Switching to Dvorak Simplified
This weekend Corvillus came for a visit and finally convinced me to make the switch over to Dvorak Simplified Keyboard. After seeing him play his keyboard like a piano I needed to somehow achieve that level of data input efficiency. I have attempted this in the past however switching during a huge project is a horrible idea and I gave up after only two days which brings me to my first point :
Set aside plenty of time to learn, switching before writing a thesis = FAIL.
Every article I have read recommends learning over a holiday or while unemployed - I am in neither situation, I am just pushing myself really hard to learn quickly.
Do not switch back and forth between QUERTY and Dvorak (while learning)
Make the commitment and just do it. If you keep changing your mind about it - it either means you have poor self control or it is just not your time.
Avoid a root shell!
When accuracy is limited - don’t even think about it - it could end in server homicide.
Expected proficiency time
Studies show experienced QWERTY typists catching up to their previous WPM in roughly 56 - 60 hours. For those living in a shell who have never used a keyboard, expect ~ 20 hours.
Why the hell would I want to learn a new layout when I already type 40 WPM?
I really do not want to answer that as hundreds of other articles have written it better - basically reduced fatigue, the possibility of substantially increasing your WPM and of course 1337 status.
Dvorak is an investment
If I told you that struggling for 50 hours this week will guarantee a 30% increase in typing proficiency for the rest of your life would you do it? Well that IS what I am telling you, so get cracking. After 2 days I have already noticed a huge increase in comfort and I cannot wait to see how I progress over the next month.
More Tips
- Try not to switch your keys around - if you are not a touch typer now, switching your keys will only hinder your learning and you will probably remain a hunt and peck - Besides, you aren’t supposed to look at your keys anyway.
- Use a floating sticky with the image below to always have a keyboard to look at.
- When you are feeling stressed, take a walk - do not give up! Giving up feels worse than the struggle, I know from experience.
Very cool…