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Another option is to get a Dvorak keyboard and see if that works better for you. A Dvorak keyboard is supposed to be much more efficient than the standard QWERTY keyboard. What I mean is that the space your fingers have to move to type most words is much less, reducing the strain on your hands. It's also supposed to be faster. Downside is learning a new layout. Here is an URL with some info on the Dvorak layout.

As for not using a mouse that gets tricky in a GUI environment. I've never tried it, and it is pricey, but footmouse.com has a foot operated mouse. If your goal is to reduce wear and tear on your hands, maybe it is worth looking into.

You could also check out the portion of the typing injury FAQ that deals with alternative input devices. Perhaps you could substitute something for the mouse or keyboard that is more to your liking.

Hope this was helpful.

But: That program is from 1992, so it seems as if it isn't very popular... :-(

http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~dylan/dvor ak/dvorak.html
http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvorak/
Many more, I'm just to lazy. Use altavista '+dvorak +keyboard'.

Efforts on national dvorak layouts are gathered at Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard: Non-English Layouts (http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvorak/national.html ).

While the cost of change can be drastic in any situation, there comes a time when one must decide whether the paying the cost now, is worth it in the longrun. For instance, the deciding to pay the cost to switch over to fibre cable, and not stick with copper, while costly, was the best decision.

Zillions of tests and user-testaments over the years can't be wrong - maybe it is time to switch over to the Dvorak keyboard? Not convinced? Check out the following URLs:

Introducing DVORAK
The Curse of QWERYTY
Mavis Beacon's History of DVORAK


There are similar reasons why the metric systems hasn't been adopted world wide.

While this is slightly off-topic, and i apoligize, i find it worthy to point out that the Metric system has been officially adopted in every country except the U.S.
For more information on the metric system, and how it pertains to the U.S., try : The US Metric Association, and the WSDOT Metrics Page.


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| big bad mr. frosty
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I've collected several links to dvorak keyboard sellers and dvorak ressources.

Due to the US-english dvorak layout is only different in the positions of the keys on the board, you may create your own dvorak keyboard by just switching your key caps around. And for X11 you can use xkeycaps and xmodmap to tell your computer that you've done that... :-) You'll find an dvorak-xmodmap at Peter Amstutz' Dvorak page.

But if keyboard doesn't allow to switch the key caps around you can also relabel them...

Dvorak Keyboard Sellers:

• Dvorty Boards
• Dvorak Keyboards from Fentek

The Dvorak Layout in comparison to the qwerty layout can be found at Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard .

There are also efforts on creating non-english dvorak layouts.

I've collected several links to dvorak keyboard sellers and dvorak ressources.

Due to the US-english dvorak layout is only different in the positions of the keys on the board, you may create your own dvorak keyboard by just switching your key caps around. And for X11 you can use xkeycaps and xmodmap to tell your computer that you've done that... :-) You'll find an dvorak-xmodmap at Peter Amstutz' Dvorak page.

But if keyboard doesn't allow to switch the key caps around you can also relabel them...

Dvorak Keyboard Sellers:

• Dvorty Boards
• Dvorak Keyboards from Fentek

The Dvorak Layout in comparison to the qwerty layout can be found at Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard .

There are also efforts on creating non-english dvorak layouts.

I've collected several links to dvorak keyboard sellers and dvorak ressources.

Due to the US-english dvorak layout is only different in the positions of the keys on the board, you may create your own dvorak keyboard by just switching your key caps around. And for X11 you can use xkeycaps and xmodmap to tell your computer that you've done that... :-) You'll find an dvorak-xmodmap at Peter Amstutz' Dvorak page.

But if keyboard doesn't allow to switch the key caps around you can also relabel them...

Dvorak Keyboard Sellers:

• Dvorty Boards
• Dvorak Keyboards from Fentek

The Dvorak Layout in comparison to the qwerty layout can be found at Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard .

There are also efforts on creating non-english dvorak layouts.

http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvorak/

Here's how to set up your Unix machine to try out the Dvorak layout. You need X windows to do this.

First, print out a picture of the Dvorak layout. A GIF and a PDF version are on Marcus Brooks' page.

Now, follow these instructions IN ORDER (or you'll have trouble changing back to Qwerty). Download the following xmodmap scripts:
Qwerty and Dvorak

Then, make an alias to change back and forth easily:

% alias asdf 'xmodmap ~/dvorak.xmodmap'
% alias aoeu 'xmodmap ~/qwerty.xmodmap'

I chose the alias so the same four keys are typed in either Qwerty or Dvorak mode. So just type "asdf" to toggle between them. Then you can decide for yourself and avoid all the flame-ridden commotion. :)

http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvorak/ is a good starting point if you're interested in the Dvorak layout; I tried it this past summer, and found it to be much easier on my hands, although I was reduced to a hunt-and-peck typist. One of these days I want to actually start learning to type on a Dvorak as quickly as I can on a QWERTY..

