I can type faster now with Colemak than I did with Qwerty when comparing a two-minute test. This is throughput.
But the time from I consciously know that I want to type a single letter out of context and until I have typed it is still higher than it was with Qwerty. I think.
Does anyone else feel this way?
That's completely normal with a layout that you learn only by touch typing. Until recently I had to first put my fingers on "home" position to hit the letter I need. Just recently I started mapping* the Qwerty letters on my keyboard to the Colemak ones, and that helps for those single letters that you need every now and then (and even one-hand typing sometimes).
I think this "Latency" will improve with the time, as you start feeling Colemak as more and more natural.
*PS: I don't mean physically. Just in my mind :)
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That's completely normal with a layout that you learn only by touch typing.
Yes, this is actually something that's been bugging me. I touch type most of the time, but that doesn't mean it's wrong to relabel the keys as the offical page says it is. I'm actually considering doing hunt-and-peck lessons with the actual layout there, just to get it into my system in more than one way. I dug out my Model M a few days ago and rearranged the key caps, so I can do this.
I haven't used my Model M for years and it was quite an experience to see that this heavy, noisy, mechanical machine still controls my sleek modern operating system just like modern keyboards do :-) But the feeling of the keys is so nice. I could do without the noise, though (except for the big enter key - that sound is glorious). If it had had a windows/super key and a shorter space bar, I could use this as my main. Well, I also had to prop it up on a rolled-up newspaper to neutralize its upward incline :-P
you can improve you latency by taking dictation lessons with typing tutor like mavis beacon and typing instructor platinum. In the beginning you will notice that you are much slower than your average but with practice you will improve, and I really find dictation lesson helpful in terms of latency when I used to type Colemak and when I am typing dvorak and Imak
How do dictation lessons work? I don't have any of those programs, or an operating system they should run on for that matter.
@erw, How about using mplayer? You can use keyboard shortcuts to jump back and forth and even slow and speed up speech.
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Physicians deafen our ears with the Honorificabilitudinitatibus of their heavenly Panacaea, their sovereign Guiacum.
This is cool.. I'll try that. Thanks for the tips guys :-)
How do dictation lessons work? I don't have any of those programs, or an operating system they should run on for that matter.
I guess you do not use windows then, but as you might know, you could use wine on ubuntu to run them, although I have not tried it.
Yes, I have Wine, but I would prefer a free solution. But I actually just wanted to know how dictation works, but now I get it. I assume those typing instructors also check for errors? (unlike the DIY solution)
Yes, I have Wine, but I would prefer a free solution. But I actually just wanted to know how dictation works, but now I get it. I assume those typing instructors also check for errors? (unlike the DIY solution)
Indeed they mark the error with red but do not force you to to correct it as in hi games.
Of course, you could still download them from torrent sites http://pear.ly/Oo4H as free or it is more appropriate to see as pirated version as I do.
