Keyboard Layout: Dvorak vs Colemak: is it Worthwhile to Improve the Dvorak Layout?

[Chris Angelico]

On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 6:42 PM, Yang Ha Nguyen <cmpitg at gmail.com> wrote:
> Could you show which studies?  Do they do research just about habit or
> other elements (e.g. movement rates, comfortablility, ...) as well?
> Have they ever heard of RSI because of repetitive movements?

And did any of the studies take into account the fact that a lot of
computer users - in all but the purest data entry tasks - will use a
mouse as well as a keyboard? The classic "grasp mouse" sitting to the
right of the keyboard mandates either a one-handed typing style (left
hand on keyboard, right hand on mouse) or constant re-aiming and
re-grasping. Or you can use a touchpad; what are the consequences of
that on typing speed? And my personal favorite, the IBM TrackPoint - a
stick mouse between the G/H/B keys, a design which other manufacturers
have since copied (although IMHO the IBM/Lenovo type still beats the
others hands down) - keep your hands where you want them and just
reach out to grab the mouse with your index finger, or slide your
fingers one key over (works fine if you're used to it).

Typing speed depends on a lot more than just your layout, and it's
going to be nearly impossible to narrow it down viably.

Chris Angelico