Switching to the Dvorak layout reduces RSI pain via natural, hand-alternating typing motions

The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard is designed to facilitate common typing patterns with natural hand motions: words tend to begin toward the outside of the keyboard and roll inward, alternating evenly between hands. Physiometric motion studies show it cuts total finger travel considerably. The author reports it improved his pain and numbness more than anything except a high-end ergonomic keyboard. The trade-off is relearning to type — about two weeks to 60 wpm and two months to 80 wpm, though a comfortable coding speed (~20 wpm) returns within about four days.

Examples

Matt Might reports his wrist pain and numbness improved dramatically after switching to Dvorak; he reached ~20 wpm (comfortable coding) in four days and 60 wpm in about two weeks.

Assessment

List three specific ways the Dvorak layout reduces finger strain compared to QWERTY, and estimate the time cost of learning Dvorak to productive coding speed from the article.