Alternative Keyboard Layouts

Introduction
The QWERF Layout - Similar to the QWERTY layout, but with improvements
The Capewell-Dvorak Layout - puts ZXCV in their QWERTY positions; fixes some "mistakes" in Dvorak
The (Coming) Capewell Layout - an "evolved" layout

((If you are looking specifically for the evolved layout see the following:

• The Capewell Layout - development and numerical comparison to other layouts
• Keyboard Evolve - a C++ program/framework for evolving keyboard layouts

Note, however, that I've stopped working on keyboard layouts for a while in order to concentrate on some other things.  I do not know when I will get back to these layouts.

Until I find the "holy grail" of keyboard layouts, I recommend using the Capewell-QWERF or Capewell-Dvorak layouts, since they are much more comfortable than the regular versions of these layouts.  I've been using QWERF for ages and like it.))

Introduction

Most people use the QWERTY keyboard layout.  But it's a bit like a fridge with a door that opens up.  This is fine and all on a DeLorean, but we're talking about fridges here.  And keyboard layouts.  Anyway, my point is that it still works, but there are many ways it could work better.

So, I tried to find a better layout, but ended up just making my own.  You can download and install the layouts if you wish.

I also have written a small program that helps to teach the layouts (and I think it works pretty well, since it concentrates on building unconscious habits -- you'll find pretty quickly that your fingers know where the keys are, even if your brain doesn't).  Download my typing tutor program (note: I am in the process of splitting up the lessons so they are not as long and tedious).

I'll be brief here, since on these other pages, I certainly am not (very sorry about that :D  I get carried away).

Here are the layouts:

The QWERF Layout

• Is a modification of the ubiquitous QWERTY layout
  
• Are very easy to learn, because it is very similar to QWERTY
• Move some of the more common keys to the home row for easier, quicker, less repetitive-strain-injury-inducing access
• Reduces finger movements 28% over regular QWERTY. (for original QWERF -- QWERF 2006/2007 should be about the same)
  
• Could be reduced by 38% by switching E and D, but this made typing ER and RE uncomfortable.  (for original QWERF -- QWERF 2006 should be about the same)

• After one day, you will be used to it. 
  
• After one week, you will be nearly back to your original speed. 
  
• After that, you may be faster or at least simply more comfortable.
  

• Download the QWERF 2007 keyboard layout - Download QWERF 2007 programmer version
• Download the QWERF 2006 keyboard layout
• Download the Original QWERF keyboard layout
• Installation instructions
• Compare the QWERF layout with QWERTY and other layouts (note:  QWERF is somewhat similar to C-QWERTY.  I haven't updated the comparison page, yet).

The Capewell-Dvorak Layout

I used this for a few months and found it way more comfortable than Dvorak.

• Is a modification of the fairly common Dvorak keyboard layout
• Reduces finger movement
  
• 48.1% compared to QWERTY
• 10.2% compared to Dvorak
• Places ZXCV back in the QWERTY positions so that it is stil easy to type CTRL+Z/X/C/V to undo/cut/copy/paste
• Corrects obvious inefficiencies in Dvorak, such as having U under the index finger instead of I and having GH typed with the same finger.
  
• "C-Dvorak" for short
  

• Download the C-Dvorak Layout
  
• Installation instructions
• Compare the C-Dvorak layout with Dvorak and other layouts.
• Read about the development of the C-Dvorak Layout.
  

The (Coming) Capewell Layout

I am working on making a layout by writing a computer program that uses an evolutionary algorithm to 'evolve' the best possible layout.  The above layout is the result of my most recent attempt.  I still, however, am working on the 'fitness function' used to drive the evolution.

In short, my goals are to:

• Minimize finger movements. 
  
• There will likely be a reduction in movement by between 48% and 49% over QWERTY.
• Maximize the use of 'combos,' i.e., multiple keys hit on the same hand with one comfortable movement
• E.g. (from a QWERTY keyboard):  AS, WE, FE, LI, IOU, WER, REA, ON
• This will increase typing speed
  
• Minimize the use of uncomfortable combos
• E.g.: DR, DT, CF, CS (assuming you use the middle finger for C)
  
• This will reduce repetitive strain injuries
  
• Keep the ZXCV keys in the lower left so that it is still easy to type CTRL+Z/X/C/V to undo/cut/copy/paste
• If a key in one of the centre columns is used, have the keys typed before and after the key be typed by the other hand
• E.g.: THE
• Minimize use of certain positions on the keyboard
  
• Those occupied on the QWERTY layout by Q, Z, P, forward-slash, J, B, X, period
  

• Download the current version of the Capewell keyboard layout
• Download the Capewell keyboard 0.9.2 layout
• Download the Capewell keyboard 0.9.1 layout
• Installation instructions
• Read about the development of the Capewell layout and see how it compares to QWERTY, Dvorak, and a couple other alternative keyboard layouts.

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