How can I quickly rename a group of files (not batch)

I've seen answers to the "batch" renaming. My situation is a little different.

I want to change the names of a bunch of files, but there is no pattern to the changes. It's somewhat cumbersome right now to click on each item, then wait a second, then click on it again to get the name to be editable and then to click on the next one and follow the same process.

I was hoping there would be a way to select a bunch of them and rather than having to click and wait, I could just tab my way through the names, or something quicker than what I'm doing.

Thanks in advance!

Bill