What is the Dvorak keyboard layout? Are they that good?

Ever felt like your fingers are doing a marathon on the QWERTY track? Let’s shake things up with the Dvorak keyboard layout! A fascinating alternative to the traditional layout design that offers a unique approach to efficient typing. This article delves into the Dvorak layout to explore the reasons behind its growing popularity among proficient typists.

What is Dvorak Keyboard Layout?

The Dvorak Simplified keyboard layout, named after its inventor Dr. August Dvorak, is a keyboard design that innovates the traditional QWERTY layout. Developed in the 1930s, it's engineered for efficiency and comfort in typing. In 1982, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) designated the Dvorak keyboard as an alternative standard layout "Alternative for Alphanumeric Machines".

Originally featured as a factory-supplied option on Selectric typewriters of IBM, the ANSI Dvorak layout has evolved into a hallmark of ergonomic typing. Today, seamlessly integrated Dvorak software enhances user experience across Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and is also referred to as the Simplified Keyboard or American Simplified Keyboard.

Unlike other keyboard sizes and layouts, the Dvorak layout strategically places the most commonly used letters under the strongest fingers, reducing finger movement and increasing typing speed.

History of Dvorak Keyboard Layout

The Dvorak keyboard layout, conceived by Dr. August Dvorak and William L. Dealey, was meticulously crafted based on extensive 12-year research into typing patterns and ergonomics.  They designed the layout in the 1930s with the goal of reducing finger movement and increasing the typing speed of typists. It was accomplished and received a U.S. patent No. 2,040,248 in 1932, which claims to offer benefits such as less fatigue and lower risk of repetitive stress injuries (RSI) for typists.

Modern major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and BSD now assist users who opt for the Dvorak layout. Users can easily switch to this layout regardless of the hardware keyboard they use, transcending the characters printed on the keys.

These modifications and variations are crafted by teams led by Dvorak itself or conforming to ANSI standards, such as Dvorak Simplified Keyboards, American Simplified Keyboards, or simply Simplified Keyboards, have become universally recognized as Dvorak Keyboards or Dvorak Layouts.

Advantages of Dvorak Keyboard Layout

Advantages	Disadvantages
Faster Typing: 70% of keystrokes on home row (+6.2% speed vs. QWERTY). Reduced Finger Movement: 1 mile vs. 12 - 20 miles with QWERTY. Improved Accuracy: +5% accuracy due to optimized key placement. Enhanced Privacy: Unfamiliar placement of letters makes it significantly harder for someone to decipher your typing rhythm and guess what you're typing	Steep Learning Curve: Months of relearning, potential speed plateau, incompatibility with embedded systems and BIOS screens. Limited Compatibility: Primarily designed for English, issues with older systems, company-controlled OS, non-English languages. Reduced Availability: Scarcity of Dvorak keyboards, dependence on personal peripherals, inconvenience in shared spaces.

The Dvorak keyboard layout offers a range of benefits that cater to the needs of the user. Let's delve into 4 key advantages to highlight why Dvorak might be a superior choice for typists looking to maximize their productivity.

Increased Typing Speed & Efficiency

One of the primary Dvorak keyboard layout benefits is its potential to increase typing speed. Studies from Nickells Jr suggest that users can experience a 6.2% increase in typing speed compared to QWERTY by the strategic placement of keys. This efficiency stems from having 70% of keystrokes on the home row, as opposed to just 32% in QWERTY, reducing finger movement and increasing typing rhythm.

Besides, Dvorak has 22% on the top row and 8% on the bottom row compared to QWERTY's 52% and 16%, forcing typists to constantly reach up and down which impedes their fluidity and hinders overall typing efficiency.

Another feature of the Dvorak layout is the separation of vowels and consonants on the left and right sides of the home row, respectively. This creates a natural rhythm of alternating between the two hands, which is faster and smoother than using one hand or one finger. For example, texting with one hand or drumming with one stick are slower and harder than using both hands. The Dvorak layout leverages this principle to enhance typing speed and efficiency.

Reduced Finger Movement

The thoughtful arrangement of keys in the Dvorak layout significantly reduces finger travel distance. On average, a typist’s fingers travel 1 mile in a day using Dvorak, in stark contrast to the 12 - 20 miles with QWERTY. The reduction leads to less wrist strain and fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it a favorite among long-period keyboard users.

Potential for Improved Accuracy

By concentrating the most frequently used letters and digraphs on the home row, Dvorak reduces the likelihood of mistyping. Its strategic placement is thought to improve typing accuracy by about 5%, compared to conventional layouts, as it aligns with natural finger movements and reduces the need for stretching or reaching for keys.