You may also want to check out the official page for the Dvorak keyboard layout at http://www.dvorakint.org, although it seems to be down at the moment.

There was also a handy little utility I had for Win9x that would let you switch layouts on the fly and learn to type with a Dvorak without buying one, but I've lost the link to it.. I'll post a followup if I find it again.

If you would like to buy a hardwired keyboard check out Hard-Wired Keyboards.

Recently I got a Kinesis ergonomic keyboard that it hot swappable between qwerty and dvorak. It's also an ergo keyboard and the best peripheral for my computer I've ever bought. I highly recommend their contoured keyboards.

Something that you may want to keep in mind is that a lot of unix command line commands are optimized for qwerty, like ls, as well as emacs and vi.

If you would like to buy a hardwired keyboard check out Hard-Wired Keyboards.

Recently I got a Kinesis ergonomic keyboard that it hot swappable between qwerty and dvorak. It's also an ergo keyboard and the best peripheral for my computer I've ever bought. I highly recommend their contoured keyboards.

Something that you may want to keep in mind is that a lot of unix command line commands are optimized for qwerty, like ls, as well as emacs and vi.

The Myth of the Keys is extremely biased, has no true evidence and makes no sense in certain places.

Here's the "truth": http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvora k/dissent.html

As far as Dvorak being faster than QWERTY. A friend of mine was typing 55-65wpm using QWERTY a year ago. Eight months ago he switched to Dvorak. His current speed is 60-70wpm (which is not much faster), but he says that his hands feel a lot better with Dvorak than with QWERTY.

QWERTY was designed to slow down. Dvorak was designed to speed up and simplify typing. Both keyboard layouts have achieved their goals.

I am currently a QWERTY user, but I'm switching to Dvorak as soon as I have a week or so of no important typing to do.

From the above URL, as an argument for Dvorak, one can form about 12 times more English words using just the homerow on a Dvorak keyboard compared to a QWERTY keyboard. Think about it: **12** times more words without having to move your arms off the home row.

I can't believe that the world is still using a keyboard that was designed with *salesmen* in mind (that is, the top row of the QWERTY keyboard contains all the letters necessary for typewriter salesmen to type "typewriter", saving them trouble of hunting and pecking back in the day).

I strongly suggest you use Dvorak. Its only flaw is that its really not as widespread as QWERTY.

It starts out:

The Fable of the Fable

You might hear comments from time to time about studies showing Dvorak is "no better than QWERTY," or words to that effect. All such comments that I've heard seem to echo an article, "The Fable of the Keys," by S. J. Liebowitz and Stephen E. Margolis, published in the Journal of Law & Economics, vol. XXXIII (April 1990).

Note the word "economics." Liebowitz and Margolis are economists opposed to an "excessive inertia" theory, for which OWERTY is often cited as an example. Rather than try to prove their point with a generally valid argument, they simply attack Dvorak as a dubious replacement for QWERTY. As the article's last footnote explains, there are a number of other possible reasons for Dvorak's failure to replace QWERTY, besides a perceived lack of value. The article ignores those reasons, however, and perpetrates that false perception in a nicely self-fulfilling way.

The argument involves perception in more ways than one. If you read the article carefully, you will find that it seems to claim more than it actually does claim, especially after its implications get paraphrased a few times in conversation. Because their effect is just as powerful, I will address its implications as if they were clearly stated claims

- Seth Finkelstein

The short of it - the economic discussions might be fair, but the DVORAK argument is not.

I heard all kinds of good things about it so I made the switch about a year ago. I don't have CTS or any other disorder despite my heavy use of computers since about 2nd grade, and I decided I'd like to stave it off as long as possible. I also bought myself a MS Natural Keyboard Elite. I recommend it over the regular one, the keys are MUCH easier to press. And the 6 is on the right instead of the left side. ;)

Once I made the switch, I definitely noticed much less hand fatigure after a full day of typing. Somewhere (check out the dvorak links) I remember reading on an average typists' day, using the QWERTY keyboard, your fingers will travel about 7 miles as compared to DVORAK which measures in around 2. Enough to make me switch. Besides I type 20-30 wpm faster (average) now too, and I can easily measure over 100wpm if I try :)

Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard

A Basic Course in Dvorak

I switched in approximately a month, though I had a tough time because I couldn't completely wean myself from QWERTY (had to use other computers, etc). I hear if you switch cold turkey it goes much faster.

Finally, I only used resources I found on the web. Didn't cost me a penny :)

Hey, the dvorak layout is not too bad. If your hands feel like pounding rocks after ten minutes at the keyboard, its something worth pursuing.

