Why Gen Z is returning to touch typing in the age of AI

While voice-to-text and AI agents suggest a future where manual input might become obsolete, many younger professionals are finding that the quality of machine output is tethered to the precision of human input. Rambling or imprecise voice prompts often fail to yield the desired results, leading some to seek an efficiency edge through traditional typing speed. Andrey Gerasimov, a 23-year-old computer science graduate, views keyboard mastery as a direct conduit for productivity. By reaching speeds of 170 words per minute, he finds he can commit complex ideas to digital space without the friction of a slow interface.

This shift is also appearing in classrooms, where instructors observe a stark divide between students who struggle with physical keyboards and those who prioritize speed for note-taking. Andreas Francazi, an IT teacher in Vienna, notes that while many of his students initially lack formal training, they are increasingly drawn to the process. He describes the practice as surprisingly meditative, offering a rare moment of focus in a fragmented digital environment. Educators are further reinforcing this trend; Nick Sjolinder, founder of the distraction-free device company BYOK, reports that roughly 10% of his sales now go to schools aiming to minimize digital interference. For students like 18-year-old Tarun Krishnamurthy, the ability to touch-type is not just a legacy skill, but a competitive advantage. In a professional landscape where speed dictates output, the ability to articulate thoughts fluently on a keyboard serves as a critical buffer against the bottlenecks of a fast-moving world.