I’m not sure where I first learned of the DVORAK keyboard layout (named after the guy who invented it, not the composer).   Anyhow, it’s supposed to make you type faster, with less strain, as the letters that are used most are on the home row of the keyboard.

I’m a lousy typist. I didn’t learn to properly type until after I’d graduated college – a severe handicap for someone who has always wanted to be a writer,  and who majored in Creative Writing.  I’m sure I’d have had much more fun at college if I hadn’t spent so much time hunting and pecking.

So, this year I decided that I would finally convert.  DVORAK typists are supposed to be faster, which has a huge appeal.  I originally ordered stickers to cover my keyboard with the appropriate letters, but after a week realized that I’d be staring at my hands so I ordered blanks.  I covered up most of the numbers as well, since I have a bad habit of looking at the keyboard which I’d like to break.

It’s been slow, but I think I’ve passed the point of no return.  I got frustrated yesterday and tried to switch back to QWERTY.  Turns out I can’t type in that at all (at least when the keys aren’t visible).

I probably need to log in some actual practice, rather than just learning through doing.

I wish I’d done this sooner, because there are moments now when I can see that this would be faster and have more flow.  At least I’ve started now.  I’ve memorized the keyboard layout, something I could never claim for the QWERTY although I’ve used it for decades.  Now my challenge is mastery – and forgetting a few old locations.

To learn more about the DVORAK layout:  http://www.dvorak-keyboard.com/