I just got a ZSA Moonlander and I’ve been… on an adventure with it. Turns out my typing technique was total garbage so I’ve had to essentially start re-learning how to touch type. That, plus the ortho layout, plus the other ways my layout is now changed (special chars) has made the learning curve feel steep.

Going through all this has made me wonder some things about the long-term, and so I was hoping to lean on folks with more experience for some answers.

  1. Does learning to touch type on ortho (or a new layout w/ thumb clusters and such) mess with your ability to touch type on normal staggered boards? I still use my laptop when I travel and there is no shot I’ll be lugging around an ergo board.

  2. Is it worth going crazy with it and trying to learn workman or colemak at the same time? On some level I feel like it might not be that much harder, since it feels like I’m re-learning to touch type anyway.

  3. Would it be better to start with a keyboard that’s just split, but otherwise the same (Instead of ortho and alternative layout etc)? And maybe later move on to a crazier layout?

  • @[email protected]
    1•1 year ago
    1. I think this has been answered pretty well by now, but I dont recall it being an issue until I went back to learn QWERTY after years of alt layouts.
    2. I think changing layouts is something you should do for fun/interest. It will not make you type faster and its a tough journey, although if you’re relearning how to type anyway it will be less noticeable. I said previous I was relearning QWERTY but that was just so I’m capable of using other peoples computers if ever I need to.
      I think it was fun to do and I just got back up to sorta close to my previous speed after 3-4 months of practicing a lot. All that said I’m glad I made the switch but just keep in mind it’ll suck for a bit and the benefits aren’t that huge.
    3. No. Go all in on eveything so you only relearn once.

    Good luck on your journey!