Dvorak Keyboard Layout

[Synthos]

I'm currently learning the dvorak keyboard layout, (in fact this message is taking a long time to write)

http://www.mwbrooks.com/dvorak/

Any one here ever tried to make the switch?

 

[Hazar]

why?

I'm used to the normal one

 

[Ikerous]

Ugh, never, thatd kill me
I wouldnt be able to stand having to look at the keys when i type until i learned

 

[Hazar]

It might be handy if you only used one computer. But seeing as I use like 3 different computers every day, 2 of which are school property which I can't mess with, that would just be confusing

 

[Synthos]

well, I agree that it is hard to switch, but the layout is much more distributed so it's easier on your and also sometimes much faster

 

[FictiousWill]

True, qwerty is a legacy layout actually designed to slow you down (originally to prevent you getting typewriter arms stuck), but it's not going to change in a hurry.

 

[Synthos]

no, it's not... but if kids were given a choice it might really reduce repetetive stress syndrome.

 

[Dinkleberry]

no, it's not... but if kids were given a choice it might really reduce repetetive stress syndrome.

so would playing sports instead of being stuck behind a computer.

 

[Qhartb]

I'm typing Dvorak right now. It takes a little while to get used to, plus you still have to be able to do qwerty if necessary (for other computers). I don't really notice the speed or accuracy issues, but I definately get less fatigue that I did with qwerty and can comfortably type longer. I didn't even realize that I was fatigued until I switched.

That said, a few small issues:

Shortcuts for cut, copy, paste are no longer right next to each other.

Due to dvorak maximizing hand alternation, one handed typing is harder (while two handed typing is easier). There are left- and right- handed Dvorak layouts for fast one-handed typing, but they're even less common than normal Dvorak.

Many games need to have their controls set before you can play. (Many others either autodetect or use scan codes instead of ascii.) Alternately, you can just change your layout before you load the game. HL2 needs controls set, Vampire Bloodlines doesn't, even though they both use source.

If you're not physically buying a dvorak keyboard (which is likely, since changing the OS setting is free), it can be weird having the keys say the wrong letter when you try-not-to-look-but-can't-help-yourself. Though 'a' and 'm' are the same on both boards...

And finally, how to do it. I use Windows XP, and it's possible but really hard to find where this is in the Control Panel. This way is easier:
1) Bring up the language bar (if it's not already up) by right-clicking the taskbar, and selecting Toolbars -> Language bar
2) Right-click the language bar and select Settings...
3) Click Add...
4) Select English (United States) then United States-Dvorak. Click OK.
5 (optional) Use the pull-down menu to set Dvorak as your default.
6) Click OK.

And now you can type Dvorak. Actually, I think any programs you already had open are still Qwerty, but any new programs will use the default, and you can switch between the layouts (on a per-program basis) using the keyboard icon on the Language bar.

 

[theGreenBunny]

I tried switching at one point, but couldn't be bothered to go through with it after a couple of days. Not like I type many huge texts anyway.

 

[ship]

And finally, how to do it. I use Windows XP, and it's possible but really hard to find where this is in the Control Panel. This way is easier:
1) Bring up the language bar (if it's not already up) by right-clicking the taskbar, and selecting Toolbars -> Language bar
2) Right-click the language bar and select Settings...
3) Click Add...
4) Select English (United States) then United States-Dvorak. Click OK.
5 (optional) Use the pull-down menu to set Dvorak as your default.
6) Click OK.

Thank you so much for my next great prank.

 

[Qhartb]

lol. No problem...

 

[Synthos]

well it's just a day after I posted, and I'm starting to type faster.

I agree the shortcuts are a bit of a problem...