<!-- 
.. title: My new keyboard layout: Colemak
.. slug: my-new-keyboard-layout-colemak
.. date: 2007-07-08 00:44:16
.. type: text
.. category: blog
-->

In the interests of RSI-avoidance and just interest itself, I've finally made a move to ditch my QWERTY (i.e. "normal")
keyboard layout. As [Jared Diamond](http://www.geocities.com/malibu_malv/curse_qwerty.html) and others like to point
out, QWERTY is an anti-engineered layout which became popular and obsolete at the same time. QWERTY typists have to work
hard for no reason, risking RSI. Since I sometimes get typing-related wrist pain, a switch seems sensible.

I initially planned to switch to [Dvorak](http://dvzine.org/), the most popular alternative layout, but a recent
discovery of the [Colemak layout](http://www.colemak.com), which is more computer shortcut-friendly, means that that has
become my target layout. So far, so good: I've installed the X server keymap, adapted it a bit for my GB keyboard and
moved the keys on my laptop. While it's painfully slow at the moment, I can already feel how much more efficient than
QWERTY it is. It's bound to be a bit of a journey, so I'll post any interesting developments or experiences here. When
my typing is back at more than 5 w.p.m., that is!
