Can you learn the keyboard in 90 minutes with KAZ Typing? A review.
KAZ Typing is a Bett 2019 finalist and award-winning typing course for adults, children, families, and organizations alike. It has been approved by the Open University and is used as the typing tutor of choice by numerous schools, universities, and businesses.
KAZ promises that you will learn the keyboard layout in just 90 minutes and that you will rapidly improve both your typing speed and your accuracy thereafter. Read our KAZ Typing review to see if this is the tutor to literally become a faster typist today.
KAZ Typing – Overview
KAZ Typing (visit website) has been designed according to the proven principles of Accelerated Learning. The principles of Accelerated Learning have been derived from the latest brain research. It has been proven over and over again that educational material that is based upon these principles is more effective.
One of the main principles is the fact that everyone learns differently. If students can learn in their own preferred manner, they will learn quicker and their retention rate will be higher.
KAZ Type not only allows students to learn in their preferred manner but also employs a multi-sensory approach at all times, making use of all the major senses of touch, sight and touch, often simultaneously.
Home Edition | Family Edition | Junior Edition | Dyslexia Edition |
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from $/£/€ 24.95 | from$/£/€ 74.95 | from $/£/€ 24.95 | from $/£/€ 24.95 |
Online or Desktop Single user license | Online or Desktop Multi-user license | Online or Desktop Single user license | Online or Desktop Single user license |
View Website | View Website | View Website | View Website |
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure at the end of this post.
KAZ Typing – Core Features
Individualized learning. Many people struggle to cope with training programs that force them to progress at a pre-determined pace. KAZ Typing allows each student to learn at his own pace, and if you are not happy that you have mastered all the objectives, you simply repeat a lesson or an exercise. There is absolutely no pressure to achieve objectives set for you by others. Most students succeed in completing the entire course in approximately four hours, but you can move faster or take your time.
Highly Accessible. KAZ Typing runs on both Windows or Apple systems and can be accessed through most browsers. You can also use it on your mobile device regardless of the operating system. Compatibility across multiple platforms is just one side of the coin, however. KAZ makes provision for the differences between UK and USA versions of English, including spelling, accent, pronunciation and keyboard layout differences.
Sensible teaching approach. Make no mistake – KAZ Typing is a very sophisticated piece of typing software, but it does not feature games, progress graphs and bells and whistles that do not support the learning process. KAZ is an educational program and its main aim is to teach you how to touch type fast and accurately. Where graphics, music and the spoken and written word is used, it is done so only in order to allow you to learn in your own preferred way and to help you achieve your own objectives.
It works. KAZ has helped more than a million students to touch type. It is endorsed by the Open University and is also used extensively by some prestigious corporations, universities, and schools worldwide. KAZ Typing has received excellent reviews from some truly tough reviewers and has won multiple awards.
One aspect that stands out from user feedback is the fact that KAZ seems to utterly succeed in achieving think-type. Think of this as being an experienced driver. You no longer think about every move you make when you drive – it all happens automatically. Think-type is the same thing. Somehow your fingers find the correct keys automatically, allowing you to concentrate on the content that you are typing.
Universally suitable. KAZ Type is suitable for students from the age of five and up. However, the principles of sound educational design demand that training programs must be aimed at very well-defined target groups. KAZ Typing is, therefore, available in various editions, whereas each version is aimed at a very specific target group. Apart from the Home, Business, Education and Dyslexia edition, there is also the special Guardian Angel program that helps you to prevent RSI (repetitive stress injury).
Various installation options. KAZ Typing offers various types of installations. You can opt to download it and install it on your computer or even get it on a CD-ROM. Most users, however, prefer to access the course online. One of the main benefits of this option is that it allows you to access your course from various locations and devices. For example, you may have a little bit of time to learn at work and then wish to continue learning from your own computer at home.
User friendly. The KAZ user interface is easy to understand and intuitive. You will never lose your place or fumble around finding your bookmarks, exercises or lessons. These user-friendly features are supported by very advanced technology. You can effortlessly switch between different modes, even in the middle of an exercise or lesson. The comprehensive back-office database system makes KAZ suitable for just about any computer, including highly sophisticated corporate networks.
Excellent support. KAZ Typing is extremely easy to use, but if you have questions or need advice, you can contact them in various ways. You can post your question in the Support section on their website, and they will get back to you quickly. The Support section also features frequently asked questions, and you may find the answer that you are looking for there, already answered! You can also interact with KAZ via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Of course, you can also send them an old-fashioned email.
KAZ Typing – Editions
The features described above apply to all versions of KAZ Typing. However, each version has some unique features that make it perfectly suitable for the intended target group of that specific edition.
The KAZ Home Edition is available in three different versions, Adult, Junior and Family. The main differences between these versions are that the adult version employs adult phrases and imagery not used in the junior version. The junior version is thus just a bit more playful. KAZ Typing Family allows for a choice in these matters.
1. KAZ Adult Version
KAZ Typing Adult (visit website) consists of five modules and you will already master the keyboard after the first module. You can easily achieve this in just 90 minutes.
Short and engaging. The modules are short and designed to hold your interest. As you progress, your speed and accuracy will increase without you even being aware of it. All the major senses (touch, sound and sight) are used to enhance retention and recall.
Just five phrases. It sounds almost too good to be true: in order to teach your fingers to work symmetrically and simultaneously, you will employ just five easily memorized phrases that consist of no more than 11 words. (Note that the same 11 words are used in all five of the phrases.)
Pricing: from $/£/€ 24.95 online version. Desktop $/£/€ 39.95.
Review: ★★★★★
2. KAZ Typing Junior
The Junior edition (visit website) is suitable for children between the ages of five and 11. The five modules are short and specially designed to hold the attention of young students.
