Historian: The standard QWERTY configuration of the keys on typewriters and computer keyboards was originally designed to be awkward and limit typing speed  This was because early typewriters would jam frequently if adjacent keys were struck in quick succession  Experiments have shown that keyboard configurations more efficient than QWERTY can double typing speed while tremendously reducing typing effort
However, the expense and inconvenience of switching to a new keyboard configuration prevent any configuration other than QWERTY from attaining widespread use
Early QWERTY typewriters were less likely to jam than were at least some more recent typewriters if adjacent keys were struck in quick succession.