Why QWERTY is still the preferred computer keyboard layout
If you’re reading this, there’s a high chance you’re typing on a QWERTY keyboard right now. In fact, QWERTY has been the standard keyboard layout for more than a century. And there’s a reason why it’s still the preferred keyboard layout today despite other alternatives cropping up. In this article, we’ll explore why QWERTY has stood the test of time.
The Origins of QWERTY
To understand why QWERTY has remained the preferred keyboard layout, we need to go back to its origins. QWERTY was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in the 1870s. At the time, typewriters were becoming increasingly popular in offices, but the earliest models were prone to jamming. Sholes designed QWERTY to address this issue by placing popular letters far apart from each other. This gap allowed the typewriter to function smoothly without letters bumping into each other.
The Effectiveness of QWERTY
QWERTY’s original purpose might have been to prevent typewriters from jamming, but it turns out that it also contributes to faster typing rates. The layout’s design forces typists to alternate between hands, which makes typing more efficient. Additionally, the placement of frequently-used letters in the home row allows for faster typing speeds as hands do not have to travel as far.
Alternative Keyboard Layouts
Keyboard designers have experimented with alternative layouts over the years with the goal of creating a more efficient and ergonomic typing experience. The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard and Colemak, for example, are two alternatives to QWERTY. However, despite these attempts, QWERTY remains the keyboard of choice for most people. One reason is that people are reluctant to switch to a different keyboard layout. Learning a new typing layout can be daunting and counter-productive for many users since QWERTY continues to work well and meets their needs.
Conclusion
QWERTY’s endurance over the years is no coincidence. Its design is effective and efficient, and it meets the needs of most typists. While QWERTY may not be the only viable keyboard layout, it was the first, and its effectiveness still stands. Whether or not a better layout exists is up for debate, but it is clear that QWERTY isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
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