I use Dvorak, and I find it puts less strain on my wrists. I learnt to touch-type (using Mavis Beacon, I think - certainly some typing programme rather than a class) first on a Querty keyboard so that I could touch-type for my MSc final project. I switched to Dvorak later, and unfortunately lost the ability to touch-type Querty. There are Dvorak-labelled keyboards out there, but I still use a Querty-labelled one, which looks rather strange.
Advantages: May help RSI; impresses the hell out of people who see you typing with the 'wrong' keys; fairly easy to change between keyboard layouts.
Disadvantages: Steep learning curve; Windows (if that's what you're using) can sometimes be a bit unreliable about passing your keyboard preferences to different programmes, so you may find yourself suddenly typing gibberish (it's easy to change, so mostly a problem for hidden text such as passwords).
I'd also recommend an ergonomic keyboard, but I think it's probably easier if you learn at least the basics of touch-typing first.
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Date: 2007-11-15 09:16 am (UTC)Advantages: May help RSI; impresses the hell out of people who see you typing with the 'wrong' keys; fairly easy to change between keyboard layouts.
Disadvantages: Steep learning curve; Windows (if that's what you're using) can sometimes be a bit unreliable about passing your keyboard preferences to different programmes, so you may find yourself suddenly typing gibberish (it's easy to change, so mostly a problem for hidden text such as passwords).
I'd also recommend an ergonomic keyboard, but I think it's probably easier if you learn at least the basics of touch-typing first.