What is Colemak layout? Pros and Cons of Colemak

Ever felt your fingers dragging on the keyboard during an epic gaming session or typing marathon? That's the old QWERTY slowing you down. But what if there's a hack? Enter the Colemak layout, a solution designed to enhance typing efficiency and significantly reduce finger strain. This article unravels the world of Colemak, exploring its benefits and drawbacks, and guides you on how making the switch could be a game-changer for your typing experience!

What is the Colemak layout?

Introduced by Shai Coleman in 2006, the Colemak layout stands as a modern alternative aimed at refining typing efficiency and comfort. Named by blending Coleman's surname with the "ak" suffix reminiscent of the Dvorak, Colemak was conceived as an evolution over its predecessor.

It tweaks the traditional setup in a few clever ways to better suit our fingers' natural movements such as the 'O' key, which is usually hit by our 4th finger, gets swapped with 'R', typically reached by our 9th finger. It also changes 'E', the most used key, with 'S', and replaces 'U' with 'T'. On the right side, 'H' gets swapped with 'N', the ‘T’  with 'E', 'N' with 'I', and 'S' with 'O'.

Colemak layout keeps it familiar for QWERTY pros by changing just 17 keys while keeping most non-alphabetic characters and familiar shortcuts in their traditional places. The native integration across various operating systems, including macOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, or BSD as well as its availability on mobile platforms through virtual keyboard apps, underscores its increasing popularity and accessibility.

Popular Variants of Colemak Keyboard Layout

The Colemak keyboard layout has inspired a variety of user adaptations, each tailored to specific typing preferences and ergonomic considerations. Here are some of its most popular variants:

• Colemak-DH: Modified by DreymaR for better hand ergonomics, minimized lateral hand movement, and improved the route of motion for every finger. This variant alters the positions of a few keys like 'D' and 'H' to create a more comfortable typing experience.

• Colemak Mod-DH: The most popular mod by far with a slight tweak to the Colemak-DH. This modification alters the placement of the 'K' and 'M' keys, focusing on minimizing the lateral movement of the middle fingers. Moving 'H' from its central column, Mod-DH enhances the typing flow for common bigrams like 'HE', making them smoother to type with adjacent fingers.

• Soul (Previously Solemak): Embracing the concept of symmetric typing, the Soul variant redesigns key assignments to balance the typing load more evenly between both hands.

• Colemak-CAW: Specifically designed for those transitioning from QWERTY, the variant maintains the 'A' and 'W' keys in their original QWERTY positions.

• Programmer Colemak: Tailored for programmers, this variant optimizes the placement of symbols and function keys to facilitate coding efficiency.

Is it worth learning Colemak?

Adopting a new keyboard layout like Colemak is a decision that requires careful consideration of its benefits and drawbacks. Delve into whether the switch to Colemak is a worthwhile investment for your typing efficiency and comfort.

Pros of Colemak layout

The Colemak layout shines as a beacon of ergonomic efficiency and comfort. With its smart design that minimizes finger travel and strain, it not only promises increased typing speeds but also a significantly more comfortable typing experience:

Increased typing speed

Colemak's design places the most commonly used letters in the English language on the home row. This strategic placement means your fingers travel less, leading to potentially faster typing speeds compared to QWERTY. By reducing the distance your fingers need to travel, Colemak enables you to type more efficiently. It's estimated that 35 times more words can be typed while keeping your hands in their default stance.

Unlike QWERTY, where the finger movement is more scattered, Colemak's intelligent arrangement facilitates a smoother and faster typing experience.  In comparison to the Dvorak keyboard layout, which also aims for efficiency, Colemak offers a more intuitive transition for those already familiar with QWERTY, making the speed benefits more accessible.

Reduced finger movement and strain

One of the standout features of the Colemak layout is its focus on reducing finger movement and strain. According to the Colemak study, concentrating on the strongest and fastest fingers and minimizing row jumping about 16 times more than QWERTY, Colemak effectively reduces the physical effort required for typing.

This is a stark contrast to the QWERTY layout, where fingers frequently have to reach for upper and lower rows, leading to increased finger travel and potential strain. Compared to Dvorak, Colemak strikes a balance between minimizing finger movement and maintaining a degree of familiarity, making it a more practical choice for long-term comfort.

Ergonomic and comfortable

Ergonomics is at the heart of the Colemak design. It is tailored to align with natural finger movements and hand positions, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries commonly associated with prolonged typing. The thoughtful positioning with minimized stretching and maintaining the common keys like C, X, Z, and V makes typing faster and more comfortable, especially when compared to traditional layouts.

Colemak layout is a considerable improvement over the QWERTY layout, which was not originally designed with ergonomics in mind. While Dvorak also offers ergonomic benefits, Colemak is often considered more comfortable due to its more familiar key placements and reduced reliance on the weaker pinky finger.

Multilingual

Colemak's versatility extends to its support for multilingual typing. It allows users to type in over 40 languages and various symbols such as "pâté", "mañana", €, em-dash, and non-breaking space, offering a significant advantage for multilingual users or those who frequently work with diverse languages and special characters.

