You don't often think of the layout of the keyboard you use.
They are raised on QWERTY, develop a muscle memory for it over the course of years and then type without any thought. It becomes automatic. Comfortable, even. So, when I'm asked if I am switching to Colemak DH, it's always the same answer:
“Why and how did I need to learn my keyboard again?
Well, that's a valid one, isn't it?
It's not fun the first few days of Colemak DH typing practice. Your fingers get cold when you're typing out the simplest of words. You have a good idea of what you want to write, but your hands don't seem to cooperate. It's even tedious to type in passwords.
But it's that awkward time that makes so many people eventually fall in love with the layout.
After a while it becomes easier, less tiring and lighter to type in long sessions as the muscle memory develops.
This is the thing most beginners don't hear about, as they give up too soon.
If you are interested in Colemak DH, are not sure if it's worth your while or if you want to get a little more comfortable and faster with your typing, this guide will tell you the truth and not the exaggeration that you'll find in keyboard forums.
What Is Colemak DH?
Colemak DH is an alternate layout of the original Colemak keyboard layout.
The idea is, to minimize the needless finger action and make typing more natural on contemporary keyboards.
The “DH” modification makes some minor changes to the placement of some keys from standard Colemak. The changes are primarily to make fingers travel more easily, and to eliminate awkward stretches particularly of the index fingers.
If you have never seen the layout before, it may appear to be a mess to you. The keys are arranged differently on the keyboard than on QWERTY, and your brain won't take kindly to the prospect of learning all that again.
However, there's logic to it.
The most frequently-used letters are placed nearer to the home row, thus reducing finger movement from the home row to the other letters. After extended periods of typing it can be felt.
Many developers, writers, and productivity enthusiasts migrate to a different OS due to fatigue from having to type for hours each day and want something less tiresome.
People Start Colemak DH Typing Practice Because Of The Following Reasons
No one changes layouts just for the fun of it after an ordinary Tuesday at work.
Typically, there is a reason.
Some people's condition is wrist strain. Some are interested having read about typing communities talking about ergonomic keyboards. Others just like to get the best out of everything they utilise, even keyboards!
Not to mention the competitive typists.
Those wanting to type faster and more accurately may try various typing layouts to determine whether they can find a “smoother” movement pattern.
What is surprising most to the beginner is the following:
Colemak DH isn't a magic first-step to making you faster.
In reality it is the other way round.
You are very slow and start to hurt.
Disturbing First Week
This is the section of YouTube videos that they tend to skip over.
You start typing so slow that it is a problem in the starting!
A 90 WPM QWERTY typist could find him or herself unable to type 20 WPM on Colemak DH. Simple sentences quickly become tiring, as your fingers search for the missing keys.
And honestly? It's that time of the month when you feel a bit unsure about yourself.
You start thinking:
- “Perhaps he/she should not bother.”
- “Perhaps QWERTY worked out all right.”
- “Why can't I type e-mail that is simple?”
That's what many people feel when they have a difficult time.
Your brain is trying to replace years of "automatic" movement patterns. That takes repetition.
The folks that will eventually get to the point of making Colemak DH typing work tend to take this one thing on board early:
Change starts with a lot of tangles and cumbersomely and only becomes fluid once it develops.
Does Colemak DH Work?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
Well, that's the true one.
Don't expect that just by learning a new keyboard layout that you will find yourself typing faster overnight. However, many users will see some of the following:
- smoother finger movement
- better rhythm
- reduced fatigue
- When playing for long durations, improved accuracy.
But comfort is important and not to be underestimated.
It's easy to type 110 words per minute for 5 minutes. It's a whole different ball game when it comes to being comfortable for six hours of typing.
That's what makes some folks feel Colemak DH is better, even when their ultimate typing speed is similar to their previous QWERTY speed.
The trip is not as exhausting.
The layout can also help you create a better typing habit if you're actively working to improve your WPM as it teaches you typing without relying on sloppy finger movement.
What Percentage Of The Typists Are Using Colemak?
Very few.
The number of Colemak typists is nowhere near as high as the number of QWERTY typists. The statistics vary, but it's probably less than 1% of all users of keyboards.
The Colemak DH community is yet a smaller community within that community.
Nevertheless, the format has gained some followers from:
- programmers
- mechanical keyboard enthusiasts
- Linux users
- writers
- ergonomic keyboard communities
- competitive typists
But, it's not always the case that the layout is a bad one.
The transition period is not an event which most people want to be a part of.
