Hari's Corner

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More keyboard tales: learning an alternative layout

Filed under: Software and Technology by Hari
Posted on Thu, Jul 25, 2013 at 08:59 IST (last updated: Thu, Jul 25, 2013 @ 09:00 IST)

As I type this I am using the Colemak layout and slowly discovering its advantages. It is quite similar to the qwerty layout but makes several changes to it that allow the user to type more comfortably and using the stronger fingers to type common letters in the English alphabet thus reducing strain and stress related injuries in the hands. 

For the purpose I am using the touch typing tutor gtypist on Linux.

It does take some getting used to, though, but apparently it is easier to transition to the Colemak than the dvorak layout from a qwerty background. Learning and training your fingers for the key positions on the home row is half the battle.

My biggest fear is losing my touch with qwerty after years of fast typing on that layout. All said and done, for all its stated disadvantages, qwerty remains the de-facto standard and used efficiently by a huge proportion of users worldwide.

So I am continuing to use the qwerty layout alongside. I have read conflicting and contradictory reports on whether one can easily retain muscle memery of one keyboard layout and continue to touch type on another efficiently. So I am approaching the whole thing with rather more caution than is advised.

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