Fun. KAZ Typing Junior does not contain any boring repetitive drills and exercises. The student’s attention is retained by the innovative use of imagery, sound, graphics, and spoken and written words.
Enhanced literacy. KAZ junior not only teaches the child how to touch type. It also improves their spelling and reading skills.
A – Z quickly. Young learners are encouraged by quick success. Therefore, this version focuses on helping them master the A – Z keys by using only five standard phrases that are easy to memorize.
Pricing: $/£/€ 24.95 online version.
Review: ★★★★★
3. KAZ Typing Family
KAZ Family (visit website) was specifically designed as an economical solution for families where all the members want to learn how to type. When you buy this version you receive five licenses, so five different people can use the software.
Choose your version. With KAZ Family, you can choose between the adult and the junior version for each of your licenses. Even better, you can upgrade from a junior to an adult version as a younger child progresses.
Powerful back office. KAZ Typing Family also comes with the same back-office modules that are used by schools. This allows parents to allocate licenses and to monitor the progress of each user.
Download or use online. You can choose whether you want to download the family version or whether you want to use it online. If you choose to download it, you will get a lifetime license for the use of the software on that specific computer and a year’s worth of free support and help.
Pricing: $/£/€ 74.95 online. 5 Accounts. Desktop $/£/€ 119.95
Review: ★★★★★
4. KAZ Typing Dyslexia Edition
Extensive scientific research has long proved that the ability to touch type and use a computer is one of the most powerful tools anyone with special education needs can hope to have.
KAZ Typing Dyslexia (visit website), therefore, focuses on overcoming those obstacles that have always made it difficult for those with dyslexia and other special needs to master the computer and to learn how to type.
Some of the changes made in order to accommodate special needs students include:
- The use of special background colors to eliminate blurring and glare.
- A choice of different fonts, font sizes and font colors.
- A special version of the Dyslexia edition is available for younger learners.
- KAZ continues to consult with dyslexia experts in order to keep improving its product.
Pricing: $/£/€ 24.95 individual license. Dyslexia Family: $/£/€ 74.95.
Review: ★★★★★
5. KAZ Business Edition
Businesses have learned that it is vital for employees at all levels to learn how to type. Typically, businesses will need KAZ Typing (visit website) to cater to multiple users and that is why the business edition was developed.
This edition can be deployed across organizations of any size and on almost any platform. Some noteworthy features:
- There is a variety of licensing options that depend upon the number of employees that will need access.
- KAZ Typing Business also caters to dyslexic users and others with special learning needs.
- A comprehensive back-office module allows employers to allocate licenses and to monitor the progress of students.
Pricing: $/£/€ 50 single user. 1-10 users $/£/€ 300. View website.
Review: ★★★★★
6. KAZ Education Edition
KAZ Typing Education is used at schools, colleges and universities all over the world. These institutions typically need licensing options that allow them to use the tutor year after year and keep allocating individual licenses to new students.
KAZ noted this need and issued this special edition. A wide variety of licensing options allows educational institutions to use KAZ Typing without breaking the bank. The main features are:
- A special teacher’s administration pack helps teachers to use the software in the most productive manner.
- A powerful back-office module allows the registration of students and the monitoring of their progress.
- The software can be used over a wide range of platforms.
- This edition is the ONLY typing tutor used by the prestigious Open University in the UK.
7. KAZ Type Guardian Angel
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a range of medical conditions that are often ascribed to the use of the upper body (wrists, elbows, hands, neck and shoulders).
This is very common among people that spend long periods on their keyboards. Much can be done to help prevent RSI, such as the correct placement of equipment and the use of ergonomically friendly furniture.
KAZ Typing also plays an important role in the prevention of RSI. Guardian Angel runs in the background and monitors your use of the keyboard and mouse. When previously defined parameters are met, one of two different types of break will be initiated.
- A short pause (10 – 30 seconds) during which you will perform a variety of wrist, hands and arm exercises.
- An “away” break of 1 – 5 minutes during which you are required to move away from your computer and to perform basic stretching exercises.
Pricing: $/£/€ 19.95. View website.
Review: ★★★★☆
KAZ Typing – Pros and Cons
Proven to be effective. With more than a million satisfied students and thousands of schools and businesses reporting their satisfaction with KAZ Typing you cannot go wrong.
Versatile. The fact that the different editions and versions of KAZ make provision for almost any conceivable target group is a huge plus.
Is it expensive? Some reviewers think that KAZ may be a tad on the expensive side. However, this is a matter of opinion because the price of a product should always be considered in the light of the value received for that price.
KAZ Typing – Review Verdict
Wrapping up our KAZ Typing review, what is it worth it? There are lots of typing tutors to choose from. Some are even free of charge. However, none of them can compete with KAZ Typing (View Course Website) when it comes to elegant and efficient design, proven results and sheer customer delight. I have used and am still using KAZ with great results.
Hence, if KAZ Typing is good enough for the Open University, to mention just one prestigious user, it is certainly good enough for me. They do not make important tutoring decisions without thorough research. Yes, it is absolutely worth it.
KAZ’s teaching concept indeed manages to teach you the keyboard in just 90 minutes. However, keep in mind this does not include special characters or the number pad. It will also take you additional practicing sessions to actually master what you have learned. But in general, they fulfill their promise. I can, therefore, fully recommend KAZ.
Have you used or are you using KAZ Typing? What is your experience? Please share your opinion in the comments below.
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Sources: What is Dyslexia? NHS – 1
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to the provider of KAZ Typing. courselounge may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. It does not add any extra costs. All reviews, opinions, descriptions and comparisons expressed here are our own.