Why Are We Still Using Bad Keyboards?

Good question! The current ‘standard’ QWERTY layout of keyboards is a classic example of path dependency.

[@david_clio_1985; @vergne_qwerty_2013; @gross_path_2019]

I.e., at some time in technology history, a decision was made which now seems difficult to correct.

Using the Colemak or another optimized keyboard layout instead of QWERTY would improve the productivity and reduce health problems of computer workers. In addition, an ortholinear matrix of switches would result in more compact and ergonomic keyboard designs.

However, the market of laptops with decent keyboards is still negligible. The large companies increase CPU clock rate, RAM, disk space, etc., instead of offering a writer-friendly keyboard.

Nevertheless, we always can connect our own nerdy device. And maybe one day, some big players follow.