Learn / Bigrams
What is a bigram in typing?
A bigram is a sequence of two keys, such as TH, ER, or Space followed by T. It measures the movement from one key to the next, not only the two keys on their own.
1. How a bigram works
A bigram is any two-key sequence. The word the contains two letter bigrams: T + H and H + E. Typing analysis can also include spaces and punctuation, so Space + T can be a useful pair at the start of a word.
Order matters. T then H and H then T contain the same two keys, but the hand movement is different. They are two different bigrams.
| Example | Movement | What to observe |
|---|---|---|
| ER | Two nearby keys | Whether each key uses its assigned finger |
| TH | Left hand to right hand | Whether a pause appears between the hands |
| ED | Two keys with one finger | Whether the finger releases E before returning to D |
| Space + T | Thumb to left hand | A pause at a word boundary |
2. Why bigrams affect typing rhythm
A pair result describes the measured interval and errors between two presses. Compare it with other pairs that use similar keys. A longer interval, wrong order, or repeated correction can show which transition deserves inspection.
Different pairs create different demands. A pair can use two hands, two fingers on one hand, or the same finger twice. It can move inward, outward, up, or down. The best result depends on your keyboard layout and your real behavior, so frequency and repeated measurements matter more than a list of pairs that are assumed to be difficult for everyone.
The Mac methodology explains how PeakTock combines personal pair speed, accuracy, consistency, frequency, and evidence over time.
3. How PeakTock uses bigrams
PeakTock for Mac records bigrams as key pairs. It measures their speed, accuracy, and consistency. A pair needs at least 20 observations before it can affect the score of the key at the end of the pair. Frequently typed pairs have more effect than rare pairs.
Compare the result with other pairs that end in H. If several are slow, inspect H across contexts. If only T then H is slow, practise that pair.
4. How to practise a slow bigram
Use the pair that your result names, in the same order. Type a short set of real words that contain it. Watch the interval, order, and accuracy instead of chasing one target speed. Retest in normal text. If PeakTock does not name a pair, collect another comparable result instead of choosing one at random.
5. Explore a specific bigram
Pattern guides connect one pair to its keyboard movement, finger sequence, frequent words, possible errors, and a focused web drill.
Try TH as a sample pair
Practise T then H across 20 real words in the PeakTock web app. TH is a sample, not a recommendation from your result.
Start the TH drill