Alternative to QWERTY

Here's something interesting from the monthly newsletter from the Wisconsin Law Library:

Yahoo tech blogger Dory Devlin asks this question:  QWERTY query:Why do we still type this way?

The arrangement of keys on a keyboard was developed by Christopher Latham Sholes, the Milwaukee man who invented the typewriter in the 1870s.  The keys were arranged as they are to minimize typewriter keys' getting jammed up.  Hello?!  Key jamming really isn't an issue with computer keyboards.  But still we use the QWERTY key scheme. 

Did you know that there are options?  There is an alternate keyboard arrangement called the Dvorak keyboard, which arranges the letters based on frequency of use (in English). 70% of the keystrokes for English come from the home row, as opposed to  just 32% in the QWERTY system.  Could switching to a more ergonomic system like Dvorak cut repetitive stress injuries?  If carpal tunnel or other hand and wrist ailments are a problem, Dvorak might be worth a try.

You can change your keyboard configuration in Windows with just a few clicks if you want to give it a try, and Dvorak keyboards are available for purchase.

Comments

[Anna]

Interesting - but then I'd have to learn to type all over again! However, for people just learning this sounds like a good idea.

[Caro]

I also saw something on the news that was a kit you could set up and program to be how you wanted it. I think it was for people who do a lot with the F# keys or multiple keystroke operations.