Klavaro 3.13

Overview

Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor is a cross-platform typing tutorial program to get new and rusty typists up to speed on the latest techniques. Unlike with other packages, this one is supported on Windows, Mac OS X, and several flavors of Linux (OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Fedora, Ubuntu and Debian).

The software aims to provide support for many different keyboard styles than are typically included in American typing programs. There are least 23 different language or styles of keyboard in the QUERTY keyboard layout configuration. The alternative Dvorak keyboard layout which promotes faster typing and less reaching with the little fingers for common key strokes is supported in 12 languages and types. There is also support for Qwertz, Azerty, Jtsuken, Colemak and AlphaGrip5.

There is also a keyboard layout editor to re-configure the key positions and then save the new layout. This makes it possible to create keyboards for other languages and layouts not supported yet, plus to create a completely custom keyboard layout and practice typing on that.

The Basic course is intended to help new typists remember the selected keyboard layout. Random characters are requested to test their recall of where keys are located.

Adaptability exercises focus on random selection of keys to prompt quickness and flexibility for those times when typing words that are unfamiliar to the user.

Velocity exercises focus on typing a passage at a quick speed.

Fluidness exercises looks at the ability to type out complete paragraphs that make sense which is the most practical, real-life scenario.

Text files can be loaded into the software for several of the tests to make them similar to the type of content needed for work, for study, and so on.

Installation

The installation package requires 26.4 MB of available space. The installation completed without any issues.

There were no spyware, malware, adware or toolbars within the setup package.

Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor requires Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista.

Interface

The interface is relatively modern and functional, but not overly attractive. There is a virtual keyboard to help show new typists which finger should be used for each key on the keyboard layout.

Many tests to choose from which are easy to select within the application layout.

Pros

• Tests to check random, quick response to type different letters and different words out of sequence
• Test ability to type words and paragraphs in a passage of text
• Import the chosen text to test on
• Tests included to improve typing speed
• Scoring system to rank Fluidness test against other users online
• Progress charts
• Attractive graphical interface
• Many keyboard layouts included
• Ability to create a custom keyboard and test on that
• Virtual keyboard indicates what finger should be used when typing each key on the keyboard
• Free

Cons

• Less slick than alternative typing software options.

Alternatives

Typing Master Pro is a premium typing tutor that provides a modern interface and plenty of useful training and tests to improve almost anyone's typing skills.

Conclusion

Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor is a good typing tutor with an effective and varied number of tests from random key selection to typing passages of text. There is also a virtual keyboard to show new typists where to place their fingers.