I have converted to the Dvorak in Aug 09, to see if the Dvorak suits me. I averaged about 70 words per minute on QWERTY and got back to this speed in Dvorak after about 4 months. I don't buy the claim that a person can switch to the Dvorak in 25 days. Took me almost that long just to be able to type with the Dvorak without looking at the keyboard. The DVAssist program for Windows was very helpful in the transition stage.<p>Wikipedia claims the fastest typist in the world uses a Dvorak.
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard</a> so you draw your own conclusions about speed from this<p>I am sticking to the Dvorak because I don't feel as much strain on my wrist as compared to using a QWERTY. I have had a pain in my right wrist which hasn't occurred since I started the Dvorak. (Note: It could also be due to the slowdown in speed during the transition process).If I get an increase in speed it is a bonus.<p>A small bonus on using the Dvorak is that I don't need to bother about people looking at my keyboard when I am typing my password.<p>Cons:
1) Pair programming is a pain if the other guy doesn't use Dvorak. Having to switch keyboard layouts often isn't fun, unless of course your workplace allows you to install DVAssist
2) When using outside terminals, such as Internet cafe, it is highly unlikely you are going to be able to switch keyboard layout.
3) On a Mac, the shortcuts still follow the QWERTY keyboard, so the Apple-C key is really an Apple J key.<p>Signed
A QWERTY keyboard typist for 25 years