Now Dvorak, the com^Hlumnist, is another nut off the zdnet tree.

(A 2 yr. Dvorak typist.)

(A 2 yr. Dvorak typist.)

Mr. Brooks has some good comments about Dvorak vs. QWERTY, including comments on why the Liebowitz and Margolis article isn't exactly proof that dvorak isn't better. He goes over each of the major points of their article.

Regarding the Economist's editorial, I can't say I agree with their analysis: They don't take into consideration ergonomics, the cost if dvorak or qwerty is learned from the start, and the fact that there are no unbiased studies showing one is better than the other. (The GSA study was biased, Mr. Strong had an investment in QWERTY, having put lots of effort into improving/using it).

It is easily shown that that the dvorak keyboard moves the more commonly used keys under the stronger fingers, important to prevent RSI. In addition, the alteration of keys is much better than the QWERTY keyboard, important for speed. (The QWERTY keyboard has this property too, but they keys are on the weakest fingers. This is the accidental benifit mentioned by the economist, tho it possibly risks injury.)

Even Sholes thought that the original keyboard needed improvement, having taken out a patent on this keyboard:
X P M C H R T N S D G K
J B W F L A E I O U Y
Q V (punctuation goes here)
Notice that the vowels are under one hand and that most common words would alternate well.

Regarding Dvorak being baised; I think not. The book, Typewriting Behavior: Psychology Applied to Teaching and Learning Typewriting , is authored by four people (Dvorak being only one) and consists of information pertinent to all aspects of typing. In fact, the Dvorak keyboard is only called the simplified keyboard at this point. The book cites several hundred case studies. This book is the result of the $130,000 dollars from the Carnegie Commission for Education.

This is the quintessential book for understanding how humans use keyboards. There isn't anything like it since (tho some have built upon it).

Finally, I have to state my opinion on Economists in general; Most don't know simple math. A good explination of what I mean can be seen on AdBusters' Economists Must Learn to Subtract . This wouldn't be the first time an economist was unable to see past the obvious dollars. Why should they worry about the pain a person will have, later in life? Especially if they can fire that person first?

Economics is currently where physics was in ancient greece. We know a few concepts, one or two working formula, but we're missing huge chunks. Human health, long term viability and quality of living are all left out.

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure I'll get at least one colorful response. Oh, BTW, CmdrTaco, what irks you about the QWERTY origin story/mythos? That dvorak is touted as better for speed? That dvorak is possibly better for your hands? Or that it acts as a possible exception or counter-proof for current economic theory?

Personally, I'm only interested in ease of use and my precious wrists. And since dvorak makes my wrists feel better (even now that I'm back to my QWERTY speed) and switching most systems to dvorak is trivial....

Ciao!

Mr. Brooks has some good comments about Dvorak vs. QWERTY, including comments on why the Liebowitz and Margolis article isn't exactly proof that dvorak isn't better. He goes over each of the major points of their article.

Regarding the Economist's editorial, I can't say I agree with their analysis: They don't take into consideration ergonomics, the cost if dvorak or qwerty is learned from the start, and the fact that there are no unbiased studies showing one is better than the other. (The GSA study was biased, Mr. Strong had an investment in QWERTY, having put lots of effort into improving/using it).

It is easily shown that that the dvorak keyboard moves the more commonly used keys under the stronger fingers, important to prevent RSI. In addition, the alteration of keys is much better than the QWERTY keyboard, important for speed. (The QWERTY keyboard has this property too, but they keys are on the weakest fingers. This is the accidental benifit mentioned by the economist, tho it possibly risks injury.)

Even Sholes thought that the original keyboard needed improvement, having taken out a patent on this keyboard:
X P M C H R T N S D G K
J B W F L A E I O U Y
Q V (punctuation goes here)
Notice that the vowels are under one hand and that most common words would alternate well.

Regarding Dvorak being baised; I think not. The book, Typewriting Behavior: Psychology Applied to Teaching and Learning Typewriting , is authored by four people (Dvorak being only one) and consists of information pertinent to all aspects of typing. In fact, the Dvorak keyboard is only called the simplified keyboard at this point. The book cites several hundred case studies. This book is the result of the $130,000 dollars from the Carnegie Commission for Education.

This is the quintessential book for understanding how humans use keyboards. There isn't anything like it since (tho some have built upon it).

Finally, I have to state my opinion on Economists in general; Most don't know simple math. A good explination of what I mean can be seen on AdBusters' Economists Must Learn to Subtract . This wouldn't be the first time an economist was unable to see past the obvious dollars. Why should they worry about the pain a person will have, later in life? Especially if they can fire that person first?

Economics is currently where physics was in ancient greece. We know a few concepts, one or two working formula, but we're missing huge chunks. Human health, long term viability and quality of living are all left out.

