Have you been tempted to learn to type in Dvorak?

I've been using a Dvorak keyboard layout for the last 10+ years.

After 10 years of Dvorak, here are 3 benefits and 3 drawbacks of using it.

Benefit 1: Increased Typing Speed

I was a pretty fast Qwerty typist and I feel slightly faster with Dvorak.

Yet, I don't think it was worth it just for the slight speed boost.

Benefit 2: Increased Comfort

With Dvorak your fingers need to move less across the keyboard.

I find it much more comfortable to type than using Qwerty.

Benefit 3: Laugh at your friends

An unexpected benefit is the mischief that ensures whenever someone tries to grab my laptop and use it.

It's extremely confusing to start typing and instead get gibberish.

Drawback 1: Sunk cost of learning

I spent about 4 weeks learning to touch type Dvorak.

The first week was painful, and not very productive.

Sadly I can't afford the low productivity cost anymore.

So I'm stuck with Qwerty.

Drawback 2: Keyboard shortcuts are weird

C and V are conveniently located next to each other with Qwerty, making cut and paste easy.

You have to remember where those keys are every time with Dvorak.

Drawback 3: You Must Touch type

Unless you have a mechanical keyboard you can't change the location of your keys.

So you can never have a lazy day where you just type slowly looking down at your keyboard.

You have to be in your "Dvorak" stance every time.

Dvorak Benefits:

• Increased Comfort

• Laugh At Your Friends

• Increased Typing Speed

Dvorak Drawback:

• You Must Touch Type

• Sunk Cost Of Learning

• Keyboard Shortcuts Are Weird