The DVORAK Layout: My Journey One Year Later

Keyboards and keyboard layouts are like clothes: Go with what ever fits you best. If something feels uncomfortable, change it; You don't have to stick with what you have. You wouldn't wear a size Small shirt if a Large size fits better, would you? Oh, and if you get them used, make sure it's clean and disinfected before use. Nothing more gross than wearing used clothing, as we'd say the same with keyboards.

Alternate keyboard layouts may be just another thing to earn more "nerd" points among a small but humble community, but in fact, it presents something that could very well challenge the QWERTY status quo. There isn't anything wrong with the current QWERTY layout which makes venturing into other layouts just a time-consuming mess that serves little purpose. Yeah, what's the point of changing and using another keyboard layout if QWERTY is adequate enough? Why make it difficult for ourselves since what we have already works? I'll use myself as an example.

If you're new here, welcome! I've created and managed this website for over ten years which started as a portfolio website for my video/film projects, then eventually expanding this platform into a place of business. We've published 300+ reviews, articles and blog posts over the years and counting. You'd think after all this writing—typing—suddenly I'd hit a road block that I never wanted to experience. That happened in the summer of 2021 using a Mitsumi KPQ-E99ZC-13 keyboard after venturing into some retro, old-school electronics that are still able to work with modern hardware. I personally was never picky with keyboards but I went with a vintage one to feed my nostalgia during the global lockdowns that time. Okay, so what's the big deal? As classic as that keyboard was, my arm pains acted up and slowly switched back to my regular keyboard, which was a flat, chiclet one made for video editing by EditorsKeys. I rearranged my desk, adjusted my monitors, my chair height, used the keyboard tray as opposed to typing atop the desk...nothing. These pains kept building up even while using the normal keyboard I often used, yet my doctor thought hand quivering and shaking was a result of anxiety (partially true, but not really). I drank some electrolytes, exercised, added and ate more fruits and veggies into my diet, and got more sleep as well. They all helped but the "embers" in my arms still lingered, as if my muscle fibers organized together to protest because they're not satisfied and want change. Change, it is.

In Search for an Appropriate Keyboard

Going into 2022, I explored more ergonomic keyboards as my arm muscles kept "protesting." While I took it easy, explaining why website posts and updates were sparse, I learned about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)> even wondering if ergonomic keyboards help nor exacerbate pains. I stubbornly stayed with my regular keyboards without worry about shelling out some money just to feel better, when once again, the restlessness of these pains continued. Because of that, I pulled the trigger and ventured into these somewhat niche ergonomic keyboards. I've tried GoldTouch, Kinesis, and a keyboard from AliExpress with one branded WooBan. All good-looking keyboards, but still not satisfied.

I then decided on the TypeMatrix as it was the most affordable keyboard with an ortholinear layout. To my surprise, it felt great. I wish it was mechanical since the keyboard has scissor switches, similar to those found in lower-budget keyboards and laptop computers, but it works and felt nice! For the keyboard layout, it wasn't research but after using that TypeMatrix, the seller added on something that went with that keyboard I was already satisfied in using: a DVORAK keyboard skin.

All is well, right? Sadly, that wonderful ortholinear keyboard reduced my pains but not completely. I was already at a crossroad wondering if it's really my arms and needing medical attention, or perhaps something I'm overlooking but unaware of it. Well, one beautiful afternoon while cleaning, I saw this keyboard skin after misplacing it and thinking to myself, "I love ortholinear via the QWERTY layout so I don't need this." Before checking to make sure I gathered all the trash to throw, I started having second, and third, thoughts about that DVORAK keyboard skin I was holding which was included with my TypeMatrix keyboard. I knew my pains were still around so I wondered if typing and changing the keyboard layout would do any good; Heck, I didn't even think about any kind of ergonomic benefits with changes in keyboard layouts as I never researched it prior. "Alright," I said, "let me check this out and see how this layout goes."

May 26th, 2023—The Day I Went Full-Time Typing in DVORAK

Honestly, I wasn't very optimistic in switching and thought I was just wasting my time; I went all in without looking up people's opinions about using a different keyboard layout. In fact, I remember trying the DVORAK layout back in 2021 but gave up quickly because I never saw a reason nor a point. Two years later, and with these arm muscles still in "anger," change was needed and I was focused in trying to master this.

I wish I had my first attempts on video because I hunted and pecked as if I never used a keyboard before. In terms of typing speed, I couldn't even surpass 10 words per minute (WPM). My eyes grew tired quickly because I kept looking down at the keyboard and up at my computer monitor to see what I was typing, which made this scenario visually distressing. I stretched my challenge and my learning by writing song lyrics as opposed to doing typing tests. One of the songs I tried typing was "Love Is Free" by Sheryl Crow, and man, it took me a good 5 to 10 minutes just to type the first verse. As for typing speed and training, I used Typing.com and KeyBR.com, and to this day, I still hang out and use KeyBR's practice section since their practice module it isn't timed but still kept track of my speeds. Anyway, I kept practicing going into the month of June [2023], and then suddenly...

