A short history

Originally, the typewriter had an alphabetical arrangement. If a typist was quick enough, they could jam the typewriter. The inventor re-arranged the keys in various ways to slow down the typist. This was good for avoiding jams, but with computers this awkward arrangement is unnecessary. Many typists suffer from soreness, aching, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fortunately, someone had the idea to optimize the keyboard, as jams were less and less of a problem with mechanical typewriters. Currently, computer keyboards do not jam, and you can be as nice to your hands as you'd like without worry for the machine you use.

Why Abandon QWERTY?

The new layout is called dvorak, named after the man who created it. More frequently used letters are placed on or near the home row keys. Less-used keys are placed further away. Keys are also arranged to try to make use of both hands as much as possible. Alternating between both hands when typing is a more ergonomic and flowing way to type.

Unlike typewriters, computers can change which key does what very easily. There are no mechanical parts, and you don't need to buy a new keyboard. Almost every OS available can change the keyboard layout in software.

Making the Switch

First you need to set your machine to use dvorak. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Linux - terminal: sudo loadkeys dvorak
• Linux - X: setxkbmap dvorak
• Windows: Select dvorak as your keyboard layout in language settings.
• Mac OSX: Select dvorak as your keyboard layout in System Preferences.

Now you need to re-learn how to type. It sounds like a pain, but it is in fact worth it. You'll never learn dvorak if you don't try to use it. Some people find it easy to learn by re-labeling their keys. Some people buy blank keyboards. Sometimes it's nice to just have the layout printed on paper and near your keyboard. Hunt and peck a few words. Learn some common words or idioms: the, a, and, but, not, lol, then, I, me, my, etc. I'd also suggest learning how to type your password early on. When you change your password, learn it in both dvorak and qwerty so you can touch type it without worrying about the layout of the keyboard too much.

You'll likely need to practice your typing with a typing program. When I learned dvorak, I used the typing tutor that comes with KDE. You'll want to use a lesson that is designed for a dvorak keyboard. A dvorak lesson will likely start you on the dvorak home row keys: aoeuidhtns and then move you to the keys on the other rows.

With some time, try to type an entire e-mail in dvorak. Use dvorak at work. Use it at home. Use it for school. You'll learn it and be typing as quickly as you were with QWERTY in no time. With a little more time, you can easily increase you typing speed and accuracy on the dvorak keyboard.

Once you are satisfied with your performance on the dvorak keyboard, you will find it difficult to use a QWERTY layout- especially if you have re-labeled your keyboard. With some practice, you can bring your QWERTY skills back up to a reasonable speed.

Tips and Tricks

Sometimes someone has a long or complicated e-mail address or URL that would be easier for them to input. Since most people don't know dvorak, this can present a problem.

I am a fluxbox user, and I don't like running the KDE or Gnome GUI for the keyboard layout. I have the following in my .bashrc to help facilitate the switching of the layout:

function aoeu { setxkbmap us; }
function asdf { setxkbmap dvorak; }

I simply bring up a terminal and type the first four letters of the home row key, and it will switch to the layout that has the opposite set of home row keys.

Unfortunately, the Windows lab image here in the CS department is locked down in such a way that the Dvorak layout can't be selected.

See Also

There is much more information available about the dvorak layout. Here are a few places to visit:

• Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard
• Wikipedia's Dvorak Page
• Wikipedia's Qwerty Page