open source · zero dependencies · pure python

type faster.
from your terminal.

The CLI typing test for developers. A MonkeyType-inspired typing speed tester that lives in your terminal — real-time WPM, accuracy tracking, and adaptive difficulty. No browser needed.

$brew install William-Ger/typer/typer
See it in action ↓
0dependencies
<50kbtotal size
3difficulty modes
159sentence templates

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

Pure Python. Zero bloat. Just open your terminal and start typing.

Real-time feedback

Live WPM and accuracy displayed as you type. Green for correct, red for errors — instant visual feedback at 20fps.

Adaptive difficulty

Three difficulty levels with progressively complex vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Push your limits.

Flexible timing

15, 30, 60, or 120 second tests. Quick warmups or extended practice — configurable from the UI or flags.

Beautiful TUI

Color-coded interface with ASCII art, box-drawing characters, and responsive layout that adapts to your terminal size.

Zero dependencies

Built entirely with Python's standard library. No pip install nightmares. No version conflicts. Just works.

Open source

MIT licensed and on GitHub. Read the code, fork it, contribute — it's yours.

See it in action

Try typing in the simulated terminal below. It works just like the real thing.

typer
  _
 | |_ _  _ _ __  ___ _ _
 |  _| || | '_ \/ -_) '_|
  \__|\_, | .__/\___|_|
      |__/|_|
time153060120
difficultyeasymediumhard
0 wpm100% acc

start typing to begin · tab to restart

From install to 100 WPM

01

Install

$ brew install William-Ger/typer/typer

One command. No Python version headaches. Also available via pip.

02

Launch

$ typer

Opens instantly in your terminal. Use arrow keys or mouse to pick time and difficulty.

03

Type

The quick brown fox jumped over...

Start typing and watch your WPM climb. Real-time stats keep you accountable.

04

Improve

85 wpm · 97% accuracy · rating: great

Detailed results show WPM, accuracy, missed characters, and a performance rating.

Get started in seconds

Choose your preferred method.

recommended
Homebrew
brew install William-Ger/typer/typer
pip
pip install typer-cli-tool
Source
git clone https://github.com/William-Ger/typer.git && cd typer && pip install .

Frequently asked questions

What is a CLI typing test?

A CLI typing test is a typing speed test that runs directly in your terminal or command line, instead of in a web browser. typer is a free, open-source CLI typing test built with pure Python that tracks your WPM, accuracy, and offers adaptive difficulty levels.

How do I take a typing test in my terminal?

Install typer with 'brew install William-Ger/typer/typer' or 'pip install typer-cli-tool', then run 'typer' in your terminal. Choose your test duration and difficulty, then start typing. You'll see real-time WPM and accuracy as you type.

Is there a MonkeyType alternative for the terminal?

Yes — typer is a MonkeyType-inspired typing test that runs entirely in your terminal. It features real-time WPM tracking, accuracy stats, adaptive difficulty, and a beautiful TUI interface, all without opening a browser.

What platforms does typer support?

typer works on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL). It's built with pure Python and has zero external dependencies, so it runs anywhere Python is installed.