The results are in and my WPM averaged between 25 to 33, as I kept these lessons up and doing about thirty to forty of them a day. The urge and addiction of these typing tests pushed me harder like it was a video game—aiming to get a high score. I began doing over 100 practice lessons almost everyday approaching close to 40 WPM though oddly enough, I wasn't even paying attention to my arm pains as I strangely haven't felt much of it during all this. The most lessons I've done in one day was 620 lessons which according to KeyBR.com is close to six hours; I was on fire, though, of course, couldn't be done without frequent breaks and meals. As I continued, the results are in:

As of July 06, 2023, I've reached 66 WPM and averaging about 40-50 WPM with an accuracy of around 95% (my max WPM in QWERTY was only 77). If I can reach 80, then I can hang up my sweats and shoes so to speak. Why not aim higher? Speed was never my goal but just being comfortable and proficient in the DVORAK layout was enough for me, though I do and still make time to practice typing almost everyday. While typing in incredibly fast speeds is great, such as those seen on YouTube, competitive typing wasn't my goal either. I'm just another person seeking another keyboard layout to ease my arm pains without being dependent on any kind of injections, drugs and so forth (I know, everyone is different and depends on the person). Not only did I keep up the pace, I was able to practice something that I was never able to do in the first place: touch typing. I found myself learning to type without looking at the keyboard, and this was using a keyboard with printing (I've used a blank keyboard before but not with the DVORAK layout). Because my eyes were tired from looking up and down constantly learning DVORAK, I thought learning to type without looking at the keyboard would reduce the straining in my eyes. Whew! That, it did!

Okay, so all was well, and saw myself averaging around 50-60 WPM and am loving the layout. I never looked back and I found myself loving and enjoying typing. My arms are happier and living in peace. I thought this was the best time to read more on the history behind the layout, Dr. August Dvorak and William Dealey, learning how these gentlemen went about organizing and designing the layout. If you care to know in terms of this layout, Dr. Dvorak wanted and believed both hands should be active simultaneously when typing. How ever way you feel about that, my favorite is having the vowels clustered on one area AND on the home row. I'm not some kind of "theoretical keyboard layout scientist," but I liked how that was done. If you're a programmer or a writer who uses Emacs, hitting Ctrl-A and Ctrl-E keys should be a breeze without worrying much about the infamous Emacs pinky symptom.

Using the DVORAK Layout - One Year Later

Fast forward to 2024, and while I still practice from time to time, April 25, 2024, I hit 98 WPM, touch typing. However on May 05, 2024, I finally hit 100 WPM! I've never felt so accomplished in my life, and yes even though that's nothing compared to those who can type 150-180 WPM, I'm happy being able to hit 100 anyway. Again, the goal I wanted was comfort and proficiency as I see speed typing to be an added bonus, skill-wise. Today, I average 60 WPM, though on a good day when I'm well-fed, well-rested, fit and energized, I would average about 70-80 WPM.

Not even knowing that a change in keyboard layout would have some ergonomic benefits, the DVORAK layout is the most comfortable choice for my typing and refuse to use anything else. This is the best I've ever felt, and even better, the fact that a small number of people in the world use this layout, along with other alternatives such as ColeMak, feels great being different from everyone else. I even changed ALL the keyboard layouts on every computer I own and use, and that includes my iPad and my smartphone.

If you don't mind, these are the keyboards used during my journey in learning and practicing the DVORAK layout:

GoldTouch SKR-4200U:

Note: I removed and rearranged the keycaps to accomodate the DVORAK layout.

DigiPlanet LD-106:

BTC E5X5R5BTC-5100C vintage mini keyboard:

WooBan ergonomic keyboard:

Note: Used the typewriter keycaps and arranged it to the DVORAK layout accordingly.

Typematrix 2020 and 2023:

Lastly, the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2

I could write and publish an entire post talking about keyboards but these were the ones I used in helping me practice. If you care to know, I currently use and type with both the TypeMatrix and the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) switching them from time to time. Yeah, it does take getting used to but because of the comfort and joy I get using the DVORAK layout, these two keyboards cater to that comfort and joy along with the features they have. "Yes" to TypeMatrix because of the ortholinear layout, integrated numpad and their great customer service, and a "yes" to Fujitsu's HHKB because of that famous "thock" sound from the keyboard, its durability and the Unix layout. I use both casually and professionally for programming/coding, for video editing and for writing. I wonder what clothing outfit/attire serves such similar purpose! (Perhaps a buttoned-down shirt and jeans may work, but then again, I have no fashion sense.) GoldTouch wasn't so bad, but I gradually kept distant from them as they never responded to my email asking if they'll ever release a DVORAK or a blank version of their keyboards. As you saw above, I rearranged the keycaps on their keyboard to accomodate my learning of the DVORAK layout whether doing and sharing that picture sits well with them or not. In reaction to their lack of response, communication and customer service is key but nevertheless, I did not feel welcome at all with GoldTouch despite me having a great time with their keyboards and even subscribing to their YouTube channel (it's like asking an employee where the restrooms are then they just stand there and stare at you with no response). For that, I'll say TypeMatrix and HHKB are my go-to keyboards, or my "endgame" as the term goes. I remain loyal to their brand and line of products and would MUCH rather use their keyboards, so a sincere THANK YOU to both companies!

