How to Use the Dvorak Keyboard

The Dvorak Layout is a keyboard layout that places the most typed letters together, so as to increase the speed at which letters and words are typed (GWAM). Developed in 1936 by August Dvorak at the University of Washington as an alternative to the QWERTY layout, the Dvorak has failed to displace the QWERTY. Even so, many notable figures in our society have used this layout including Barbara Blackburn (world typing speed record holder), Bram Cohen (inventor of bittorent), and even Nathan Myhrvold (CTO of Microsoft).

The reason QWERTY was adopted first was because after the typewriter was introduced by Christopher Sholes, people found an alternative to just writing on plain paper, as the typewriter could increase the speed at which literature was produced. Even so, there were still problems with it. Because the typewriter could easily jam if too many letters were entered on one side, the QWERTY format was used as a way to prevent against that. This is why when typing on a QWERTY layout, many of the words require a person to hit keys on alternating sides of the keyboard. If a letter was typed on the right side followed by a letter on the left side, the chance of a jam in the typewriter decreased dramatically.

Dvorak was a professor of education and an educational psychologist, which led him to study the physiology and letter frequency of a person's hands in developing this new layout. The principle behind this layout was to develop a way to most optimize letter typing. He states that letters should be typed with alternating hands, thereby reducing the strain on any one hand.

In order to maximize speed and efficiency, the most common letters (such as vowels AEIOU) should be placed together and on the home row (the middle row where the fingers normally rest). The home row is also where the fingers have the most strength as well as being the easiest to reach. The most common digraphs should also be able to be typed on the home row. Digraphs are pairs of letters put together to make a distinct sound, something we use a lot in the English language. Some examples are wh, sh, ci, ea, ow, etc. Similarly, the letters least used should be on the bottom row where they are hardest to reach.

Digraphs should not be typed with adjacent fingers, my guess is probably because since they are right next to each other, the chance of making an error is higher, as well as fatiguing that certain pair of fingers.

Lastly, when typing a word, keystrokes should generally move from the outside to the inside. Dvorak did a study and found that when tapping on a table, it is easier for people to tap from the pinky finger to the index finger. With this principle called inboard stroke flow, this would not only efficiently minimize the time it takes to type a word, it makes sense to our minds intuitively.

The apostrophe, colon, semi-colon, and question mark are all on the top row of the Dvorak layout, and they are on alternating sides of the keyboard. Since shift is on the bottom row, it is very difficult to not only hold shift down, but finding the question mark or apostrophe key puts strain on the hand as it has to be in a sort of contorted position. By placing them on the top, Dvorak has made it easier for the hand to just swing from pinky to index finger.

There are many other classifications of the Dvorak layout, as it has branched into sorts such as Left Handed and Right Handed layouts, Programming layouts, and even layouts in other languages (Dvorak originally developed the style for the English language). Each has its own key setup in order to help facilitate users in whatever needs they may need.

There are various reasons why Dvorak never made its way into the public eye. Some state that government agencies actually tried to train its employees to use the layout, but it would not justify the costs needed for training. Others argued that large typewriter companies refused to develop a new layout that may affect their sales. Whatever the reason, the Dvorak layout just never assimilated its way into everyday culture.

If you would like to give the Dvorak Layout a try, your computer probably has a way to configure the keyboard settings. On Windows, if you go Start -> Control Panel, you will be able to change your keyboard layout. Even if you find that you still prefer the QWERTY settings, the Dvorak can be a fun alternative to learn about. And if you really want to type fast, then Dvorak is the layout you need.