What we are using is called a QWERTY keyboard (you should be able to find where QWERTY is on the keyboard); there is another keyboard called the DVORAK keyboard, but it is very uncommon (designed in the early 1900's; see image below). The QWERTY keyboard has been in existence since 1870, but didn't become really popular until about 15 years later. Ever since that time, however, it has been the standard for keyboard layouts.
The purpose of the QWERTY keyboard's layout is to avoid having keys stick together as they were being typed - the idea was to have a layout in which you alternated using your hands often while typing - this helped to eliminate having the typewriter arms get stuck. The DVORAK keyboard's purpose was to have the most commonly used keys on the home row - thus your fingers moved less while typing, but the problem was that the keys got stuck more often.
Just a few things to keep in mind as you are keying:
- When keying your forearms should not be resting on your thighs. Remember that your fingers are the only "things" touching anything - everything else on your lower arm should not be touching the keyboard, countertop, or anything else.
- If you keep your keyboard at the edge of the countertop you will avoid having issues with #1 above. This will also be a benefit when it comes to the technique sheet and grading.
- The speed skins will move slightly as you are typing - I understand your frustration in this regard, but do the best that you can.
- In order to be able to key at a proficient level you need to fight through the urge to constantly look at your keyboard (that's part of why we have the speed skins). This will probably be a "weird sensation" - you are used to using your visual senses to help you accomplish what you do on a daily basis. However, we want to get to a point where looking at your keyboard is not necessary.
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