Changing your keyboard style on your computer can help make typing easier and more efficient. The keyboard style refers to the layout of the keys and what each key outputs when pressed. Some common keyboard styles include QWERTY, DVORAK, Colemak, and more.
The default keyboard style is usually QWERTY, which most people are familiar with. However, some find that alternative keyboard layouts allow them to type faster once they learn the new positions. Thankfully, it’s easy to change your keyboard style on both Windows and Mac computers.
Determine Your Preferred Keyboard Style
Before changing your keyboard, first determine if you want to switch to a different layout at all. Consider the following questions:
– Are you having any issues or frustrations with the QWERTY layout? Do certain keys seem out of place or slow you down?
– Do you experience hand, wrist, or finger pain when typing for long periods? An alternative keyboard could help.
– Are you open to learning a new layout? All styles will have a learning curve.
– Do you want to try a layout focused on ergonomics (like DVORAK or Colemak) or on performance/speed (like Workman)?
If you’re interested in trying something new, research the popular alternative keyboard styles. Compare their layouts and purported benefits. Think about which would best suit your typing needs.
Some popular options include:
DVORAK
– Designed to increase typing efficiency and reduce strain.
– Letters are arranged by frequency instead of QWERTY’s random layout.
– Hands alternate more often, allowing faster typing once learned.
– Can take a few weeks to get up to QWERTY speeds.
Colemak
– Based on DVORAK but maintains QWERTY’s Caps Lock key and keeps common keyboard shortcuts.
– Designed to minimize finger movement from the home row.
– Easy to learn coming from QWERTY.
Workman
– Focused on high productivity and speed.
– Moves frequently used letters to the home row.
– Improves ergonomics compared to QWERTY.
QWERTY
– The universally known default keyboard layout.
– Non-ergonomic and inefficient compared to newer styles.
– But allows use of all existing keyboard shortcuts and transfers between devices.
After researching, pick one keyboard style to learn and try out. Even if you don’t stick with it long-term, it can be beneficial to test different options.
Change Keyboard Layout on Windows
If you have a Windows PC, follow these steps to change your keyboard style:
1. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language.
2. Click “Add a language” and select the language that offers the keyboard layout you want. For example, you would add English (United States) to get DVORAK or English (UK) to get Colemak.
3. After adding the language, click it to expand the options. Toggle “Use this as my main input method” to On.
4. Open the keyboard drop-down menu and select the keyboard layout you want to switch to.
5. Go back to Language settings and drag your new keyboard language to the top of the list. This makes it your default input method.
6. Sign out and back in or restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Now when you go to type, your keyboard should be in the new layout you selected! Keep the language settings handy so you can toggle back to QWERTY if needed.
Test in On-Screen Keyboard
You can also test drive new keyboard layouts using the on-screen keyboard in Windows before fully committing:
1. Open the Start menu and search for “on-screen keyboard” to launch it.
2. Click the keyboard drop-down and select the layout you want to preview.
3. Try out typing to get a feel for the new style.
4. Switch between different options and see which you like best before changing your actual keyboard.
Change Keyboard on Mac
Here are the steps to change your keyboard on macOS:
1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.
2. Click the + button to add a new input source. Search for and select the keyboard layout you want.
3. On the Input Sources list, drag your new keyboard to the top to make it your primary input method.
4. Sign out and back in or restart your Mac for the change to take effect.
5. Click the input source icon in your menu bar and select your new keyboard when typing.
Similar to Windows, you can switch between layouts anytime using the input source menu. Give your new style a quality tryout for at least a few weeks to get used to it.
Use Keyboard Viewer
The Keyboard Viewer on Mac lets you interactively preview different keyboard layouts:
1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard.
2. Check “Show Keyboard and Character Viewers in menu bar.”
3. Click the flag icon in your menu bar and select “Show Keyboard Viewer.”
4. Choose your preferred keyboard from the drop-down menu.
5. Use the on-screen keyboard to test out the new style before fully switching.
Learn Your New Keyboard Layout
When you switch from QWERTY, expect an adjustment period as you learn the positions of keys in the new layout. Be patient with yourself as your brain wires to the changed locations. Avoid switching back to QWERTY during this learning phase.
Tips to learn your new keyboard style:
– Print out a keyboard diagram or cheat sheet for reference.
– Mark keys with different colors to memorize placement.
– Use online typing tutors and games for practice. TypingClub is popular.
– Focus on accuracy first, speed will develop over time.
– Stick with it for at least a few weeks before assessing if it’s right for you.
It can take 20-30 hours of practice to become proficient in a new keyboard layout. But once learned, many people enjoy the benefits for years to come. Relax and have fun training your brain and fingers to new positions!
