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Colemak Keyboard Layout – Better Than QWERTY, Better Than Dvorak

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by

Malcolm Bastien
in
If Dvorak is an alternative keyboard layout, then Colemak is an alt-alt-layout.  Designed to be easy to learn for QWERTY keyboard users, the Colemak keyboard layout has a lot going for it as far as being not only a better keyboard layout for typing, but also one that people might even be compelled to switch to!

'Is Caps Lock On?'
Only cats type QWERTY

Colemak was designed after the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts were designed. In fact, of the three, it’s the only keyboard layout that was designed after computers were invented. The Dvorak keyboard layout is excellent for typing English, but it wasn’t designed for how modern computers work, and even though ZXCV might not be important for writing, they are common keys for the way we all use computers.  The Colemak layout keeps those key in the same position as the QWERTY keyboard layout, which might reduce its effectiveness for writing, but at the same time that also lets us use those common shortcuts (If you’re just joining us: Undo, Cut, Copy, & Paste) more easily than on Dvorak.

I switched over to Colemak after being a Dvorak typist for two years, and even though Colemak is only marginally better than Dvorak (both are vastly superior than the QWERTY layout) I decided that a small increase in productivity is still an increase in productivity. Because that’s what the purpose of a good keyboard layout is, as seamless as possible a way to input data onto computers.  Good keyboard layouts help you type faster and be more productive (You still need to put in the proper time for practice and training though). If not to help you type faster, which many people can already do using the QWERTY layout, at least to let you continue to type fast without destroying your wrists.

The Colemak keyboard layout.
Colemak Keyboard Layout via Wikipedia
Not to get too philosophical, but if you’ve become more of a content producer online, type at a computer for most of the day, or like to try your hands at any life hack that could save you time, I hope you try switching to a more efficient layout.  There are a lot of life hacks being written now on using different tools and applications, or different desktop environment modifications to do etc… but why not pay the same attention to the method in which you interact with and transmit information 95% of the time?It’s actually a fun way to challenge yourself and to relearn a skill.  After all, starting from scratch is sometimes the only way to improve.  It is literally like starting from scratch at 15 characters per minutes for the first little while.

If you’re really geeky and would like to dig into some data and stats related to keyboard layouts and typing effort measurements, check out Carpalx.  It has data for all the popular English language layouts, and custom fully optimized layouts.

Quick Facts:

  • Colemak uses the home row 14% more than Dvorak, and 122% more than QWERTY
  • On Dvorak your fingers move 10% more…and on QWERTY 102% more than Colemak
  • Backspace key on home row [replaces Caps Lock]
  • Colemak keeps almost all of the punctuation keys in their QWERTY positions – Programming is easier on Colemak than on Dvorak
  • Colemak has been designed to be easy to learn and to allow easy transition from QWERTY.
  • Colemak keeps the Ctrl+Z/X/C/V in the same place.
  • Colemak doesn’t overwork the pinkies.
  • Colemak has typing lessons.
  • Estimated that there are only about 3000 Colemak users worldwide. (Jan 1st 2009)
  • You can get Colemak for Windows, OS X, and Linux using your current keyboard.

Points taken from Colemak.com, Image by Maia C via Flickr

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Comments

11 responses to “Colemak Keyboard Layout – Better Than QWERTY, Better Than Dvorak”

  1. Chris Barts Avatar
    Chris Barts

    How long after switching are most QWERTY users back up to full speed again?
    Secondly, a lot of programmers have Caps Lock remapped to a Control key. Saying Caps Lock is Backspace in this layout is not likely to win them over.

    Reply
    1. Malcolm Bastien Avatar
      Malcolm Bastien

      Caps Lock to Backspace was only one point of course, in fact it only sort of semi works because I can't get it to hold repeat to delete multiple characters or anything.

      I'd say with training everyday using some training software, it can be done in 2 to 3 weeks.

      Reply
  2. Thom Avatar
    Thom

    I just learned about the Colemak keyboard and looked at its layout on Wikipedia. Looks interesting, and I like the idea of increased productivity. What is the learning curve like, for the average QWERTY-raised typist? Some Linux software I use very frequently makes use of the four arrow keys, which I don't see on the Wikipedia layout. Are they in fact on the keyboard? Or am I just revealing my age? 🙂

    Reply
    1. Malcolm Bastien Avatar
      Malcolm Bastien

      The image doesn't reveal the arrow keys because it just wants to show the changes to the letter placement on the keyboard. The number keys, arrows, and num-pad don't change while using Colemak.

      I you use Linux you can download apps such as Klavero or K Touch Tutor to practice typing with Colemak and get back to normal in 2 weeks (if you practice everyday).

      Reply
  3. Will Avatar
    Will

    Hey Malcolm, what was the learning curve like for you? How long did it take for you to master Colemak and get it above and beyond your QWERTY wpm?

    Reply
    1. Malcolm Bastien Avatar
      Malcolm Bastien

      Hmm… I'd say I'm not there yet at 3 weeks. I've been lazy and haven't stuck to doing the training exercises everyday like I should have. I'm at about only 50wpm right now, but that's a relatively slow speed to be at because it still makes expressing ideas through typing a challenge.

      Reply
  4. Waddles Avatar
    Waddles

    Dare I mention something even better than Colemak? Read more about my experiences at http://waddles.org/taxonomy_vtn/term/5

    Reply
  5. tony Avatar
    tony

    Colemak is better and worse than Dvorak. It is better in the following areas:Home Finger % (+4%)Home Finger Words (+1,800 approx.)Home Row % (+3%)Home Row words (+3,000)Instroking (+100)Same Finger Jumps (-2)Digraphs (-20)It is worse in the following areas:Same Hand Jumps (+1)Same Hand Words (+1,000)Outstroking (+385)The scores are based upon Dvorak's own table of digraphfrequencies, as well as using certain other programs to tally up the number of words, etc.The biggest concerns for Colemak are the huge increasein outstroking, and the same hand words.

    Reply
  6. Malcolm Bastien Avatar
    Malcolm Bastien

    Great, thanks for the added information. Do you have any other useful links to related information?

    Reply
  7. Malcolm Bastien Avatar
    Malcolm Bastien

    Hey Waddles, I read your blog posts a couple months ago. I wonder if you're still using your modified colemak layout?

    Reply
  8. Waddles Avatar
    Waddles

    Yes I am. I keep thinking I should do a new blog post about switching to Culemak after several years of practice. Stay tuned.

    Reply

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