4 ms·

Is there any quantified, credible (semi)scientific evidence that colemak or dvorak is actually faster/easier/better? I've seen lots of theoretical stuff, but m

Is there any quantified, credible (semi)scientific evidence that colemak or dvorak is actually faster/easier/better? I've seen lots of theoretical stuff, but mostly anecdote and/or poorly designed tests. Thanks.

kzahel 13y ago
They are definitely better, but not for the reason you might expect. The best part about having a non-qwerty keyboard layout is the frustration on peoples faces when they try to use your computer. Especially if it's a repeat performance as it is not the first time you've frustrated them with your keyboard layout!
- daenney 13y ago
  I was hoping someone would bring this up. Having my machine with a Colemak layout is one of the best security measures out there.
- MrGando 13y ago
  Yep, I agree. When I invite people home and leave my MacBook playing my music, there's always someone who want's to go to Youtube and switch my music... Colemak totally avoids that from happening.
MrGando 13y ago
There is some more serious research, the Colemak FAQ, refers to Carpalx (http://mkweb.bcgsc.ca/carpalx/?colemak http://mkweb.bcgsc.ca/carpalx/?colemak), there you can actually take a look at the several Dvorak layouts and QWERTY. I actually saw more discussions about this in the Colemak forum, but that was a long time ago.
nether 13y ago
I'm interested in what you consider "theoretical stuff" or "poorly designed tests." If metrics like number of words possible from the home row alone or total finger travel given some body of text do not satisfy you, then I doubt anything will. I will say one of the biggest misconceptions is that the Dvorak layout is for speed. I've known people who type 80+ WPM with two fingers on QWERTY. You can be fast on any layout, but Dvorak is way more comfortable. Once you can type faster than you can think of what to type, it doesn't really matter.
- MrGando 13y ago
  I totally agree here, when you are programming it doesn't really matter if you type at 150 WPM... it's all about ergonomics and movement economy (IMHO).
- thatthatis 13y ago
  Metrics like: % of users getting RSI per year adjusted for age and number of characters typed in a year on controlled hardware. Characters per minute of typists who've used both layouts for a year plus. Words typeable from the home row is what I'd consider a theoretical metric. It should help with efficiency and health, but it is a leap of logic to say that it definitely will. "It's more comfortable" is what I'd consider to be a valid anecdotal data point, but one that I fear has response bias as people who try dvorak and find it less comfortable silently switch back to qwerty. Absent well designed tests, qwerty/dvorak/coleman is a religious argument.

kzahel 13y ago

They are definitely better, but not for the reason you might expect. The best part about having a non-qwerty keyboard layout is the frustration on peoples faces when they try to use your computer. Especially if it's a repeat performance as it is not the first time you've frustrated them with your keyboard layout!

daenney 13y ago
I was hoping someone would bring this up. Having my machine with a Colemak layout is one of the best security measures out there.
MrGando 13y ago
Yep, I agree. When I invite people home and leave my MacBook playing my music, there's always someone who want's to go to Youtube and switch my music... Colemak totally avoids that from happening.

MrGando 13y ago

There is some more serious research, the Colemak FAQ, refers to Carpalx (http://mkweb.bcgsc.ca/carpalx/?colemak http://mkweb.bcgsc.ca/carpalx/?colemak), there you can actually take a look at the several Dvorak layouts and QWERTY. I actually saw more discussions about this in the Colemak forum, but that was a long time ago.

nether 13y ago

I'm interested in what you consider "theoretical stuff" or "poorly designed tests." If metrics like number of words possible from the home row alone or total finger travel given some body of text do not satisfy you, then I doubt anything will. I will say one of the biggest misconceptions is that the Dvorak layout is for speed. I've known people who type 80+ WPM with two fingers on QWERTY. You can be fast on any layout, but Dvorak is way more comfortable. Once you can type faster than you can think of what to type, it doesn't really matter.

MrGando 13y ago
I totally agree here, when you are programming it doesn't really matter if you type at 150 WPM... it's all about ergonomics and movement economy (IMHO).
thatthatis 13y ago
Metrics like: % of users getting RSI per year adjusted for age and number of characters typed in a year on controlled hardware. Characters per minute of typists who've used both layouts for a year plus. Words typeable from the home row is what I'd consider a theoretical metric. It should help with efficiency and health, but it is a leap of logic to say that it definitely will. "It's more comfortable" is what I'd consider to be a valid anecdotal data point, but one that I fear has response bias as people who try dvorak and find it less comfortable silently switch back to qwerty. Absent well designed tests, qwerty/dvorak/coleman is a religious argument.