Words of Advice

Alternate layouts aren't for everyone and I understand why some give up. However, again, I did this in response to arm pain without resorting to any prescriptions. What if I give up using this layout after all this celebratory talk? Honestly, I'm too scared to back to QWERTY because of these pains coming back again given the health issues I went through in 2022. I know there are ways to work around it but again, I'm just taking the best course of action only to find that it was the layout giving me pains and not the keyboards themselves. Besides, it also doesn't help that most of the medical advice I've gotten from nurses and doctors come straight from Google (yes, I'm serious). Anyhow, changing keyboard layouts DOES have some benefits as their designs were made to reduce finger travel in a way where frequently used letters are more accessible. What about DVORAK via split keyboards and such? The on-going debates about the comfort of an ortholinear versus regular 'staggered' layout also presents some ergonomic challenges of its own, but that's like saying wearing contact lens are better than eye-glasses. It's up to the user what they find comfortable, however, the standard 'staggered' layout are more readily available than ortholinear and are more budget friendly. Split keyboard or not, again, comes down to preferences, ease of use and comfort. I stand by my opening case that keyboards and keyboard layouts are no different than choosing what clothes to wear, as some are more stylish than others, such as keyboards with customizable keycaps and backlighting, while some veer more towards comfort than style; Some go as far as to modify and tweak their own keyboards, similar to sewing and threading your own clothes! Go with whatever you like, but if discomfort becomes an on-going concern, try changing into another keyboard layout before venturing into injections and all this eerie medical stuff as it could save you from any possible side effects (best to check with your doctor/physician just to make sure). In terms of the keyboards themselves, buying used ones is like wearing used clothes without washing them: Don't use without cleaning them! I'm not some "germ-o-phobe" by any means, but it wouldn't hurt to clean the keyboards you buy before using them, new or used. Even if the lockdowns never happened, often telling masses to wash hands, it's still gross witnessing people use a [public] restroom then leave without washing their hands. I don't want to escalate that issue further, but as someone who used to work as prep cook at a theme park, cleanliness is a priority for me, and has become concerning when dining out (better safe than sorry, especially since food shortages and food waste are already a problem, so I wonder how clean and tidy our food is being handled?). Anyway, do whatever it takes to stay healthy, clean and fit, and if that means changing into another keyboard layout, you might as well try as it'll give you comfort you've been longing for. Some learn faster than others, and while it took me a good 3-5 months before being both comfortable and touch typing, that time invested was worth it for me. If exercise, sleep, diet aren't helping your arm pains, assuming it's not a medical or chronic issue, I'm willing to bet it's the either the keyboard layout, your desk setup or the keyboard itself. Working from home is becoming the new standard so you may as well make time to find what's best for you and prevent any possible injuries in the future instead of waiting for it to happen. There's no "one-size fits all" as you can tell having discussed this, so do some research and put in some time to learn everyday if you're changing into a new keyboard layout.

I'm hoping this little story is enough to tell you my journey learning a keyboard layout as it's not easy and requires patience and determination. Sounds like something you'd hear when playing sports but perhaps you can see it that way—you won't get good unless you train yourself. You're very much joining the 1% of typists/keyboard fans computing with a layout that isn't common for the every day user (operating systems have the options for it, but you'd have to wonder why it's not the norm despite its benefits). Comfort is the reason people switch keyboard layouts, so find what works best for you as some of the fastest typists, video editors, programmers, writers and digital artists today have no shame using QWERTY.

Have you switched to an alternate layout? How long did it take you to get comfortable? What keyboard(s) did you use to help you get up to speed? Let's talk about it in the comments below!

(This post was written using the TypeMatrix 2030 and proofread with the HHKB Pro 2, blank keys, using gVIM on a Windows system. Thank you to TypeMatrix, Fujitsu, Microsoft and Bram Moolenaar—the head developer of VIM! I went back to using gVim in honor of you, Bram, so thank you for creating and maintaining this wonderful software all these years.)

Kris Caballero

Founder of KCU Network and KCU Plus, Kris has been writing since he started blogging in late 2005. Officially back to doing computer programming, Kris enjoys reading books on Mathematics, Quantum Computing, Philosophy, plus playing old video/MS-DOS games, digital video archiving, listening to sports, public radio and classical music.

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