MacBook's QWERTY Keyboard Converted to Dvorak

The Dvorak layout isn't common these days, but it's certainly not new. Invented in 1936 by Dr. August Dvorak, the layout is considered simpler than QWERTY. Due to its efficient layout, the Dvorak keyboard is considered more convenient for writers and developers. However, since Apple does not ship a Dvorak-styled MacBook, this MacBook enthusiast took matters into his own hands:

MacBook - Dvorak Keyboard

Not a difficult mod, but definitely useful. Should anything happen to your Dvorak MacBook that bring you to the Genius Bar, simply swap the keys back in place to avoid any warranty problems.

I wonder if just swapping the keys on the keyboard also changes the characters those keys produce when pushed down. Imagine painting some white keys on a piano black, they will still produce the same note when struck. Can somebody comment on this?

Posted by Julian on October 14, 2007

Julian, the answer to that is rather simple. Mac OS X supports it out of the box. Just go to System Preferences >> International >> Input Menu and select Dvorak.

Posted by Miki on October 14, 2007

I just got a new SR macbook and they've rotated the plastic scissors 90 degrees under the F and J keys, so this mod no longer works on new macbooks! (Unless you don't mind having four sideways keys in Dvorak - F,J,E,T.)

Posted by Matthew on November 11, 2007

I don't exactly find how this is more simple, but, whatever.

Posted by Wes on December 01, 2007

Any idea's on how to turn my macbook into a half qwerty (holding space bar turns left hand keys into right hand keys so you can type one handed)

Posted by Joe on December 11, 2007

I have deciced to learn to type in Dvorakw seeing as I am already 'fluent' in qwerty. It is proving insanely hard, however I will see how I go.
This will be interesting.

Posted by Anonymous on February 21, 2008

I've just done this to my keyboard :) took about 10 mins :P

Posted by Luke on March 04, 2008

Does anyone have any experience with the Macbook Air keyboard?

Posted by Anonymous on March 10, 2008

Dvorak is cool,.. and it makes people wonder when they use iBook =]

Posted by Deep Beige Inc on May 07, 2008

Would you like to leave a comment?
Your Name:

HTML not allowed.