Comment by jerf
2 years ago
If you learn a keyboard layout where the home row is actually the most common keys you use, you will not have to be encouraged to use the home row. You just will. I know, because I have, and I never "tried" to use the home row.
People don't hunt and peck after years of keyboard use because of the keyboard; they do it because of the keyboard layout.
If you want to prove I'm wrong, go learn Dvorak or Colemak and show me that once you're comfortable you still hunt and peck. You won't be, because it wouldn't even make sense. Or, less effort, find a hunt & peck Dvorak or Colemak user who is definitely at the "comfortable" phase.
People will actually avoid using their nondominant fingers like their ring or pinky. Its an issue with typing irrespective of layout. Its an issue with guitarplaying even. I am no pianist but I wouldn’t be surprised if new players have an aversion towards using those fingers as well.
I understand how dvorak is designed. I am still not convinced people will be using all their fingers especially their pinkys in a consistent manner that without learning that this is what you should work towards.
I really shouldn't be astonished at the number of people who will prioritize their own theorizing over the field report of someone who actually did the thing in question, but yet still somehow I am.
I did it. It happened. Theorizing about why it didn't happen is not terribly productive.