Learning Alternative Layouts? HELP!

[SmallFry]

I was wondering what people arround here do to help themselves learn DVORAK. I recently took apart my old RD board, ew I know, moved all the caps to the right places and replaced in 104 individual domes (FML) Now it is laid out DVORAK style, and I haven't a clue how to effeciently learn how to type well on it. I have time so time isn't an issue. Any suggestions?

[sordna]

Good question!
Don't touch QWERTY for a couple of weeks if you can. Practice typing the alphabet for starters. Also, force yourself to type everything in Dvorak. When I took up Dvorak, I remember taking 5-10 minutes to write a 2-line email, but I didn't give up, kept doing it, and my speed got better and better.

If you can't handle the inevitable initial frustration of going all out with Dvorak, you can take it easy and make up a list of short words, say 20 words, that cover all letters. Type the first word a few times till you master it. Then the 2nd word. Then put the words together a few times. Repeat, slowly adding more words.

[Tony]

I am a Colemak user, but I think my learning experience, day by day  can help and encourage you, since learning any layout require the same steps.

First you learn home row, then the top row, then the bottom row.

The first three weeks are hardest, so be prepared mentally and physically.

Focus on accuracy. The speed will increase in its own accord.

Practice makes perfect, too. I mean let's type a lot.

Usually you can gain your old Qwerty speed in 3 to 6 months' time.

[Proword]

I recently took apart my old RD board, ew I know, moved all the caps to the right places and replaced in 104 individual domes (FML)

In my experience shuffling an existing keyboard around to a different layout is an impediment to learning the new one.  If you have the money, you should buy a keyboard which is physically as different as your old one as possible, make your changes to the new one, and start from there.  For example, if you currently use a non-split keyboard for your QWERTY work, get a split keyboard and learn on that.  Typing should not be a mental exercise.  It's a kinaesthetic activity, relying for best performance on your muscle memory.  When you place your hands on a keyboard, you should know instantly, even if you are blindfolded, which layout you are using.  If your mind is wrestling with the question of "which keyboard is under my fingers", your fingers should be the winners.  Otherwise you'll be held back to a form of hunt and peck.  You will probably lose your existing skills, without bringing your new skills up to the previous level.  

You should not try and "replace" one layout with another one, it's better to keep to two side by side.  Even after using Maltron since 1986, I can still use a QWERTY.  But prefer not to.

,Joe

[Playtrumpet]

I learned the basics at ABCD then just practiced every day at TypeRacer, Keybr and KeyHero. Took a month to reach 75 wpm for me, but your progression will depend on how often you type.

Note about Dvorak and ABCD - you will learn to touch type immediately and never have to look at your fingers or keys. I did this with my blank keyboard. And after one day I knew where every key was.

[F u r u y á]

I learned the basics at ABCD then just practiced every day at TypeRacer, Keybr and KeyHero. Took a month to reach 75 wpm for me, but your progression will depend on how often you type.

Note about Dvorak and ABCD - you will learn to touch type immediately and never have to look at your fingers or keys. I did this with my blank keyboard. And after one day I knew where every key was.

Nice websites. thx

[dorkvader]

I switched to Dvorak in 2008. I just printed up a layout to keep next to my screen to use as a reference. I was typing a lot of lab reports at the time, so I was able to pick it up in 4 days or so. Having all the vowels in the same place has been a help (so I know where they all are) and a hindrance (How many times have I hit U instead of I?)

I can still type the same speed in QWERTY, so I'm thinking about also picking up the lefthanded dialect, so I can solve all those keyboard/mouse switching-back-and-forth issues.

Also, I'd look into DVzine, as it's a pretty good history, and I really like the webcomic-esque presentation of information.

[Tony]

For alternative to Qwerty, learning Colemak is faster since Colemak got 10 common keys QWAHZXCVBM with Qwerty, while Dvorak got only 2 keys AM.

[Playtrumpet]

^ I believe you've put your pitch in for Colemak already, Tony. =P

While I think everyone has a right to argue for their favorite layout, I do recall the OP mentioning having painstakingly moved their keys around and I'm sure it's safe to say that SmallFry already knows about Colemak and has gotten passed the point of choosing a layout. Even if I'm mistaken in this, there should be no 'pushing' of one layout over another or claims to the speed of learning without formal studies to reference. Some people take months to get Colemak down, some take days. The same can be said for Dvorak.

[SmallFry]

I swapped all the keys back. I didn'r realize how helpful those little nub things are. I might try colemak now as dvorak was a pain for me. I only got up to ~35 WPM after a few weeks. Went back to qwerty. Now to colemak. without switching the keys as I don't want to reposition 104 individual rubberdomes again (I know bad board but its cheaper to swap the RD board)

[Playtrumpet]

Good move on moving the keys back. I think on any layout the little nubs are a big help. I'd fail without them on my blank keyboard.

Good luck with Colemak, I'm sure you'll pick it up just fine. Just try to remember that you really gotta commit if you want to be proficient. Learning a new layout is a way different process than growing up with one.

[Tony]

Blank or Ninja keycaps would be good for Colemak or Dvorak users. Since you change your layout, the legends would be of no use anyway. They eliminate your bad habit of looking at your keyboard while typing.

[Arcanius]

I started typing Dvorak on a G11 on which I switched the keycaps, and after getting my Model M, switched those too, but after a short while they went back to QWERTY, and stopped me looking at the keyboard completely. After this switch, I typed slower, for sure, but not as badly or for as long as if I had started without the dvorak legends to begin with. When I typed QWERTY I wasn't a touch typer either, so I guess I learned two things at once.

Ninja keycaps might be better if you don't know the number row (or make a contraption like Ripster did) and it may be helpful if you ever have friends over that don't touch type QWERTY.

[Playtrumpet]

Not certain what the stance seems to be on the legends/bumps, but I think they're important for those of us who don't look at our keys. They tell your index fingers where to rest. Without them, one might have to look at their keys much more often..

[Arcanius]

At first, I didn't really care about the nubs, just put my index fingers on F and J, or U and H for dvorak, after getting the Model M and switching keycaps back to QWERTY, I starting feeling for the nubs, although I dislike that they're so low on the keycap, and sometimes hard to find. I think I'd like the nipples more.

[dorkvader]

I think I'd still have the Dvorak layout, even if I touch type. I like having printing on my keyboard, and still the elitism of having only a small percentage of the population to be able to type on it.

I ended up switching all the keycaps over on my laptop, but FGHJ aren't moveable (they're offset slightly). This allows me to make lots of mistakes, though I still end up swapping letters around in a word much more frequently than I type the wrong letter.

I still don't really need the nubs, though. Once I've used a keyboard for more than a few days, I sort-of memorize my hand placement. Time will tell if this continues to be true as speed increases.