Practicing for the LNAT 2024 with a full-size desktop keyboard is important

Does a keyboard affect your typing speed and accuracy?

While preparing for the LNAT 2024 and 2025, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is the type of keyboard we use during our practice sessions.

This article is based on my personal experience; and also the experiences shared by several test takers from the recent years.

Normally, I use an Apple Magic Keyboard; or just the keyboard on my laptop.

Occasionally, I have to work from an external location, where I have to use a standard desktop setup.

When I use a full-size keyboard, that I am not accustomed to, I immediately notice a drop in my typing speed and accuracy – which means that I find myself going back and making corrections more frequently.

You can try this for yourself. Just borrow a full-size keyboard for a few minutes and type out a couple of paragraphs; and you will see a significant drop in your speed and accuracy.

Eventually, with time, you will get accustomed to the new keyboard and things will be back to normal.

But time is at a premium when it comes to the LNAT 2024. Remember, you have to type out a 600 word LNAT essay, in under 40 minutes.

You would rather focus on the content and the structure of the essay, rather than wasting time with getting accustomed to the keyboard.

What kind of a keyboard will you find at the LNAT Test Center?

Typically, the Pearson VUE test centers will have full-size regular USB keyboards, like the one below.

Occasionally, you may even come across full-size mechanical keyboards.

What makes keyboards different?

Key Size and Spacing: Full-size keyboards typically have larger keys and more spacing between them compared to laptop or mini keyboards. This difference can cause initial discomfort and slower typing speeds as your fingers adjust to the new layout.

Key Travel and Feedback: The distance a key travels when pressed (key travel) and the feedback it provides (tactile feedback) can vary greatly between keyboards.

Layout Variations: While most keyboards follow the QWERTY layout, there can be variations in the positioning of certain keys (e.g., the Enter key, Shift keys, and function keys). This can lead to mistyped characters and slower typing as you adapt.

Ergonomics: The overall height of the keys and the angle of the keyboards will be different.

If you are not accustomed to using regular full-size keyboards, your typing speed and accuracy can suffer. The time it takes to adjust to a new keyboard can be crucial, especially in a timed examination setting like the LNAT, where every minute counts.

The Benefits of Practicing with a Full-Size Keyboard

To mitigate this potential issue with using an unfamiliar keyboard, it is advisable to use a full-size keyboard during your LNAT 2024 practice routine.

By doing so, you can acclimatize yourself to the feel and spacing of the keys, ensuring that you are comfortable and efficient when typing your essay.

When practicing with Lawmint’s full-length LNAT 2024 practice papers, make it a point to use a full-size keyboard. This will not only help you get used to the physical aspects of the keyboard but also allow you to develop a consistent typing speed and rhythm.

As a result, you can focus more on the content and quality of your essay rather than being distracted by the mechanics of typing.

Where can you get a full-size keyboard

Fortunately, acquiring a full-size keyboard is neither difficult nor expensive. Before you buy, just ask around if any friends or relatives have an old desktop keyboard lying around somewhere. (In an attic or a garage.)

You can purchase a full-size USB wired keyboard on platforms like Amazon for around 15 to 20 pounds or dollars.

Investing in a full-size Bluetooth keyboard (usually a little more expensive than a standard USB keyboards) can be particularly advantageous, as it can easily connect to your laptop, iPad, or even your smartphone.

This versatility allows you to practice in various settings and ensures that you can maintain consistency in your typing practice regardless of the device you are using to access the LawMint LNAT 2024 Practice Papers.

How can I check my LNAT Essay Typing Speed and Accuracy?

You can use the LawMint.uk LNAT Essay Speed Analyzer tool to check your typing speed and accuracy. Go ahead and check it out.