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure I'll get at least one colorful response. Oh, BTW, CmdrTaco, what irks you about the QWERTY origin story/mythos? That dvorak is touted as better for speed? That dvorak is possibly better for your hands? Or that it acts as a possible exception or counter-proof for current economic theory?

Personally, I'm only interested in ease of use and my precious wrists. And since dvorak makes my wrists feel better (even now that I'm back to my QWERTY speed) and switching most systems to dvorak is trivial....

Ciao!

Mr. Brooks has some good comments about Dvorak vs. QWERTY, including comments on why the Liebowitz and Margolis article isn't exactly proof that dvorak isn't better. He goes over each of the major points of their article.

Regarding the Economist's editorial, I can't say I agree with their analysis: They don't take into consideration ergonomics, the cost if dvorak or qwerty is learned from the start, and the fact that there are no unbiased studies showing one is better than the other. (The GSA study was biased, Mr. Strong had an investment in QWERTY, having put lots of effort into improving/using it).

It is easily shown that that the dvorak keyboard moves the more commonly used keys under the stronger fingers, important to prevent RSI. In addition, the alteration of keys is much better than the QWERTY keyboard, important for speed. (The QWERTY keyboard has this property too, but they keys are on the weakest fingers. This is the accidental benifit mentioned by the economist, tho it possibly risks injury.)

Even Sholes thought that the original keyboard needed improvement, having taken out a patent on this keyboard:
X P M C H R T N S D G K
J B W F L A E I O U Y
Q V (punctuation goes here)
Notice that the vowels are under one hand and that most common words would alternate well.

Regarding Dvorak being baised; I think not. The book, Typewriting Behavior: Psychology Applied to Teaching and Learning Typewriting , is authored by four people (Dvorak being only one) and consists of information pertinent to all aspects of typing. In fact, the Dvorak keyboard is only called the simplified keyboard at this point. The book cites several hundred case studies. This book is the result of the $130,000 dollars from the Carnegie Commission for Education.

This is the quintessential book for understanding how humans use keyboards. There isn't anything like it since (tho some have built upon it).

Finally, I have to state my opinion on Economists in general; Most don't know simple math. A good explination of what I mean can be seen on AdBusters' Economists Must Learn to Subtract . This wouldn't be the first time an economist was unable to see past the obvious dollars. Why should they worry about the pain a person will have, later in life? Especially if they can fire that person first?

Economics is currently where physics was in ancient greece. We know a few concepts, one or two working formula, but we're missing huge chunks. Human health, long term viability and quality of living are all left out.

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure I'll get at least one colorful response. Oh, BTW, CmdrTaco, what irks you about the QWERTY origin story/mythos? That dvorak is touted as better for speed? That dvorak is possibly better for your hands? Or that it acts as a possible exception or counter-proof for current economic theory?

Personally, I'm only interested in ease of use and my precious wrists. And since dvorak makes my wrists feel better (even now that I'm back to my QWERTY speed) and switching most systems to dvorak is trivial....

Ciao!

If you think of yourself as a hacker a crappy design should just frost your cookies. Just think about it, Dvorac was specifically designed to be easy to use. While you may not be able to prove it's better it definately can't be any worse. I have a hot switchable Q/D keyboard from Kinesis but haven't had the time to switch, opefullly this summer.

Dvorak wins by a long shot. I spent approximately a month training to get to my old qwerty speed and accuracy. Things I've noticed _personally_ since switching:

1) I haven't had that sore-typing-hands feeling since.
2) Typing on the qwerty keyboard now feels like I'm tying my fingers in knots. Typing on dvorak just "flows".
3) I've gained approximately 15 WPM since switching. My old qwerty rate was approximately 80wpm- with dvorak, I'm up to 95wpm. I've even hit around 120wpm a few times.
4) If anything, my typing is more accurate. I did not track this- however, I certainly haven't lost any accuracy.
5) Yes, I even like it more for programming.

Papers and studies and articles in nonwithstanding, the only way you will ever know if it works for you is to try it. From the web pages I've seen, an overwhelming majority have been pro-dvorak.

Finally, I remember last year reading a very convincing rebuttal to the "Fable of the Keys" article on which this Economist article is largely based. I'll post the URL as a reply here if I can find it again. I've been unsuccessful so far.

Some good links for those who want to see for themselves:

Comparison of Dvorak and Qwerty typing "demons":
http://www.mit.edu/~jcb/Dvorak/demons.ht ml

Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard:
http://www.ccsi.com/~mbrooks/dvorak /dvorak.html

Let Your Fingers Do Less Walking:
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~s ander/mensa/dvorak1.html

Here are instructions on all the above mentioned OS, and quite a few others. Eli