Privacy and Security

An often overlooked advantage of Dvorak is the added layer of privacy and security it provides. Since it is less common than QWERTY, it offers a degree of obscurity against “shoulder surfing” – the practice of spying on the user's keyboard to steal passwords or other sensitive information. The unfamiliar layout can deter casual onlookers and make it harder for someone to replicate your keystrokes in public spaces.

Disadvantages of Dvorak Keyboard Layout

While the Dvorak keyboard layout presents theoretical benefits, it's important to consider its drawbacks before making the switch. Here are 3 main reasons:

Learning Curve

Users who are already proficient with QWERTY may find it challenging to relearn typing on the Dvorak layout, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. It takes about 3 months to get used to, so despite claims of increased typing speed, some users do not experience a significant speed improvement, and it may not be a guaranteed way to type faster.

Besides, users working with embedded systems or modifying BIOS screens may struggle with layout compatibility and confusion during OS boots. Many people are resistant to change, and switching to Dvorak can be met with skepticism or resistance from colleagues or family members who may not be familiar with the layout. We wouldn't advise somebody who may currently type with QWERTY to switch to Dvorak.

Dvorak's limited availability poses challenges. Widely adopted by English typists, but its inconsistent support is notable. For PC gamers, adapting to the need for key rebinding or frequent layout shifts adds complexity to the learning curve from traditional QWERTY.

Limited Compatibility

One of the critical challenges faced by the Dvorak keyboard layout is its limited compatibility, particularly in the context of languages other than English. The Dvorak design was specifically tailored to the English language, taking into account its unique letter frequencies, sequences, and bigrams.

Older systems and remote protocols may not support alternate keyboard layouts, making it impossible to type effectively on such systems. In environments with company-controlled operating systems, users may not have the option to set their preferred keyboard layout during installation, leading to inconveniences during login and password resets.

The unique orthographic requirements and character distributions of non-English languages such as Roman characters or other Western could necessitate significantly different keyboard layouts for optimal input. While Dvorak’s principles have been applied to keyboard designs for various languages, the primary keyboards in most countries still follow the QWERTY design. Therefore, the compatibility of DSK with languages other than English remains limited.

Limited Availability

The availability of Dvorak keyboards is limited compared to the ubiquitous QWERTY keyboards, making it harder to find hardware and inconvenient if you want to switch. This can be particularly challenging in public or shared spaces, such as offices, libraries, or schools, where QWERTY is the standard. Dvorak’s users may need to carry their own peripherals or adjust settings on shared computers, which can be inconvenient in certain scenarios.

The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard (DSK) layout, while integrated into all major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD, was not initially available for iOS devices. It was only with the launch of iOS 8 in 2014 that users could install third-party keyboards, including Dvorak, on their iPhones and iPads. However, it wasn’t until the release of iOS 16 that the Dvorak layout was included as a system-wide keyboard.

The Dvorak keyboard layout is most suitable for individuals who primarily type in English and are seeking ergonomic improvements in their typing experience. It's ideal for those willing to invest time in learning a new system and who are not heavily reliant on embedded systems or non-English typing.

Dvorak vs QWERTY layout: Which is better?

Here's a comparative table that highlights the main features of each layout, offering insight into their unique characteristics:

	Dvorak	QWERTY
Letters Arrangement	Optimized for English Less finger movement	Traditional More finger travel
Efficiency	Higher potential typing speed Reduced finger strain	Standard typing speed More finger strain
Historical Context	Developed in the 1930s for efficiency	Developed in the 1870s to prevent typewriter jams
Popularity	Less common Niche user base	Globally dominant Standard layout
Adaptability to Languages	Primarily English-focused	More adaptable to various languages
Ergonomics	Designed to reduce finger fatigue	Standard ergonomics May cause more fatigue
Learning Curve	Steeper for QWERTY users	Universally accepted Easier to learn

The Dvorak layout, with its efficient letter arrangement, is designed to enhance typing speed but is less adaptable to non-English languages and faces a steep learning curve. In contrast, the QWERTY layout, while less efficient in terms of finger movement, is widely used, more adaptable to various languages and gentler learning.

The Dvorak layout excels in ergonomic efficiency and is ideal for English-centric typists committed to mastering its unique arrangement. Conversely, QWERTY reigns supreme in global popularity and adaptability, especially for multilingual use.

There are still some other interesting layouts like ANSI and ISO if you're curious, dive deeper and discover the best fit for your typing needs.

How to Switch to the Dvorak Layout?

Adapting to the Dvorak keyboard layout can significantly enhance your typing experience, but it requires a few steps to get started. Whether you're using Windows 10, macOS, or a Chromebook, the transition is straightforward:

Dvorak keyboard layout for Chromebook:

Step 1: Open Chromebook Settings: Click on time in the bottom right corner and select 'Settings'.

