[tomjen3]

It is funny that you should mention it, because I have spent a lot of time finding keyboard layouts more suitable for programing.

In the end I settled on the programmer dvorak layout. It is basically a standard dvorak keyboard but with the special keys you need to program moved to easier locations (and the dvorak keyboard itself uses the homerow much more efficiently, so there is much less strain on your fingers and your wrists).

[saintfiends]

I have thought about switching to Dvorak, it's hard to find from where I live. I'd love to know what model or brand you settled for.

[ZeroGravitas]

If you mean buying a hardware keyboard with dvorak letters, then don't. If you learn to touch type (and there's no point switching to Dvorak if you don't intend to) then you don't need to look at your keyboard, indeed being able to will only teach you bad habits.

Print a paper copy of the key layout to pin next to your monitor when starting out and use a typing tutor like gtypist to train yourself instead.

[saintfiends]

I have no problem typing without looking. Problem as I mentioned above, it is difficult to type with my pinky. It is kind of short (Not oddly short, just that I have shorter fingers than average) and it's awkward. That's what slows me down.

So I'm looking for a layout which makes my other fingers work more.

[ZeroGravitas]

It sounds like a smaller and/or curved keyboard might be a physical alternative, rather than learn a new layout e.g. the expensive Kinesis contoured devices.

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm

[cytzol]

Funny you mention the Kinesis, which can switch between qwerty and dvorak with a keypress, without you having to consult the OS about it. (great if you can't configure the computer you're using)

[tomjen3]

I didn't by a physical keyboard as such, any operating system allows you to change the layout and I just did that.

You can print the layout out on a piece of paper until you have learned them but if you plan on looking at the keyboard when you type you are not going to benefit from a dvorak keyboard.

If you do deciede to learn it, just know that it is totally worth it - your hands will thank you.

[sjs]

I wrote the Dvorak letters on my keyboard with a marker and by the time it wore off each key I knew what that key was. It took a couple of weeks.