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keyboarddvorak

How do I get my hands on a Dvorak keyboard?


I've always assumed that before I can use the Dvorak layout I need to purchase a Dvorak keyboard. But I can't find one on Amazon. Is it simply a matter of popping the keys off a Qwerty keyboard and moving them around?


Solution

  • To help you learn your way around the keyboard layout, you can physically rearrange the keys on your Qwerty keyboard. Or you can simply re-label the keys with stickers. I personally learned to type using the Dvorak layout without re-labeling or re-arranging keys, and found that it was not difficult.

    Most modern OSes allow you to remap any keyboard to the Dvorak layout.

    • Windows XP/Vista: you can set your mappings through Control Panel->Regional and Language Options->Languages->Details....

    • Mac OSX: System Preferences -> International -> Input Menu (thanks jmah)

    • Ubuntu: System -> Preferences -> Keyboard, Layouts Tab, Add..., Select the Devorak layout of your choice and optionaly set as default. You can then right-click your panel, select "Add to panel" and choose keyboard indicator. You can then switch between layouts. (Thanks Vagnerr)