Why do we still use qwerty keyboards?

[AkJay]

If we were to change now, it would be like having USA instantly change to the metric system, or have England drive on the other side of the road.

 

[T-Bone24]

Muscle memory would prevent ABC keyboards from being developed. Unless that bomb goes off.

 

[stockvillain]

I'd much rather see us stick with the QWERTY system. Sure, it takes some getting used to, but we shouldn't go around altering everything just because the next generation has trouble with it. In fact, way too many people are used to texting, resulting in the general lack of spelling and grammar skills in today's youth. Should we get rid of spelling standards so that those texters don't have to worry about learning how to properly compose their thoughts in a written format?

I don't know if you're old enough to recall the attempted switch to the metric system in the U.S. What was that, the early 90s? Anyway, if I recall it lasted only a few months before us crotchety old buzzards [okay, so I was in middle school at the time] said "screw THAT hippie crap, and give me back my 12-inch ruler!"

We're all pretty well used to it by now, so screw those kids and make 'em learn just like we had to! And get offa my lawn!

 

[Shurikens and Lightning]

QWERTY was designed to slow down proficient (fast) typists to prevent key jamming on typewriters. Other layouts are less common, however DVORAK is one that is optimized to increase the speed of typing. For more info, try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout

I love how you linked to wikipedia but if you check the article on QWERTY keyboards it specifically states that rumor isnt true.

It's because if we switched it would result in us losing all the current typing skills the population holds. It's just too much hassle for little benefit. You'd have to retrain all typists and everyone's typing would slow to a crawl initially. The Short run problems are too numerous to make it viable.

You could say the same with switching from hunter gatherers to agriculture. terrible short term, great long run.

 

[jpoon]

Changing from QWERTY to ABC would be a disaster for a lot of people, I'm all for staying so I don't have to relearn finger positions, it's second nature to me at this point.

 

[Lordmarkus]

My fingers jam if I don't use a QWERTY keyboard. Went to an internetcafé in Paris one time where they combortably enough didn't have QWERTY keyboards. It wasn't a nice experience.

 

[APPCRASH]

I removed all my keys and replaced them to be in order from A-Z. It really fucks with people who use my computer when they look down and see something different.

 

[SonicKoala]

Sorry, but that is an awful idea. Apart from the fact I've become use to this keyboard, using the ABC layout would make it so awkward to type everyday words.

 

[Jdopus]

It's because if we switched it would result in us losing all the current typing skills the population holds. It's just too much hassle for little benefit. You'd have to retrain all typists and everyone's typing would slow to a crawl initially. The Short run problems are too numerous to make it viable.

You could say the same with switching from hunter gatherers to agriculture. terrible short term, great long run.

Actually, I recall hearing somewhere that historians were puzzled as to why humanity actually gave up on the hunter-gatherer position. Early farming was much harder work than hunting and very unreliable. Probably had more to do with tribes wanting to remain stationary for shelter and defensive reasons.

Anyway, the thing is, the long term benefits from swapping are pretty minimal.

 

[MrFluffy-X]

qwerty keyboards came around to make it easier believe it or not.

the more common letters are in 'easier to reach' places hence why q and z are disguarded at the sides

how every i think an abc keyboard my not be as effecient but it would be easier for uncommon users of computer like my mama and papa

 

[Shynobee]

The main reason qwerty keyboards were designed was because the most commonly used letters are all placed in easy to reach spots.

At least, that's what my typing teacher told me, and, after countless hours of typing I have to agree.

 

[The Eaten Cake]

Well, it's the established method now, isn't it? We all had to learn to use QWERTY keyboards, and we've gotten over it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Ace of Spades]

Why doesn't everyone in the U.S. start using the metric system?

 

[2012 Wont Happen]

I used to think an ABC keyboard would be good too. However, the QWERTY setup was designed for ease, and now I wouldn't use anything else. In 2 years, she will never want an ABC again because she'll be so used to QWERTY

 

[obex]

Even if we switched to ABC layout new people would still take just as long to learn where the keys are and on what lines ect so it wouldn't solve anything and would just be a pointless change

 

[2012 Wont Happen]

Why doesn't everyone in the U.S. start using the metric system?

This I would support. I do not want QWERTY changed to ABC though

 

[Supreme Unleaded]

After researching it I realized it was because typewriters would jam a lot with a ABC layout so QWERTY was designed to minimize this. Now escapist, I for one can say I have never used a typewriter and am pretty sure they aren't a common occurrence at this point.

Actually I'm fairly sure the keys are arranged to make typing commonly used words faster.

Anyways, point is, we're all used to it.

Seconded, thats 95% of the reason why its set up the way it is, some bloke decided that the way its set up allows most words to be typed easier. And as the abouve stated, we're all used to it.

And god did i hate it when i had a 360, it was set up in ABC format and it was impossible for me to get a sentence out within the hour. I like my keyboard the way it is thank you.

 

[Nevyrmoore]

If you change the standard, it'll fuck things up and make things more complicated. Instead, it's better to keep the standard, but offer alternatives (like DVORAK) for those who really want to worry about the ergonomics and efficiency of their typing.

 

[mikecoulter]

Once you learn it, it seems very natural.