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Dvorak Desktop Keyboard non-Mod

Our previous post about a MacBook Dvorak keyboard mod generated a number of comments, including hearty suggestions from several our readers to try the Dvorak keyboard layout. Now desktop users of the Apple Keyboard (both wired and wireless) have an even easier option for testing the Dvorak layout. zCover is releasing a preprinted Dvorak layout skin that fits the Apple Keyboard and doesn't require any popping off and rearranging of your keys. It has the additional advantage of glowing in the dark and, of course, protecting the keyboard.

Incidentally, for those who didn't know, OS X has built-in support for the Dvorak layout in the Input Menu of the International tab of your System Preferences.

[Via Macworld]

Our previous post about a MacBook Dvorak keyboard mod generated a number of comments, including hearty suggestions from several our readers...
 

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Idxeyb

It would have been cool if Apple allowed one to customize the layout of the keyboard. Including the possibility to choose blank keys (my favorite).

Also, something like this: http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/ but based on the E-Ink technology would have been really cool!

January 03 2007 at 7:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Benson Leung

I have been using Dvorak going on 4 years now. I echo the same sentiment : rearranging keys might be useful for someone just starting out using the keyboard, but since you're going to be learning to type with a new layout, you might as well do so touch typing.

I leave the keys at Qwerty, and touch type for everything.

January 01 2007 at 2:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
the1bigboy

Does it not seem to anyone that Dvorak may be soon dead - I mean my generation (teenagers of the 00's) never learnt Dvorak and probably never will - all I know is QWERTY, I'm sure past generations are on the same boat...

January 01 2007 at 8:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Attabui

With Dvorak regaining some of its old momentum, maybe Dvortyboards has a chance at a comeback. I never should have traded away my old TypeMatrix, they've almost doubled in price now.

December 31 2006 at 11:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
teece

Matthew: I'm a touch typist, and I type exclusively with Dvorak.

Having the keys labeled for Qwerty is a royal pain in the rear.

There are too many occasions when I look at the keyboard (not when I'm whipping out text: generally when I'm using keyboard shortcuts), and unless my hands are on home row, the letters on the keys short circuit my brain. A significant chunk of the time, I'll be using only one hand, or whatnot. On those occasions, it is very nice to have the keys say what they mean ( the Dvorak-Qwerty keyboard layout somewhat ameliorates this).

I also find it very helpful to have the keys say what they do for typing new passwords -- passwords are not regular English text, and as such, they are a pain to type at first (your brain learns to type words as much as letters: strings of punctuation and odd letter combos seriously slow you down until you learn them pretty well).

December 31 2006 at 8:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matthew Galaher

Seems a bit silly in that if your using the Dvorak layout your probably don't need to look at the keyboard. I.E. why have an efficient layout if you are not touch typing? Dvorak it self however, is as Apple is to Microsoft. Check it out.

December 31 2006 at 7:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ben

What about a skin for laptop keyboards?

December 31 2006 at 5:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jtbandes

Very neat, and I would definitely buy it if it weren't for the high price. It's just silicone... why $35?

December 31 2006 at 5:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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