windows - Switch from dvorak to qwerty when modifier key is pressed

06
2014-04
  • EpicPineapple

    Since I spend most of my day at a computer, I've become interested in learning to type on Dvorak. However, there's one thing holding me back: shortcuts. Shortcuts are designed to work on QWERTY, and there's a good deal of muscle memory there I am loathe to give up. Take CTRL-S for instance, normally I can do that with my left hand while my right is on the mouse, but with Dvorak S is on the right side of the board.

    So here is my question: can I do something(write a script, download some software, whatever) that will automatically switch to qwerty when control, alt, or shift is pressed and then switch back when it's released? Any help is appreciated!

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    Related Question

    windows - Is there a way to use Dvorak keyboard layout, but with command keys mapped to qwerty?
  • Kip

    I tried to learn Dvorak keyboard layout a few years ago, and got reasonably good at it, but I couldn't get past the fact that command-key shortcuts were no longer in the right place.

    In particular, Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+X (cut), Ctrl+C (copy), and Ctrl+V (paste) are all chosen specifically because of the location of those keys on a Qwerty keyboard (well, maybe Ctrl+C makes sense). Ctrl+A (select all) and Ctrl+S (save) are also very convenient because of their Qwerty keyboard location.

    Is there any way (on Windows XP) to use Dvorak except when a control key (Ctrl, Alt, and/or WinLogo) is pressed? (Preferably without having to install any third party app.)


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  • jamuraa

    This is called "Dvorak - QWERTY command" on Mac, and it is useful. I have found this a autohotkey script for windows which claims to do what you want, but I haven't tested it.

    This also seems to be a dupe of a stackoverflow question, which suggests you can use the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to do it as well.

  • Area 51

    I wrote a tool that implements the "Dvorak-Qwerty command" layout on Windows, and even another one for Unix. You can get them here:

    http://dvorak-qwerty.googlecode.com

    I guess this is a "third-party app" from your point of view, but I haven't been able to find a better solution.