This feature sets it apart from the traditional QWERTY layout, which is primarily optimized for English, or the Azerty layout for French. Despite Dvorak providing some ergonomic benefits, its support for multilingual typing is not as extensive as Colemak's, making Colemak a more inclusive and globally adaptable layout.

Cons of Colemak layout

While the Colemak layout offers numerous benefits for typing efficiency and comfort, it's not without its challenges. Transitioning requires a considerable adjustment period and setting it up might involve leading through extra steps, particularly for Windows users.

Learning curve

Transitioning to the Colemak layout presents a significant learning curve, especially for those accustomed to the QWERTY. Users must retrain their muscle memory, a process that can take several weeks or even months. This challenge is primarily due to the familiarity and widespread use of the QWERTY, ingrained in most typists from an early age. 

In comparison, while Dvorak also requires a learning period, it's more drastic rearrangement of keys can be even more challenging for long-time QWERTY users. Colemak’s design, which retains several common keys in their original positions, is somewhat easier to adapt to but still demands dedicated practice and patience.

Setup Complexity

Implementing the Colemak layout can be another hurdle, particularly for Windows users who might need to install third-party software or adjust settings manually. This setup process, while straightforward on systems like Mac and Linux that offer native Colemak support, can be a deterrent for those not comfortable with altering their computer settings.

In contrast, the QWERTY layout requires no such setup, being the default on virtually all computer systems. Dvorak, like Colemak, also requires setup changes, but it is slightly more recognized and sometimes easier to find in system settings compared to Colemak. Users should be prepared for some initial configuration effort to transition to the Colemak layout.

The Colemak layout is an excellent choice for typists prioritizing ergonomics and efficiency. While it requires a learning curve, its benefits of speed and adaptability make it well-suited for writers, programmers, and anyone engaged in extensive typing. It’s also ideal for multilingual users and those regularly working with diverse languages.

Colemak vs QWERTY vs Dvorak: Which is better?

QWERTY is the oldest, designed in the 1870s with typewriter mechanics in mind while Dvorak placed the most commonly used letters on the home row to increase typing speed. Colemak, the newest layout in 2006, builds on Dvorak's efficiency while making fewer changes from QWERTY, aiming for an easier transition for users. Here's a comprehensive table summarizing the key aspects of each layout:

	Colemak	QWERTY	Dvorak
Learning Curve	Moderate Easier transition from QWERTY	Minimal Widely recognized and used	Steep Significant relearning required
Efficiency	High Efficiency Most common keys on home row	Low Efficiency Less optimized for speed	High Efficiency Optimized for speed but less intuitive
Compatibility	Good with modern operating systems	Excellent Default on most systems	Moderate Available but less commonly used
Ergonomic Design	Highly ergonomic Reduces finger movement	Less ergonomic More finger movement required	Ergonomically designed Different finger motions
Customization	Highly customizable Supports multiple languages	Limited customization Primarily for English	Customizable Less language support
Typing Speed	Potentially faster typing	Standard typing speed	Fast typing potential
Popularity	Growing among ergonomic and efficiency enthusiasts	Most popular Universally recognized	Less popular Niche among keyboard users

Is Colemak better than QWERTY?

While the world's fastest typist in 2020, Anthony “Chak” Ermolin, used the QWERTY layout, highlighting its potential for speed, Colemak and Dvorak remain largely unknown to the broader public. Despite this, Colemak's design offers ergonomic benefits over QWERTY by placing the most frequently used letters in the English language on the home row, significantly increasing typing speed and reducing the strain on the fingers after mastery.

In evaluating the two, Colemak offers a clear ergonomic advantage and its optimized design. However, transitioning from QWERTY to Colemak involves a learning curve as users retrain their muscle memory. Ultimately, the choice between Colemak and QWERTY may hinge on individual priorities - whether immediate familiarity and ubiquity or long-term efficiency and ergonomic health.

Is Colemak better than Dvorak?

Dvorak and Colemak both aim to improve typing efficiency and comfort but take different paths to achieve this goal. Dvorak radically rearranges the keyboard to minimize finger movement, placing a heavy emphasis on the home row for the most frequently used letters. In contrast, Colemak modifies the QWERTY layout more conservatively, making it easier for users to transition while still offering significant ergonomic improvements by reducing finger travel and strain.

Choosing between Dvorak and Colemak ultimately hinges on an individual's priorities: the depth of change they're willing to embrace and the time they can invest in learning. Dvorak suits those who prioritize maximum efficiency and are ready for a complete overhaul. Colemak, meanwhile, is ideal for users seeking a middle ground - noticeable ergonomic benefits with a gentler learning curve, leveraging its closer alignment with the familiar QWERTY setup.

Related articles:

• What are Chiclet keyboards? Are they good for Gaming?

• Are Keycaps Expensive? Understanding the Cost of Keycaps

How to Install the Colemak Layout on Popular Operating Systems

Running the Colemak layout on a Windows PC might present some challenges and need extra steps by using third-party tools from Colemak.com, especially for tweaks like changing the Caps Lock function with the second Backspace. Despite this, Colemak's design is widely appreciated in both Dvorak and QWERTY circles for its ergonomic advantages and efficiency:

How can I get Colemak on Windows?

