browser,
so must be connected during lesson

On what basis were they compared?

Core Methods
Keystroke (Direct Reach or Home Keys)
No re-learning of keystrokes
Computer vs typewriter skills
Colour-coded Key-Finger Groups
Screen attention encouraged
Trial and success vs Trial and error
Remedial exercises
Controlled skill-based game
Accelerated learning
Learning Path
Automated path provided
User choice of instruction
Customization for individual goals
Custom sessions
Free text typing exercises
Learning assistance during work
Ergonomic comfort and safety
Design for keystroke ease
Passive posture information
Passive habits information
Interactive instruction
Risk assessment and advice
User interface
256-colour graphics
Useful animated learning aids
Impaired vision features
User options/ preferences
Learning support
Learning assistant on screen
Speech feedback reinforcement
Instructions spoken
Other - sound effects/ music
Progress record
View on screen
Print progress record from software
Export to text or spreadsheet
Student/group progress admin.
Skill test
Output typing test
Real/special skill test
Choice of skill test exercise
Designed for user
Suitable for Age 7-11
Suitable for age 12 to teenagers
Adult sensibility (weighted)