Those aren't incompatible if your manager had thought about it. I type quickly and this helps me with those bursts of "ok I know what to do here and let me get it out Right Now". That doesn't mean I spend most of the day that way. I'm guessing you're in a similar position.

And I'm with you on "to understand it I need to interact with it". Yes we also need to stare at code, but it's too easy to make assumptions while reading that a little actual poking would quickly dispel.