Anyone here type an a Dvorak keyboard?

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The Dvorak keyboard is just a rearranginig of the letters an the keyboard. It was invented to optimize the layout with the most used keys on the home row with some other subtle yet effective enhancements. The standard qwerty keyboard, by camparison, was designed so the very first mechanical typewritters wouldn't jam up.

Here is what the layout looks like.


I made the switch 2 months ago. It took a little practice but now my speed is close to my old speed. I was never the fastest typist to begin with, around 40 or so wpm with many errors, so the switch was relatively painless. Plus I don't have a job that requires me to type a lot, which would surely put a damper on things.

I mainly switched as a mental exercise, I wanted to see how fast my brain could come to terms with this reworking. I also wanted to see how it would feel to have two keyboard schemes in my head at the same time. Plus from many reports I would gain speed by switching... so I decided to give it a shot.

Alas, my qwerty skills have fallen out of my brain. I have memorized a few things... like my name and passwords in qwerty... but for everything else I am reduced to a modest hunt and peck routine. I hope I havent hurt my chances of future employment...

Oh well it shouldn't be two bad... it's easy enough to switch the keyboard settings. And I could always buy a special keyboard.

Sorry, I don't use Dvorak's keyboard, I use my own keyboard.

LOL

Qwerty keyboard was dessigned so that you wuld use both your left and right hand equally... not necisarily for jamming keys in type writer.

optiumly, I 'd be typing with my left hand, so I wouldn't ever have to let go of the mouse, but that isn't as efficetient when speed is the key.

The idea about the design is a myth... but it is so prevalent in society that it is nearly impossible not to know it.

I have taught myself that one handed way, an uncle of mine was taught it since he lost is right arm in vietnam. In terms of computers, it really isn't that much of a disabilty, sept he can't play fps. Most actions, once learned, are quicker on the keyboard then with the mouse anyway.

I use my left hand to type and my right to use the mouse at all times. I used to look at every key but now I just take a split second glance every couple of seconds.

I've been using Dvorak exclusively for the past 7 years. It's the best thing I could have done just in the nick of time. I was getting serious jolts of pain up my arm and hands. I couldn't type anymore without resting my hands and wrists for days at a time. It was a serious problem. I switched to Dvorak mostly as an exercise because I seriously didn't think anything could help at the time. Boy, was I wrong. Those pains have never returned and I went from 35 wpm to 60-70 wpm instantly.

At work, it was funny. This one job I had, after about a week, I decided I had to convert my keyboard to dvorak. So I'm popping the keys out of the keyboard and they go flying into the aisles. Co-workers are walking by and they see keys flying out from my cubicle and have no idea what's going on. I'm so involved in my task that I don't notice the crowd of people around my cubicle. Anyways, I had to explain what Dvorak was. From that day on, nobody could use my computer at work unless they used the search and peck method. hehe.

But yeah, I can't really use qwerty anymore, but I never really could anyways.

About three weeks ago, I switched my computer to the Dvorak layout. I am getting better with time, but it's still not natural yet. If I am distracted, I can't type worth squat. But you have to know that I am almost 46 years old now, so that may have a lot to do with it. I like the way my fingers don't have to move all that much. It looks like I will be fighting qwertyisms for some time to come. If you have done something for many years, it's more than tough to change, it might not even be possible. But I am not going to give up just yet. I like the idea of doing something that few others do. I may have to scuttle the dreams of typing 150 words per minute. Just the fact that it is easier on my fingers is enough for me.

My main reason for switching was to see if it would be possible for someone my age to do it. Dave

One of the guys in my department uses the Dvorak keyboard layout at home. He says it's faster and easier for him. I don't know if his being left-handed has anything to do with it or not.

He explained to me why it's more efficient, and I see where he's coming from, but I'd have a hard time learning Dvorak on my home keyboard. All of the keys have the the corresponding QWERTY characters printed on them.

That experiance reminds me of when I met my college roommate's mom....I was playing operation on my alarm clock and sending pieces of clock flying. I also had been wearing the same T-shirt all weekend...and because I really need a bib when I eat, it showed.

I want to try Dvorak sometime. I already type at 70. I could be the SUPER TYPIST!! !! How did you switch your keyboard at work though because even if you pried the keys off and put them in a different order I can't see how it would work.

no but i was thinking about switching

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