You don't really need a whole new keyboard to use the Dvorak layout, but some people prefer having a hard-wired Dvorak keyboard so they don't have to mess with software conversion and possibly moving or relabeling keycaps.
Product availability changes often, and it's hard for me to keep this page up to date. Current information can be found in Dvorak International's newsletter and manufacturer listings.
The advantage of buying a hard-wired Dvorak keyboard is that the keycaps are labeled correctly and it almost certainly works with any software you use. The disadvantages are cost and lack of portability. I probably don't need to explain the cost disadvantage. Lack of portability simply means you can't move a keyboard from computer to computer easily. In fact, most keyboards only work on one type of computer (for example, Mac or PC).
Right now I'm aware of the following hard-wired keyboard suppliers:
DvortyBoards was kind enough to loan me a sample for a while. As you might expect from its low price, the DvortyBoard I tried seems to be mechanically on a par with cheaper full-size PC keyboards. Also, while most flat-looking keyboards are actually "profiled" (with rows set at slightly different angles), the DvortyBoard is truly flat. I never thought the usual slight contour was significant, but I was surprised to find the flat arrangement much less comfortable. The rather "dead" keyswitches don't help. Hands and tastes differ, so you might like the DvortyBoard just fine, and it's great for the price. But if any keyboard makes you feel less comfortable, don't use it. Personally, I'm sticking with my old keyboard and software conversion.
Back to Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard.
Marcus Brooks -- 18 May 1999