07-21-2020, 01:28 AM
(07-20-2020, 09:09 PM)KC9UDX Wrote: I quit Dvorak about twenty years ago having to use too many computers that I couldn't alter. These days there aren't so many that I *have* to use, and those may be alterable. Now you've got me wondering if I should try to relearn it.
I hear ya. I stopped using the Dvorak layout mostly out of laziness and didn't feel like even thinking about keyboard layouts. When I came back to Dvorak, it was mostly there. I've been guessing that keyboard layouts lean toward subconscious vs. pure muscle memory, at least to some degree, in a person's mind.
As to whether or not it's worth experimenting with Dvorak, Workman, Colemak or whatever, it's really super personal. It seems the closer something is to your body, the more personal of a decision it will be for you, in general. Wrist watches/bracelets aren't for everyone, for example.
But if you are mainly an English speaker, write in English prose, I'd consider it. If you write in multiple languages, use lots of different layouts, etc., I might not. If you are a system administrator that deals with multiple computers, etc., I might not. If you are a programmer, I'd consider it. If you have hand/shoulder/forearm/etc. issues, I'd consider it for RSI reasons...but I would also consider split grid/ortholinear keyboards, too, in that case. (Plancks are nice for travel as they can be stuffed in a cheap Nintendo Switch or stethoscope case and don't take much space in a bag.)
The ergonomic benefits are mainly from effectively lower finger movement/travel. The more typing you do, on the same layout, the shorter the overall travel.
If you don't type that much, I probably wouldn't bother adjusting to the stupid technological inertia that is the default QWERTY layout.
