Tux Typing vs TypeTastic
Tux Typing
tux4kids.comTypeTastic
typetastic.comSide by side
| Figure | Tux Typing | TypeTastic |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $56.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Typing Tutor Software | 7.7 (#18) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Audience | Tux4Kids describes its software as intended for parents, teachers, and kids, and says it can be used at home or on school computers. | School Edition provides a K-12 keyboarding curriculum and teacher tools for schools and districts. |
| Platforms | Tux4Kids says it supports Windows, Macintosh, and Linux/Unix; the Tux Typing download page links Windows and macOS downloads and source code releases. | The service runs in a web browser and supports iPads with iOS 16 or newer and Android tablets with Android 13 or newer; tablet use requires an external keyboard. |
| Support | Tux4Kids says its programs are supported by active communities of volunteer developers. | TypeTastic lists a US toll-free sales number, an international phone number, and an email contact on its site. |
Plans
TypeTastic
- FreeFree
- School / District subscription$680 a year
- Large School & DistrictPriced on request
- SchoolPriced on request
- TypeTastic with Digital CitizenshipPriced on request
In their own words
Tux Typing
Tux Typing is a free educational typing tutor game starring Tux, the Linux penguin. It is available for Linux, macOS and Windows, and Tux4Kids describes it as software for children that parents and teachers can use at home or on school computers. In Fish Cascade, players type letters on falling fish to help Tux catch them; in Comet Zap, they type letters on comets so Tux can destroy them with a laser. The default theme includes finger exercises that introduce keyboard keys progressively. Phrase Typing offers practice with phrases or complete sentences and measures accuracy and typing speed, but the maker says that feature and Lessons are not yet completed. Users can add and modify custom word lists, although the README describes the editor as beta. The program is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License. Tux4Kids says its open-source programs can be extended or customized, and its programs have been translated into dozens of languages. The group invites translation contributions and describes its programs as supported by active volunteer developer communities.
TypeTastic
TypeTastic teaches touch typing through online games and activities, with lessons that move from letters and words to sentences, paragraphs, and longer passages. Drills and typing tests sit alongside the games. Its School Edition is a K–12 keyboarding curriculum for schools and districts, with more than 700 activities and optional K–5 digital literacy content. Teachers can use the dashboard to organize classes, follow progress, customize typing tests, and manage curriculum settings. The free School Edition includes the full K–12 keyboarding curriculum and three K–5 Digital Citizenship lessons, with no ads, login, or reporting. Paid school options include advanced reporting and integrations, depending on the plan. Listed integrations for specified plans include Clever Secure Sync, Google SSO, Office365 SSO, Google Classroom, and Classlink SSO. TypeTastic runs in a browser on Android, iOS, and the web. Its HTML5 activities need no add-ons; suggested browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. School and Large School & District tiers offer a free 60-day trial. The maker is Taito Learning Inc., based in Helsinki, Finland.