Setting up Colemak on Windows? No sweat! Let's breeze through the setup and get your fingers flying on the keys quickly:

Step 1 - Downloading the Installer: Acquire the Colemak installation file from the Colemak website. Then extract the contents of the archive by a tool like WinRAR or the built-in Windows extractor.

Step 2 - Running the Installer: Locate and execute the "setup.exe" file from the unzipped files. This initiates the installation process.

Step 3 - Caps Lock Key Configuration: Be aware that the standard installation doesn’t change the Caps Lock key function. For customizing this key (e.g., mapping it to Backspace), consult specific registry remapping guides.

Step 4 - System Restart: Post-installation, we recommend you restart your computer for changes to take full effect, though it might not always be necessary.

Step 5 - Layout Familiarization: Begin the journey of learning the Colemak layout, which is crucial for benefiting from this ergonomic keyboard design.

Step 6 - Uninstallation Process: If needed, Colemak can be removed by accessing the layout settings and rerunning the "setup.exe" file.

How can I get Colemak on Mac?

Ready to transform your Mac typing experience with Colemak? Here, we'll walk you through the straightforward steps to install the Colemak layout on your Mac:

Step 1 - Download the Layout File: Start by downloading the Colemak layout file from Colemak website. Move the downloaded file to the Library folder. This is often located in Library/Keyboard Layouts.

Step 2 - Opening System Preferences: Navigate to the ‘System Preferences’ on your Mac, and select 'Keyboard'. In the Keyboard settings, click on the ‘Input Sources’ tab to add a new keyboard layout.

Step 3 - Adding Colemak: Click on the '+' sign, and type 'Colemak'. The system will display the Colemak layout option, select it and add it to your list of keyboard layouts.

Step 4 - Setting as Default: Prioritize Colemak as your primary layout by adjusting its position to the top in your keyboard layout list.

Step 5 - Shortcut Customization: For ease of switching between different layouts, configure a quick keyboard shortcut in the 'Shortcuts' tab, found within the Keyboard settings.

Check out the video below for simple step on how to install the Colemak (DH and DHk variants) keyboard layout on Mac:

How to learn Colemak?

Transitioning to the Colemak layout is a journey of adapting your typing habits. In this section, we'll explore practical and engaging methods to master Colemak, enhancing your typing speed and comfort:

• Begin with a visual guide: Keep a Colemak layout diagram visible during practice. It will help in memorizing key placements without the need for rearranging physical keys.
• Online learning tools: Engage with platforms like Colemak Club, Monkeytype, The Typing Cat, keybr, Speed Typing Online, and Keyzen-Colemak which introduces keys gradually, aiding in touch typing proficiency. Dedicate short, regular practice sessions to build muscle memory.
• Incorporate typing games: Use interactive typing games such as Typeracer to make learning enjoyable. Compete with others while improving speed and accuracy.
• Monitor your progress: Regularly use tools like Monkeytype to track your improvement in speed and accuracy over time, helping to maintain motivation.
• Understand the muscle memory aspect: Recognize that touch typing is about developing muscle memory. The secret to success is persistence and patience in practice.

Conclusion

In summary, the Colemak layout presents a modern alternative to traditional ones like QWERTY or Dvorak. Its focus on efficiency and ergonomics caters to maximizing speed while minimizing strain. Whether you're a professional typist or a casual user looking to enhance your typing efficiency, Colemak presents a viable and beneficial choice.

FAQs

Is Colemak supported by Windows?

Yes, Colemak is supported by Windows. You can install the layout through language settings or third-party software with relative ease, enhancing its accessibility across different devices and platforms.

Is Colemak faster than QWERTY?

Many users report an increase in typing speed after transitioning to Colemak. However, the extent of speed improvement can vary from person to person, depending on their familiarity with the layout and typing habits.

Is Colemak really better?

Whether Colemak is better depends on individual preferences and typing needs. For those seeking an ergonomic layout that reduces finger travel and strain, Colemak is often considered a better option than traditional layouts like QWERTY.

Can you switch between Colemak and QWERTY?

Yes, it is possible to switch between Colemak and QWERTY. Many operating systems allow users to toggle between different keyboard layouts easily. However, it may require some time for the brain to adjust to switching back and forth, especially during the initial learning phase.

Will I forget QWERTY if I learn Colemak?

Learning Colemak does not necessarily mean you will forget how to type on a QWERTY layout. While there might be an initial adjustment period, most people can maintain proficiency in both layouts with regular practice.

What are the disadvantages of Colemak?

The primary disadvantage of Colemak is the learning curve associated with adopting a new keyboard layout. Additionally, using Colemak can be challenging in environments where QWERTY is the standard, such as shared computers or non-configurable systems.

Is Colemak more ergonomic?

Colemak layout is designed to be more ergonomic than traditional layouts like QWERTY. It aims to reduce finger strain and fatigue which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods.