Sending a text message can be tough on the thumbs.
Web Watch, however, envisions a time in the future when the full-size computer keyboards that we know today are piled in the junkpile next to the typewriter, as more and more people grow up being comfortable typing in such a small space.
But how efficient can a peanut-sized keyboard be when you’re actually trying to type something meaningful?
The World’s Fastest Texter competition is what it’s all about.
All you have to do is type the following test paragraph:
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.
- In 2002 and 2003, James Trusler held the fastest texter record, with his best time in typing the text paragraph at 67 seconds.
- In 2004, the title went to Kimberly Yeo Sue Fern, who typed that paragraph in 43.2 seconds.
- 2006 ushered in yet a faster time. Ben Cook was able to type that paragraph in 42 seconds… making it the third time that he broke the record.
2007 was a turning point, as competitions went from being able to set a world record for typing a previously-known phrase to identifying who is the fastest texter overall, using a series of texts that increase in difficulty. Cellphone maker LG stepped up to the plate with a formal texting competition offering up to $50,000 in prize money. Morgan Pozgar won this initial competition. With this, the term “fastest texter” now how two different meanings — the fastest in terms of Guinness World Records, and the fastest in competition.
- The winner of the 2008 LG texting competition was Nathan Schwartz.
- Kate Moore won the 2009 LG competition by texting this phrase in less than 60 seconds: Zippity Dooo Dahh Zippity Ayy … My oh MY, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine Comin’ my way … ZippittyDooDahZippityAay! WondeRful feeling, Wonderful day. Kate is so proficient at sending text messages that she averages about 14,000 text messages per month. That’s about 466 per day, or 29 per waking hour. That’s a lot of typing.