I noticed in both current runs that the password entry is a bit clunky.

Just look at your password list, do not look at your GB screen, and either count your presses (mute the game during password entry in that case), or count the the sound effect that play when you change a digit.

I do sub 10 minutes for password entry with 39 passwords entered, I don't know if that's the best method but it works well for me.