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What is the homerow?

Published in Typing Technology 1 min read

The homerow is the central row of keys on a computer keyboard where your fingers rest when you're not actively typing. It's the foundation of touch typing.

Think of it as your typing home base. When you're touch-typing, your fingers should always return to these keys after pressing other keys. This allows you to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard.

The homerow keys on a standard QWERTY keyboard are typically:

  • Left Hand: A, S, D, F
  • Right Hand: J, K, L, ; (semicolon)

Many keyboards also have small raised bumps or ridges on the 'F' and 'J' keys. These tactile indicators help you locate the homerow without looking. This is especially helpful for learning to touch type and for maintaining your finger positioning while typing.

Returning your fingers to the homerow after each keystroke allows you to maintain a consistent and efficient typing rhythm. This method significantly improves typing speed and accuracy over time.