Voice Typing vs Keyboard: Speed Comparison & When to Use Each
Is voice typing actually faster than typing? We measured both in real-world conditions — writing emails, drafting articles, and coding. The results may surprise you.
The Speed Question
The average person types 40-50 WPM (words per minute). The average speaking speed is 130-150 WPM. On paper, voice typing should be 3x faster. But raw speed isn't the whole story — correction time, formatting, and cognitive differences change the equation significantly.
Our Testing Methodology
We measured effective WPM (net words after corrections) for both typing and voice dictation across three tasks: writing a 500-word email, drafting a 1,000-word article, and composing a technical document with code snippets. Each task was completed by 5 participants using both methods, with the order randomized.
Results: Writing Emails
Voice typing averaged 95 effective WPM vs. 45 WPM for keyboard. Voice was 2.1x faster for emails. The relatively short length and conversational tone of emails play to voice typing's strengths. Correction time was minimal because emails tolerate casual language.
Results: Drafting Articles
Voice typing averaged 80 effective WPM vs. 42 WPM for keyboard. Voice was 1.9x faster for article drafting. The longer format required more corrections and reformulations, reducing the voice typing advantage. Participants noted that thinking and speaking simultaneously felt more natural than thinking and typing.
Results: Technical Documents
Voice typing averaged 35 effective WPM vs. 38 WPM for keyboard. Keyboard was slightly faster for technical content. Code snippets, special characters, and precise formatting are difficult to dictate. Participants spent significant time correcting technical terms and formatting.
When Voice Typing Wins
Voice typing is fastest for: emails and messages, first drafts and brainstorming, meeting notes, personal journals, and any conversational-tone writing. The key advantage is reduced cognitive load — speaking your thoughts is more natural than translating them into typed text.
When Keyboard Wins
Keyboard typing is faster for: code and technical writing, content with lots of formatting, editing and revising existing text, short phrases and search queries, and quiet environments where speaking isn't appropriate.
The Hybrid Approach
The most productive workflow combines both methods. Use voice typing for first drafts, brainstorming, and emails. Switch to keyboard for editing, formatting, and technical work. Tools like Wispr Flow make this seamless — dictate a draft, then refine it with your keyboard without switching apps.
Tips to Maximize Voice Typing Speed
Use a quality microphone — USB mics significantly outperform laptop mics. Speak in full sentences, not isolated words. Learn your tool's voice commands for punctuation and formatting. Don't correct as you go — dictate the full draft, then edit with keyboard. Practice regularly — voice typing speed improves with experience.
Conclusion
For most writing tasks, voice typing is 1.5-2x faster than keyboard typing. The exception is technical content where precision matters more than speed. The best approach is hybrid: dictate first drafts, edit with keyboard. If you haven't tried voice typing yet, start with Google Docs Voice Typing (free) to experience the speed difference firsthand.