Adjusting to a New Keyboard Layout
Switching your keyboard style is a big change. Expect to be slower at first. But with regular practice, your words per minute will catch back up. Here are some pointers for adjusting to a new keyboard layout:
– Start by practicing simple words and phrases. As those become comfortable, work up to full sentences.
– If you find yourself reverting to QWERTY positions, consciously relax your hands and refer back to your reference sheet.
– Take frequent breaks when first learning to avoid frustration and fatigue.
– Pay attention to any improvements in comfort or reductions in strain over time.
– Keep focused on the long-term benefits rather than short-term hassles.
– Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated, like first words learned or a new high score on a typing game.
– Try alternating between layouts for variety once you’re more proficient.
Adjusting to a new keyboard style requires retraining your muscle memory. Be patient, stick with it, and your fingers will adapt.
Increase Typing Speed
With regular practice, your words per minute (WPM) typing speed will gradually improve on a new keyboard layout. Here are tips to help ramp up your productivity:
– Use online typing tests to check your progress. TypingTest.com and 10FastFingers.com are popular options.
– Focus on accuracy before speed. As key positions become ingrained, you can type faster naturally.
– Practice every day in short intervals. Frequent repetition develops muscle memory quickly.
– Try games that develop reflexes like Typing Ninja or Epistory. Make learning fun!
– Pay attention to problem keys that slow you down. Drill those spots separately.
– Be patient as your brain rewires for the new layout. Speed will come in time.
– Consider productivity apps like TextExpander that can automate commonly typed phrases.
With commitment to deliberate practice, you can regain or even surpass your QWERTY speeds on a new keyboard layout. Keep at it!
Ergonomic Tips for Any Keyboard
Optimizing your workstation for ergonomics and comfort is important, regardless of your keyboard style. Here are quick tips for a typing-friendly setup:
– Position your monitor directly in front of you to avoid neck strain.
– Keep elbows close to your body in a relaxed position while typing.
– Raise your chair height or use a footrest so forearms are level with the keyboard.
– Angle keyboard downward slightly to keep wrists straight. Use a wrist pad if needed.
– Get a split keyboard or separate keyboard halves to give shoulders room.
– Rest eyes periodically by looking away at a distance. Blink frequently when viewing screens.
– Stand and step away briefly every 20-30 minutes to move and stretch.
– Reduce hand tension and overreaching by using keyboard shortcuts.
Prioritizing good posture and ergonomics can reduce strain and keep you typing comfortably all day, no matter your keyboard style.
Pros and Cons of Non-QWERTY Keyboards
Alternative keyboard layouts provide benefits, but also have some downsides compared to standard QWERTY. Consider these pros and cons when deciding:
Pros
– Optimized for speed, efficiency, and ergonomics.
– Reduced hand and finger movement can cut strain.
– Altered positions train new muscle memory.
– Fun way to shake up your typing skills.
– Common letters and shortcuts still accessible.
Cons
– Takes weeks to months to regain proficiency.
– Learning curve can impact workflows initially.
– Unfamiliar layout is an obstacle when using other computers.
– May be difficult to use keyboard shortcuts you’re used to.
– Not as widely supported on all computers and keyboards.
For many, the long-term benefits outweigh the short adjustment period of switching layouts. But it does require dedication and practice to overcome the learning curve.
Should I Stick With My New Keyboard Layout?
How do you know if a non-QWERTY keyboard style is right for you long-term? Here are signs it may be worth sticking with:
– Your typing speed has recovered and feels efficient.
– You make fewer errors and feel more accurate.
– Your hands and body feel more comfortable typing.
– You enjoy the new positions and the process of learning.
– You are still improving with regular practice.
– Switching layouts occasionally provides novelty.
However, it may be better to revert to QWERTY if:
– Your productivity is still suffering after an adjustment period.
– You use many computers where switching layouts is inconvenient.
– The new style is causing hand strain or pain.
– You find yourself too reliant on staring at the keys.
– Frustration outweighs any benefits you’re experiencing.
Give a new keyboard layout a quality try before you decide to stick with it or not. Trying alternatives can be an enriching experience regardless!
Conclusion
Keyboard layouts like DVORAK and Colemak offer repositioned keys designed for ergonomics, efficiency, and fast typing. Switching from QWERTY takes dedication to overcome the learning curve, but many find the adjustment worthwhile. Test new keyboard styles using your device settings or an on-screen viewer. Stick with deliberate practice to memorize new positions and regain speed. With time, an alternative keyboard layout can become second nature and provide benefits for years of comfortable typing.