Step 2: Adjust Keyboard Settings: In the 'Device' section, go to 'Keyboard', then 'Input Method'.

Step 3: Select Dvorak: Click 'Manage input methods', and choose from the available Dvorak options: 'US Dvorak', 'US Programmer Dvorak', or 'UK Dvorak'.

Step 4: Setting as Default: Ensure your selected Dvorak layout is set as the default for immediate use.

Dvorak keyboard layout Mac:

Step 1: Access Keyboard Preferences: From the Apple menu, go to 'System Preferences' and select 'Keyboard'.

Step 2: Choose the Input Sources Tab: Click on '+', then navigate to 'English', and select 'Dvorak'.

Step 3: Toggle Keyboard Layouts: The input menu in the menu bar allows you to switch between Dvorak and other keyboard layouts. Use 'Command + Option + Spacebar' for a quick switch.

Dvorak keyboard layout Windows 10:

Step 1: Navigate to Keyboard Settings: Go to 'Setting' > 'Time & language'. Under 'Region and Language', click on 'Keyboards and Languages'.

Step 2: Adding Dvorak Layout: Click on 'Change keyboards', then 'Add'. Scroll to 'English (United States)' and expand it. You'll find the 'United States-Dvorak' option. Select it and click 'OK'.

Step 3: Switching Between Layouts: You can toggle between Dvorak and QWERTY by clicking the language icon in the taskbar or using the shortcut 'Alt + Shift'.

Check out this quick tutorial video below for an easy switch keyboard layout:

10 Tips to learn the Dvorak Layout?

Learning the Dvorak keyboard layout can be a transformative but somewhat challenging experience. Here are some tips to enhance your typing proficiency:

• Familiarize with the Home Row: 'AOEU' for the left hand and 'HTNS' for the right. The raised dots are on 'U' and 'H' to help guide your fingers back to position.
• Avoid "Peck": Resist the urge to revert to one-finger typing. Consistently use the correct fingers for each key to build muscle memory and typing efficiency.
• Embrace a Gradual Pace: Speed isn't your initial goal, accuracy is. Focus on getting each keystroke right.
• Keep a layout diagram handy: a printed diagram or digital image close to your workspace can significantly aid in memorizing the layout.
• Reduce keyboard gazing: As your familiarity grows, challenge yourself to type without looking at the keyboard.
• Leverage online learning tools: instructional videos and typing programs, to guide your learning process. These resources often provide structured lessons that can help solidify your understanding and skill.
• Incorporate daily practice: Consistent, short daily practice sessions are more effective than infrequent ones. Aim for around fifteen minutes a day to gradually build comfort and speed.
• Make practice engaging: Incorporate typing into your daily communications. Text friends or use social media to make practice less monotonous and more practical.
• Patience and persistence: Remember, switching to Dvorak is not just about learning a new layout, it's about retraining your muscle memory. Be patient with your progress and persistent in your practice.
• Regularly assess your progress: Periodically evaluate your typing speed and accuracy. This not only motivates but also helps identify areas needing more focus.

Conclusion

In summary, the Dvorak keyboard layout offers a unique alternative to the traditional QWERTY layout. Its design focuses on efficiency and reducing finger movement, a rewarding choice for ergonomic improvements or a niche skill in typing. While it boasts benefits, the Dvorak layout also presents challenges for some people.

FAQs

What is the layout of a Dvorak keyboard?

The Dvorak keyboard layout arranges letters to minimize finger movement and maximize typing efficiency, with the most commonly used letters placed in the home row.

Is Dvorak the fastest keyboard layout?

While Dvorak's design is intended to facilitate faster typing compared to traditional layouts, whether it's the fastest depends on the individual's typing skill and adaptation to the layout.

Is Dvorak better for coding?

The Dvorak keyboard can be beneficial for coding due to its ergonomic design and efficient letter arrangement. While may not be compatible with all programming environments, the advantage largely depends on personal preference and adaptability.

Is the Dvorak keyboard good?

The keyboard layout Dvorak is good for those seeking ergonomic benefits and who predominantly type in English. However, its effectiveness varies with each user's adaptability and needs.

Is Dvorak or Colemak better?

Choosing between Dvorak and Colemak keyboard layouts depends on individual preferences and needs. Both layouts offer ergonomic benefits and aim to increase typing efficiency over QWERTY, with Colemak being a more minor deviation from the standard layout.

Is it better to have Dvorak or QWERTY?

The choice between QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard layouts comes down to personal preference, the willingness to learn a new layout and specific typing needs. Dvorak is often chosen for its efficiency and ergonomic benefits, while QWERTY remains the standard due to its widespread use and familiarity.