Convert to a Dvorak keyboard from a QWERTY keyboard

The Dvorac layout instantly improves typing, even though my fingers are still unfamiliar (and aggressively learning it for about 3 cummulative hours now. The easiest way to begin is simply to do it with your own dedicated Dvorak keyboard and to progress to finding the keys from memory. I typed this description with a Dvorac-converted keyboard. Convert your spare keyboard in 5-10 minutes for free and try it out for yourself.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Dvorac
• convert
• keyboard
• typing
• ergonomics

[landen99]

So did you try it and find qwerty superior or simply conclude that if you don't notice a problem then there must not be one? Like all stresses, it is hard to know the advantage until you experience the difference.

[landen99]

This layout has improved my computer security by rendering malicious users impotent in their schemes. They can't do anything and their frustration and anxiety about getting caught both quickly shoot through the roof. Their subconscious gasps easily and quickly draw my attention to the stealthy user.

PS: Having two layouts setup in Windows (free) has been problematic as Windows sometimes switches without warning. So I only have the Dvorak enabled for my account. Problem solved, free.

[crystalclear506]

Why do you change the layout ? what's wrong with QWERTY ?

[landen99]

It is a lot harder on the wrists. All that movement up and down of the fingers quickly reveals the difference. As I type this on the Dvorak layout, my wrists and hands feel relatively unstressed.

[spudtec8]

I find the music a good choice, though I cant figure out why it goes on for four minutes after your video ends. if you do decide to try making this video again, also make sure the music isnt covering up up your voice. additionally i would add instructions on how to set a computer to read it as dvorak.

[yocbjone]

@landen99 i have been writing on a qwerty keyboard the last 20 years, no problem yet, real happy with it, so i think i'll stick with it! cool to see that there's actuallly something different than what allready works perfectly fine tho!

[landen99]

@vict0r1ous Windows button, Control Panel then either Region and Language and Keyboards tab or Clock, Language, change keyboards, depending on how you view it. Click change keyboards, Add, US-Dvorak under the General tab.

[vict0r1ous]

@landen99 how do i set my computer to recognize dvorak

[jcbahr]

You played Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony in the background of a way to convert a keyboard to a layout made by August Dvorak!!!!

Wonderful!!

[felixduhcat89]

This helps a lot :D

[slipknotlover89]

the music is gay & ur just ruining the keyboard !!

[jefboyardee]

or just buy one... fentek-ind . com / dvorak . htm

[RichardEllwood]

I've been learning Dvorak. It's been going slowly but I'm gradually getting it. Thanks for the video. Also, I like your "Convert-Qwerty-to-Dvorak" theme song.

[shamoo7000]

its so much better to just use an unaltered keyboard (with dvorak software) cuz you dont have to go thru the trouble of switching.... and its easier to touch-type cuz u cant really look at the keys.... or just black out the letters on the keys with a Sharpie like i did... (then no one can steal your computer!!!)

[PkedYou]

@AshleyTisdaleAndTJ What about in a library? I don't think there's many Dvorak laptops either...The pro's outweigh the cons right now.. Maybe in 20-30 years Dvorak will catch on commercially.

Who wants to lug around a keyboard and plug it in to every computer they use? Not me.

[AshleyTisdaleAndTJ]

@PkedYou take it w/ u. lol not that hard

it'd make life so much easier! lol

[xgenra]

if its one thing i learned about working...

IF YOU FIND A WAY TO DO YOUR JOB EASIER, FASTER, AND LESS PAINFUL FOR YOURSELF......KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!!

if we let everyone in on this....then they will expect EVEN MORE!!!

take it easy on ourselves guys.

lets use this to our advantage.

dont tell anyone.

[sharkhead7854]

Heheh, I'm using a flash drive utility that changes my format 'til I unplug it. I say don't change the keys around, like landen says it's extra security (people won't be able to use your keyboard) and it helps you learn better. After about 2 days of learning this layout I'm up to 14 wpm, switching from ~64 wpm qwerty.

[112251919112]

yea, theres groves on the top of my keys, and the grove on the J is on the bottom. X(

[PkedYou]

The problem with Dvorak is that 95% of keyboards are QWERTY you go to work and get confused of where to type if you use a Dvorak at home......

[GegoXaren]

A pair of pliers/wire cutters does wonders when converting keyboards....

: D

[egarrulo]

I do not recommend changing keycaps. Besides that J and K can not be swapped on some keyboards, most used letters will be right under your fingers, therefore you'll have to raise them to see the letters. Better print an image of the keyboard and attach it under the monitor.

Cheers

[craighughes16]

I think during the learning stages it is better not to change the keys, as looking down is detrimental when learning to touch type. It's nice to look at your strange keyboard and see what reactions you get though. I changed mine back to QWERTY after a couple of days and now I never look down and type at 60wpm. If you regularly use other computers you can get a program that runs from a flash drive that temporarily changes the layout. It's called Portable Keyboard Layout

[MarshunMartin]

For the (free) Dvorak tutorial that I used, look up "ABCD: A Basic Course in Dvorak". Make sure that you have some free time, though, as it took me a while to get up to speed with Dvorak.

But oh, am I ever so happy that I switched... after a few months, my speed is already ~80 WPM (took me years to get to that on QUERTY.)

[MarshunMartin]

Thanks for the tutorial. I'm going to try this, actually so that when people use my computer, I don't have to switch it to QUERTY (so they can look at the keys, and I don't care if they don't like it. =P)

Note: when you learn Dvorak, I'd recommend *not* making a physical Dvorak layout. Use the software to switch the layout to Dvorak, but keep your physical QUERTY keyboard to prevent the temptation to look at the keys. It makes learning slower but it hugely improves accuracy down the road.