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Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

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Re: Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

#2

Post by nanospeck »

The QWERTY model keyboard was designed to be used on physical typewriters and keyboards where we use all 10 fingers for typing. The letters were arranged in QWERTY because it’s the optimal the order of popular usage of keys. So frequently used keys were arranged together closest to all the fingers.

Today we only used both our thumbs to type on our smartphones and there is no need to keep following the complex QWERTY arrangement (unless you are a trained touch typing ninja who knows the full QWERTY order like the back of your hand).

It’s time to follow the obvious ABC order of keys in smartphone keyboards

Re: Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

#4

Post by RandomTrees »

nanospeck wrote: post #2

The QWERTY model keyboard was designed to be used on physical typewriters and keyboards where we use all 10 fingers for typing. The letters were arranged in QWERTY because it’s the optimal the order of popular usage of keys. So frequently used keys were arranged together closest to all the fingers. Today we only used both our thumbs to type on our smartphones and there is no need to keep following the complex QWERTY…

Wouldn't it still be faster to alternate keys between both hands? The alphabetical order probably won't be optimal for that.

Besides, everyone is used to QWERTY and alphabetical order is not much better (if you have to find each key via the order you will type very slowly).

Re: Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

#5

Post by seabird »

nanospeck wrote: post #2

The QWERTY model keyboard was designed to be used on physical typewriters and keyboards where we use all 10 fingers for typing. The letters were arranged in QWERTY because it’s the optimal the order of popular usage of keys. So frequently used keys were arranged together closest to all the fingers. Today we only used both our thumbs to type on our smartphones and there is no need to keep following the complex QWERTY…

QWERTY keyboards actually aren't the optimal layout. Dvorak is generally considered to take first place on that one. QWERTY was an arrangement that kept the hammers from jamming while still minimizing finger movement.

Minimizing finger movement is still important, even when only using two fingers on a smartphone screen. Although not as significant as it would be on a full size keyboard, all of those extra little reaches add up.

Re: Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

#6

Post by nanospeck »

RandomTrees wrote: post #4
nanospeck wrote: post #2

The QWERTY model keyboard was designed to be used on physical typewriters and keyboards where we use all 10 fingers for typing. The letters were arranged in QWERTY because it’s the optimal the order of popular usage of keys. So frequently used keys were arranged together closest to all the fingers. Today we only used both our thumbs to type on our smartphones and there is no need to keep following the complex QWERTY…

Wouldn't it still be faster to alternate keys between both hands? The alphabetical order probably won't be optimal for that. Besides, everyone is used to QWERTY and alphabetical order is not much better (if you have to find each key via the order you will type very slowly).

I agree with both your feedback. This is an experimental app. For me, learning the order of keys was the most difficult part when I started to learn typing. I wonder if people who are not familiar with touch typing (if anyone exists) may find it easier. Lets see. Thanks again btw.

Re: Show HN: Alphabetically Ordered Keyboard for iPhone

#7

Post by quickthrower2 »

nanospeck wrote: post #2

The QWERTY model keyboard was designed to be used on physical typewriters and keyboards where we use all 10 fingers for typing. The letters were arranged in QWERTY because it’s the optimal the order of popular usage of keys. So frequently used keys were arranged together closest to all the fingers. Today we only used both our thumbs to type on our smartphones and there is no need to keep following the complex QWERTY…

ABC is only advantageous when you need to hunt and peck. Once you know where the keys are other arrangements would be more efficient. QWERTY is the obvious choice due to familiarity.
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