Keyboard Hardware Dvorak vs Software Dvorak

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .

Which is better, keyboard with Dvorak layout builtin, or software Dvorak via the operating system?

There are advantages for both. Overall, hardware dvorak is much better.

Hardware Dvorak Advantage

Disadvantage:

Software Dvorak Advantage

Disadvantage:

Switching Layout

Using software Dvorak, you can toggle between QWERTY or DVORAK, by pressing Left Alt+Shift or โ– Window+Space .

Using hardware Dvorak, you can usually toggle either by pressing a special key, or by using a switch on the back of the keyboard. It depends on the keyboard.

For example, on Kinesis Advantage Keyboard, you can switch by pressing special button progm+F3 for QWERTY and progm+F4 for Dvorak.

See also: List of Dvorak Keyboards

Dvorak Layout