www.xpertkeyboard.com

I have known for some time that the standard computer, typewriter and word processor keyboard was based on a design that originates in the 1800's. I know that the design was specifically laid out so as to slow the workers down to keep from jamming the machines. What I did not appreciate was how much of a hindrance this layout was. I have a typing speed of around 49 WPM on a standard QWERTY layout, on a good day. But I have always had problems at certain times when typing when it just feels like my hands are fighting themselves to get the letters out correctly. I am sure this contributes significantly to any errors I make when typing.

The most difficult part of using this program was breaking the habit of touch-typing that I have been doing for a number of years. But after the oddness of the key layout started to wear off, I did notice immediately that I did not have the same feeling of tension that characterized typing for me traditionally. The change in key positions was a significant change, but is just a habit to get over for a touch-typist, for the hunt-and-peck typist, this would not be a big problem. The new key layout did indeed make the entire process easier and faster. For myself I also noticed that my hands were not as tired as they normally would be after doing a stretch of writing.

In a test type, I was able to do average of 49 WPM with one error, after a week with this program I was up to an average of 77 WPM and no errors. Every now and then I think of what my typing was like and have to admit this would not be something I could have easily believed if I had been told it. The limitation of this kind of training will be how you will make use of it. If you work in an office and the keyboard is not yours, then it is unlikely they will want you to remap the keys to accomodate the different layout. For someone that works at home, this will be the easiest to integrate into your skills. Mind you, anyone that can show their employer or IT department the improvement in speed and accuracy that you get with this layout, might have a good chance of getting it changed.

The QWERTY keyboard layout was a necessary evil in the 19th century, we are in the 21st century now though and I would have to say it is time for a change.

Efficiency Over Time

Sun	22wpm	45%
Wed	33wpm	67%
Fri	51wpm	104%
Sun	77wpm	157%
Wed	85wpm	173%
Fri	93wpm	190%

Base = 49 wpm using QWERTY layout