Introduction: Convert a Macbook Keyboard From QWERTY to Dvorak
I recently switched from Qwerty to Dvorak because of worries about long-term damage to my wrists. After about 5 weeks, I can touch-type pretty well. However, I'm a big fan of keyboard shortcuts (esp in apps like Adobe Creative Suite), and if I have to plant both hands on the keyboard to find a single key, it kind of defeats the purpose.
Alternately, if you need to deep-clean your Macbook keyboard and want to remove the keys, this technique may be useful.
Step 1: Overview
So basically, there're 5 steps per key:
1. pop keycaps
2. remove from wire
3. reorder keys
4. reattach wire
5. push key into place
It took me about 45m from start to finish. I found it easiest to do each the steps a row at a time, (ie remove the bottom row, then order the bottom row, remove the middle row, then reorder, etc). If you're not switching tasks, you can really get cranking.
In the photo, the wires are lifted in order to replace the keycaps, a row at a time.
Step 2: Pop the Keycaps
Slide two flathead screwdrivers an then rotate them towards the outside (i.e., turn counterclockwise with the left, and clockwise w the right). This will gently disengage the plastic clips, without detaching the wire.
The scissor mechanism is detached, but the wire is still attached.
Step 3: Remove Keycap From Wire
Gently pull to detach the wire, one clip at a time.
Step 4: Reorder Keys
As I popped the keycaps off, I'd arrange them in order for easy re-attachment. My USB keyboard (already Dvorak) was a handy reference.
Step 5: Reattach Wire
Its easiest to line the wire up with the groove between the lip of the key and the clip, and then slide it into place
Hook the wire with the two larger clips, and then gently press into place.
Step 6: Push Key Into Place
Once the wire is reattached, swing it back into place and press to re-engage the scissor mechanism.
Step 7: Finished!
That's it! You're done!
Oh, you didn't remap the keyboard in software? Keep reading...
Step 8: Enable Dvorak in System Prefs > International
You can find "System Preferences" in the Apple menu at the top left (among other places...)
1. Enable Dvorak (checkbox)
2. Use one input source (radio button)
3. Show input in menu bar (checkbox)
Step 9: Switch Layouts
Now you can switch in the menu bar.
And yes, now you're really done!
33 Comments
15 years ago on Introduction
i just dont understand why this would be useful to anyone (not the instructable, the keyboard layout) QWERTY is good enough. Anyway why is it called Dvorak.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
its also plain faster...
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
QWERTY isn't actually good enough for some of us. The Dvorak keyboard offers enough of a reduction on the repetitive stress of typing to make it worth the effort for those of us who type an awful lot and are concerned about things like tendonitis and/or carpel tunnel syndrome. Btw, it's called Dvorak after the guy who invented it (who happened to be a cousin to the composer).
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
i thought it was the layout... so i got gobsmacked when i heard about the composer the very next day i found this
13 years ago on Introduction
I don't think that you included the entire layout of the dvorak keyboard in your instructable so i'm posting the layout. the blue keys are the ones that you change, except for the "a" key.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
and M?
14 years ago on Step 8
Is there a way to do this for non-mac computers?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
It's basically the same for Windows and Linux PCs, pluck up the keys, swap them round, change the Keyboard settings in the control panel and you're done... :)
15 years ago on Introduction
Cool, but it could do with a step telling the computer how to recognize it is now a DVORAK keyboard.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Well do show us how to hack the macbook firmware, very very hard, and as far as I know, never seen a firmware hack for even my ibook.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I added "telling the computer how to recognize it is now a DVORAK keyboard" to the instructable. Its not a firmware hack, it's a basic setting that's standard on all macs. Takes about 45 seconds. (Learning Dvorak takes a lot longer though...)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
it took 3 years for me to learn qwerty,my wpm was about 2-3 now about 30 wpm
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Not needed, it's in the Macbook settings.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
You can change what key presses corrospond to whichever letters? Other than changing the input mode.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
No, it's not needed, just change the setting as shown above.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
ooh, good call, thanks
15 years ago on Step 2
Hey, I have the same screwdrivers!
15 years ago on Introduction
This is a pretty easy layout. I don't have to bend my fingers in such strange positions anymore and I can type while half awake without errors :D It is a little hard to get used to though.
15 years ago on Introduction
oh, bleep, I think i detached the scissor thing and wire with the key.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
never mind. my keys are just different from yours