Symptoms
- Cursor jumps or clicks unexpectedly while typing
- Text gets inserted in the wrong place while typing quickly
- Problem is worse with a particular typing posture or hand size
- Trackpad seems overly sensitive to light contact
Likely causes
- CommonPalm rejection sensitivity set too low, allowing accidental touches to registerMost trackpads have a setting specifically meant to ignore incidental palm contact while typing.
- CommonTyping posture resting the palm directly over or very near the trackpadSome hand positions make accidental contact almost unavoidable without adjusting the setting.
- PossibleOutdated trackpad driver with weaker palm-rejection algorithmsManufacturer-specific drivers often have better palm rejection than generic ones.
- Less commonTrackpad hardware sensitivity issueWorth considering only if adjusting settings doesn't help at all.
What to do
- Check trackpad settings for a 'palm rejection' or 'ignore accidental input' option and increase its sensitivity.
- Adjust your typing posture to keep your palms slightly elevated and away from the trackpad surface.
- Update the trackpad driver directly from the laptop manufacturer's site rather than a generic driver.
- Try reducing trackpad sensitivity slightly, which can also help reduce accidental registrations.
- Test with an external mouse temporarily to confirm typing accuracy improves when the trackpad isn't a factor.
- Consider disabling the trackpad while typing if your laptop or OS offers that specific option.
Tools and parts
- None required
When to call a pro
If adjusting palm-rejection settings and updating drivers doesn't help, a technician can check whether the trackpad hardware's sensitivity is unusually high.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.