Best keyboard for custom Dvorak-based programming layout

Question

I'm considering switching to a Dvorak-based keyboard layout, but one optimized for programming (mostly) Java and python (e.g. DDvorak, Programmer Dvorak, etc.). What particular keyboard would be best for such an undertaking? I'd consider either natural or straight keyboards.

Thanks.

Solution 1

I strongly discourage you from learning a layout that has been heavily optomized for any one programming language (or even a class of them..) it's much, much easier to change languages than keylayouts, and you'll have a lot of trouble finding the tweaked layouts on any random computers you need to use.

That said, I've used dvorak for years (something like 7-8 years now) on a Kinesis Contoured keyboard and it works wonderfully. The kinesis is programmable, switches between qwerty/dvorak, and you can remap the keys all you want (so you could try out ddvorak or programmer dvorak pretty easily, without making software changes, if you wanted).

The contoured keyboard also forces you to touch-type more "correctly", since you can't easily reach across the keyboard with the wrong hand.

Solution 2

Typematrix

_{(source: typematrix.com)}

Solution 3

Plain vanilla dvorak is best imho. Yes, it does move 3 or 4 keys such as {}: etc out of the way, but you quickly get used to them in the new position, and after a while it makes no odds at all.

The pay off comes in being able to use any random pc - flick the keyboard layout to standard dvorak (which is on just about all PC's, unlike most obscure programmer layouts), and away you go. If you're used to a non-standard dvorak layout, and are forced to use a normal dvorak layout on a qwerty labeled keyboard, I suspect you're in for a whole ton of backspaces (and curse words).

I've only been using dvorak for a few years, but I can't imagine programming using anything else. (Especially with vim, the dvorak layout seems to end up with lots of the keys in much handier positions =)

oh, and as mentioned above - kinesis contoured keyboard is the way to go if you're considering changing layouts for R.S.I issues.

Solution 4

I think the ErgoDox is probably the best option. You used to have to order the components and build it yourself, but now you can purchase it assembled. Here is what it looks like when completed:

I think the ErgoDox is the best option. Apparently the DataHand also supports Dvorak, but I think it would have a pretty steep learning curve:

The components for the ErgoDox typically run about $250 when all is said and done, although it can definitely be built for less than that. I think the DataHand costs around $800.

Solution 5

Any 'normal' keyboard should be pretty much adequate for dvorak, including simple ergonomic (split in equal halves) keyboards. Some of the more esoteric split-ergonomic keyboards that aren't equally split may cause problems with the way that dvorak weights the finger usage though.

If you're going to learn dvorak, I would personally avoid plain dvorak, as it moves punctuation commonly used in programming, such as parenthesis, brackets, braces, etc too far away from the hands: There are a number of 'programmer dvorak' implementations out there which adjust dvorak for this 'oversight'.

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Comments

[Tomas Pruzina]

Does not belong to SO... On [your] topic, Programmers dvorak is what you are looking for, works for excellently for just about any language, though works best for C-like language due to easy access to common symbols such as ',."<>;: However, it certainly takes a while to get used to, especially when typing numbers, which are downright weird.

[Michal aka Miki]

I am very interested in your typing speed. Does your keyboard increases it?

[Tanj]

I like the layout, but the keys look like they suck. Too much like laptop keys

[Warren Rumak]

Masi: I type ~70wpm (pretty much as fast as I've ever typed). I've never tried to improve my typing speed though (aside from learning to touch-type). 70wpm is faster than my brain usually works, so I've never felt a need to improve it.

[Ondrej Petrzilka]

How do you type {} or [] on such layout? Btw, on first sight I like it.

[nihique]

best keyboard ever! Especially the blank one (without key labels)

[Rafael]

I purchased this keyboard recently and I too love it. It was worth the money for sure!

[00500005]

you can now buy a fully assembled ErgoDox for $300. Also worth noting is that the ErgoDox is fully customizable with multiple layers, so you could have programming language specific layers, or switch back to qwerty if you need to.

[MXMLLN]

Just to clarify: The Kinesis keyboards do not come with Dvorak out of the box, right? You have to install the remapping software and order the optional Dvorak key replacements?

[Jim]

Dvorak mode is built in. Nothing requires you to get different caps. I'm currently learning with qwerty caps.