Dvorak: A Way to Type or a Lot of Hype?
Well, I went for it and got some Dvorak stickers for my keyboard. I never learned how to type QWERTY style very well at all anyway, so I thought I’d teach myself how to type using the “simplified keyboard”, and without looking at my fingers to boot. If I’m feeling lost, I have a quick key combo I can hit to flip back to QWERTY, plus all of the QWERTY keys are still there at the lower right in red.
The goal is to only use QWERTY layout if I’m in a program like Photoshop (where the shortcuts are ingrained as much by hand position as they are knowledge of the letter) and to use Dvorak for everything else, such as typing email and especially when using instant messaging. I figure if I can type faster and without looking, using the modern, simple layout (all vowels are on the home row under the left hand) then I can ultimately increase my productivity.
A little geeky? Possibly. But I’m betting it will pay off in the end.
If you’re at all interested in doing something similar, here’s a few links to help you out:
The history of Dvorak and why the current type-key layout is totally screwed up…on purpose. »
Dvorak keyboard overlays from Hooleon »
Ten Thumbs typing tutor »