Speed without control is fragile
A fast burst with frequent errors may produce a high raw WPM but less usable text. Corrected mistakes also consume time, so accuracy is not a cosmetic score beside speed.
For most practice, hold a pace that keeps accuracy near a stable personal target. When control begins to fail, reduce speed slightly and identify the repeating key or pair behind the errors.
When to prioritize accuracy
Prioritize accuracy when the same letters, brackets, or transitions fail repeatedly; when backspace use breaks rhythm; or when final text must be trusted, as in data entry and support work.
Short accuracy sessions work best when they use readable language. Random key strings can isolate motion, but realistic words teach the transitions you will use outside a drill.
When to work on speed
Once accuracy remains steady, speed grows through smoother transitions and reduced hesitationnot extra force. Use a consistent test duration and compare several recent runs instead of one peak.
A useful progress signal is rising WPM while accuracy stays flat or improves. If WPM rises while accuracy falls sharply, the new pace is not yet under control.