QWERTY Query
Ever wonder why the letters on your computer keyboard (left over from typewriter keyboards) are laid-out in such an awkward fashion?……. Well, to you right-handers anyway (I’m left-handed)…….. Here’s why…….
The QWERTY keyboard was designed to slow down typists by putting the most frequently typed letters under control of the weakest felt-hand fingers…… The nineteenth-century machines weren’t mechanically trustworthy enough to keep up with fast typists….. Now word processors can keep-up with the fastest typist, but the old slow-down keyboard arrangement remains the same because no one wants to learn a new one…….
A person could get rich designing a faster layout for the keyboard…….. Or could they?……. I probably wouldn’t buy it….. I’m too used to the existing layout and too set in my ways…..
Tells you something about human nature and our resistance to any kind of change, which seems to make history repeat itself over and over again no matter how much techno-advancement is made…….
October 27th, 2005 at 10:09 am
At least as I understand it, the QWERTY layout wasn’t designed to intentionally slow down typists but rather to put the most frequently used letter combinations on opposite sides of the keyboard so to minimize the possibility of the typing “bars” getting jammed. In fact, using opposite hands for successive letter combinations is good for speed.
Yes, there’s the DVORAK setup that’s supposed to be more efficient from a physiological point of view, I guess minimizing needless finger movements and (like QWERTY) successive one-hand letter combinations. I read somewhere, however, that the few QWERTY v. DVORAK studies that are out there are either seriously flawed or conclude that the difference in efficiency is basically a wash.
In this computer age, unfortunately, the state of typing technique is absolutely atrocious. QWERTY v. DVORAK makes no difference if you’re hunting-and-pecking down at 20-30 wpm. Also, I’m not sure it’s the layout or the tactile feedback, but for my own typing speed and accuracy nothing beats a 70s vintage IBM Selectric. I’ve never tried a computer keyboard that even comes close. The old Kaypro CP/M machines or certain VT100 terminals aren’t too bad.
October 27th, 2005 at 4:38 pm
Another one I could never get used to was the split keyboard Microsoft that was supposed to be more ergonomically correct. BTW, is there spellcheck available on this site. Since I’ve retired, my spelling skills seem to be deteriorating (along with a few other skills I won’t discuss). Lot of good that degree did me, huh?
October 27th, 2005 at 10:53 pm
Think the MS Natural Keyboard is wacky? Check out the Kinesis keyboard. It has two inverted domes that the keys are put in. This allows you to use less energy per keystroke. Of course, you have to get used to the crazy thing. I once had one on my second computer at work. I never did get used to it. In fact, I found myself using that machine less and less. To really cover all of the ergonomic options, I’d have to carry my workstation around with me everywhere — keyboard, mouse, monitor, and desk — that way I could get used to one thing.
As for the spell-checker, it’s been on the to-do list since I installed WordPress 1.5.2 a couple of months ago. I’ll try and get on that this weekend.
October 28th, 2005 at 7:06 am
A detour…. Jek, do you still do the left-handed mouse thing?
October 28th, 2005 at 9:50 am
Yep. At work I use the mouse with my left hand. The key for me is to switch the mouse buttons. I’ve run across a couple of people who move the mouse to the left side without switching the buttons and it really messes me up, hint hint MR. At home, the mouse is on the right so Tarn is happy.