Alternative Keyboard Layouts

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QWERTY is bad.

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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:
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

     QWERF JYLK;  
     ASDTG HUOIP' 
     ZXCVB NM,./  
QWERF 2007 (recommended)

     QWERF JYKL;  
     ASDTG HUIOP' 
     ZXCVB NM,./  
QWERF 2006

     QWERF JYPLK  
     ASDTG HUIO,' 
     ZXCVB NM;./  
Original QWERF

The Capewell-Dvorak Layout

     ',.PY QFGRK
     OAEIU DHTNS
     ZXCVJ LMWB;

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

The (Coming) Capewell Layout


     .YWDF JPLUQ /
     AERSG BTNIO -
     XZCV; KWH,'
("Close Keys" 0.9.3 version)

     .MYDG ;WH,- /
     ARESF KTNIO '
     XCZVJ BPLUQ
(0.9.2 version)

     .MYDG ;WH,' /
     ARESF KTNIO -
     XCZVJ BPLUQ
(0.9.1 version)

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:

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page made quickly using Mozilla Composer (i.e. the coding is poor)
Michael Capewell 2005 smozoma