Dvorak Keyboard Layout!!!

[TBSN]

So, is there anyone out there who has tried to use the Dvorak keyboard layout?

Since almost all of the input we give a computer is through the keyboard (especially for those who write a lot), it would make sense to use a keyboard layout that is as efficient as possible. As you all probably know, the standard QWERTY layout is simply a leftover from the days of the mechanical typewriter; the keys were laid out in such a way as to make it unlikely that two adjacent keys are pressed in succession, causing the typewriter to jam. Obviously, this is not the best way to layout the keys on a keyboard, especially now that there are no mechanical obstacles to overcome.

I use my computer to write. I can type faster than I can write longhand, as I'm sure most can. But yet I still use the QWERTY layout because... I'm used to it I guess.

The main alternative to a QWERTY keyboard the Dvorak one, which was researched throughly to provide the most ergonomic and efficient layout possible. It's easy to change the layout on a computer, although the keys will still display the standard QWERTY arrangement, of course.

I'm considering changing to the Dvorak layout, although the thought of having all the keys rearranged makes me terrified. I can change the key-caps pretty easily on this keyboard, but I'm just not sure whether to do it and suffer through learning to type all over again, or to just stick with what probably 99% of people use.

Sorry for the long post, but seriously, this really is an extremely important component of PC usage. I want to know if anyone has switched to Dvorak, and what their experiences have been...

And if you use QWERTY, is it just because the habit is too hard to break, or has no one tried to change over?

Discuss...

 

[jkresh]

I haven't switched, mostly because I already type really fast and I use enough different machines (some of which I couldn't switch) that I wouldn't want to deal with different layouts on each. If I only used one machine all the time I might but...

 

[Chaotic42]

I bought one, and I got to where I could type about 15wpm on it, but I switched back. QWERTY is just everywhere and switching made me type more slowly.

 

[coolpurplefan]

I don't type enough to justify changing. I think that's only really worth it if you typed a lot and wanted to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. I mean having most heavily used letters on the home row would help. I find a high definition gaming mouse is useful though for limiting your wrist movements. I have a Razer Diamondback and I like it.

 

[Praxis1452]

I've always wanted to try it but never wanted to relearn.

 

[vhx]

It seems interesting, but honestly QWERTY is just much easier and everywhere. So if you completely switch your home keyboard with DVORAK and relearn, it is going to be a pain going anywhere else with a QWERTY keyboard. It just makes more sense to stick with QWERTY in that regard. If you are concerned about ergonomics, they make some good ergonomic QWERTY keyboards.

 

[TallBill]

I type 90+ wpm in QWERTY.. I dont want to start over, and I don't see it ever happening on a large scale.

 

[Rastus]

I don't see the point in switching to Dvorak. It's the same amount of keystrokes as Qwerty so you are only going to improve marginally at best.

 

[mayest]

QWERTY is a monopolist! I can't believe you guys are supporting a monopoly. Where is Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson and the DOJ when you need them. Dvorak rules!

 

[Deathawk]

I'll do it when I try to convert myself into typing with the home row, and more than 4 fingers and my thumbs. I'm content at around 80WPM, though.

 

[TBSN]

Yeah, I guess there really isn't much of a point unless you want to type really fast. And it would be annoying to forget how to type on QWERTY......

 

[RebateMonger]

Y'w cyring m eiw DVORAK dmgpt nqw.

 

[TBSN]

well it's obviously going to be hard at first, especially if you can't look down at the KB.........