Most people today use the QWERTY keyboard without knowing that there are alternative layouts that might be better suited for certain tasks or more ergonomic use. One of these alternative layouts is the Dvorak keyboard , named after its inventor, August Dvorak. But what's special about the Dvorak keyboard? And how does it differ from the traditional QWERTY keyboard? This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Dvorak keyboard.
What is the Dvorak keyboard?
The Dvorak keyboard layout was developed in the 1930s by Dr. August Dvorak and his brother-in-law William Dealey. Their goal was to create a keyboard layout that was more efficient, faster and more ergonomic than the traditional QWERTY layout.
The Dvorak keyboard layout is designed to place the most common letters and letter combinations where they are easiest to reach - on the so-called home row , which forms the middle row of a keyboard. This is intended to reduce unnecessary finger movements and increase typing speed.
Differences between Dvorak and QWERTZ
The most noticeable difference between Dvorak and QWERTY is, of course, the arrangement of the keys. While the QWERTY layout is named after the first six letters in the top left row, the keys in the Dvorak layout are arranged so that the letters most commonly used in the English language are on the home row.
Here are some striking differences:
- Frequently used letters : In Dvorak, the most frequently used letters (such as A, O, E, U, I) are in the home row, while in QWERTZ they are spread across the keyboard.
- Less finger movement : Dvorak aims to minimize finger movement, which should result in less strain on the hand muscles.
- Focus on hand switching : The layout encourages alternating typing with both hands to improve typing speed and reduce fatigue.
Advantages of the Dvorak keyboard
The Dvorak keyboard offers several advantages, especially for those who spend a lot of time in front of the keyboard:
1. Ergonomic advantages
Because the most common letters are on the home row, there is less finger movement. This can help reduce fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). For people who work long hours on a computer, this can be a noticeable improvement in the long term.
2. Faster typing speed
Another advantage of the Dvorak layout is the potentially higher typing speed. Since it is designed to require less movement from the fingers and to optimally arrange frequently used letter combinations, experienced Dvorak users can theoretically type faster than on a QWERTY keyboard.
3. Efficiency
The layout is designed to alternate hands, reducing the load on individual fingers and promoting smoother, more efficient typing.
Disadvantages of the Dvorak keyboard
Despite the many advantages, there are also some challenges that come with using the Dvorak keyboard:
1. Adjustment period
For people who have used QWERTY all their lives, switching to Dvorak requires a considerable adjustment period. It can take weeks or even months to get used to the new layout and to reach a similar typing speed as before.
2. Compatibility issues
Most computers and keyboards are QWERTY by default. While modern operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux offer support for the Dvorak layout, compatibility issues may arise in shared workspaces or public computers where only QWERTY is available.
3. Less support in the software world
Many programs and games are designed for QWERTY, which can lead to difficulties in navigating or using keyboard shortcuts that are not optimized for the Dvorak layout.
Is the Dvorak keyboard right for you?
Whether the Dvorak keyboard is right for you depends a lot on how much time you are willing to invest in learning a new layout and how intensively you use your keyboard. Here are some considerations that can help you decide:
1. You type a lot and have ergonomic problems
If you type frequently and suffer from wrist or finger discomfort, the Dvorak keyboard could be a good choice. The ergonomic benefits could help reduce strain and promote your long-term health.
2. You are willing to invest time in relearning
It takes some time to get used to the Dvorak layout, but if you have the patience and will to stick with this learning phase, you could reap the benefits in terms of speed and convenience in the long run.
3. You work mainly on your own computer
Since not all computers come with the Dvorak layout by default, it is easier if you work primarily on your own device, where you can easily change the layout.
How to switch to a Dvorak keyboard?
If you've decided to try Dvorak, switching is relatively easy. Most modern operating systems offer the ability to change the keyboard layout:
Windows
- Go to “Settings”.
- Click on “Time & Language” and select “Language and keyboard settings”.
- Under “Keyboard Layout”, add the Dvorak layout and activate it.
macOS
- Open the “System Preferences”.
- Click on “Keyboard” and then on “Input Sources”.
- Add the Dvorak layout.
Linux
- Open the “System Preferences”.
- Go to Region and Language and add the Dvorak layout.
Conclusion
The Dvorak keyboard offers an interesting alternative to the traditional QWERTY layout and is particularly suitable for people who spend a lot of time on the computer and want to improve their typing speed or ergonomics. While the switch requires some time to get used to, the long-term benefits - in terms of comfort and efficiency - could be worth the effort. If you're ready to try something new, the Dvorak keyboard could be just the thing for you.
