Why Haven't QWERTY Keyboards Become Obsolete and/or Been Replaced by Dvorak Keyboards?

The QWERTY keyboard layout has been the standard for over a century, despite the existence of alternative keyboard layouts such as Dvorak. Here are some key reasons explaining why QWERTY remains dominant.

Historical Momentum and Widespread Adoption

Historical Momentum: The QWERTY layout was developed in the 1870s, initially for typewriters. As a result, it has a long history and widespread usage that has created strong inertia. Many people are already familiar with it, making it difficult for alternatives to gain traction.

Widespread Adoption: QWERTY is deeply embedded in education, training, and software. Most typing courses and resources focus on QWERTY, and it is the standard on the vast majority of computers and devices worldwide. This deep integration makes a switch to Dvorak or any other layout highly challenging.

Compatibility and User Habits

Compatibility: QWERTY is the default layout in most operating systems and applications. This means that switching to a different layout can create compatibility issues. Many users prefer to avoid the potential problems that come with using alternative layouts.

Learning Curve: While Dvorak may offer advantages in typing speed and efficiency for some users, the transition requires a significant investment of time and effort. Many people are reluctant to undergo this change, especially if the benefits are not immediately apparent.

Typing Habits: For many users, QWERTY is sufficient for their typing needs. Unless someone is particularly interested in optimizing their typing speed or comfort, they may not see a compelling reason to switch.

Limited Awareness and Cultural Factors

Limited Awareness: Many users are simply unaware of the Dvorak layout or its benefits. Without widespread knowledge or advocacy for alternative layouts, QWERTY remains the default choice. As a result, even those who might benefit from Dvorak do not switch.

Cultural Factors: The QWERTY layout has become a cultural standard, and changes in technology or typing practices often take time to gain acceptance. Due to this, it is challenging for alternatives to gain momentum.

Additional Insights

Historical events have also played a role in the prevalence of QWERTY. The US military, for example, was interested in August Dvorak's work, and there was even a plan to switch the entire Navy to Dvorak keyboards. However, political dirty tricks intervened, leading to a trumped-up study that claimed no improvement over the QWERTY layout.

It is often overlooked that both the QWERTY and the Shoales keyboard (used to slow typists down to avoid key-jamming) were designed with the intent to slow typing. Therefore, QWERTY, the typewriter-based layout, is inherently designed to be slower. Additionally, the physical comfort of users is a crucial factor. Many users experience hand aches and carpal tunnel injuries from prolonged use of QWERTY keyboards, which can be significantly reduced with Dvorak layouts.

With the increasing awareness of the benefits of Dvorak, it is important to recognize that the layout has potential to reduce repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and improve typing efficiency. Despite the historical and cultural barriers, continued advocacy and education may eventually lead to broader adoption of more ergonomically designed keyboard layouts like Dvorak.