And, indeed, it is logical.
Beginners might not realize just how much they are relying on typing throughout the day until they suddenly find they are slow. People who rely heavily on typing for their work may not know just how vital typing is to their job until they suddenly find they are slow.
Colemak DH Typing Practice Time?
Much longer than most would expect.
Many new gamers think that they will get used to their new gear in a week. Typically, this is not the case.
A more realistic time frame is along these lines:
Week 1
typing feels unnatural
frequent mistakes
constant key searching
Slow reading and typing skills.
Weeks 2–4
Common words are easier to read.
Movement of the fingers improves.Movement of fingers begins to improve.
less mental exhaustion
accuracy slowly increases
Month 2 and Beyond
This is where it's supposed to be “clicky.”
The conscious thought of all of the keys is eliminated. Typing resumes, rather than sounding like a cog in a machine.
To some, this occurs quicker. For others it can take months.
It's consistency that is more important than intensity.
Most of the time 20 minutes a day will be more effective than one long practice session once a week.
Ways To Practice Colemak DH.
There are lots of different ways to practice Colemak DH. Many people don't do it right.
They start right at speed tests, fret at a drop in their WPM, and then give up.
A more effective strategy is a slower approach that's more deliberate.
Learn To Work With Accuracy Rather Than Speed.
This is an important point that newbies don't always realize.
Bad habits don't help fingers get better.
Rushing through and pressing the wrong key repeatedly will lead to wrong keys being pressed automatically. Then, it is very frustrating to change those habits later.
99% accuracy at 30 WPM is worth a lot more than 60 WPM without any accuracy.
Slowly check improvement with the help of a typing speed test and be more consistent rather than too quick.
Apply The Real Words Instead Of Random Letters Strategy. Employ Real Words Instead Of Random Letters Strategy.
Random drills can be very mundane.
The natural typing flow is achieved by real language that make your brain find patterns more easily.
- Practice with:
- articles
- messages
- emails
- coding snippets
- books
- everyday conversations
This is something more authentic and viable to practice.
Don’t Practice For Hours
Another common error made by novices.
They don't like to practice typing as a punishment.
Regardless of an hour of intensive retraining, your focus becomes quite low. The brain absorbs movement patterns slowly, so it's best to do short sessions.
As little as 15-20 minutes a day can help.
Repetition is the key.
Competitive Practice, Which Is More Than You Think.
Typing is monotonous after some time.
It's for this reason that many people get better when they start incorporating competition into their practice.
When you have real people running at you, it puts pressure on you. It makes you react faster and to focus better, particularly in the time-bound situations.
Some users play through multiplayer typing battles as a way to not get bored and repetitive.
I don't know about you but at least for me, competition is a way to also prevent over-thinking each of the keys.
Common Errors When Practicing Typing Colemak DH.
Nearly everyone will do at least one of these things in the beginning.
Switching Completely Overnight
This can quickly become tedious if you're constantly typing.
It's easier to make a gradual mental transition.
Taking a look up close at the keyboard constantly
Your eyes save you from your fingers and they learn more slowly.
The ability to develop spatial memory is essential to touch typing.
Initially it's awkward. It will in turn become automatic later.
Obsessing Over WPM
This one will kill motivation in a matter of seconds!
However, many beginners get scared when they notice their speed significantly declines. However, it will take time to restore movement patterns.
Don't compromise on accuracy and comfort.
Speed follows later.
You might want to compare yourself with people who know what you're doing.
Newbies can easily feel inferior to others in keyboard forums.
A person who has posted the message, “I am now at 120 WPM in three months” isn't a typical student.
The majority of people are slower than they let other people know online.
Colemak DH Is Suitable For Gaming?
Mixed answer.
Some gamers seem to get over their stumbles easily. Some people don't like it at all.
The main problem is the movement keys. With the layout change, some games might feel awkward without remapping controls, since keyboard positioning will change.
Many prefer to use Colemak DH when it comes to productivity, but revert back to QWERTY while playing games.
When you're interested in playing the game, try out the layout slowly and then commit to it.
Should Colemak DH Be Learned?
If you're an avid typist, likely yes.
Especially if:
- You feel like your hands are tired after extended periods of time.
- you type professionally
- You love keyboard optimization.You love to optimize your keyboard.
- Ergonomics is important to you.
- You spend hours coding, or writing.
It's by no means a quick fix, though.
It takes time to get ready for the transition and the first few days are tough for pretty much everyone.
However, some users who have used it for a long-time state the same things after they get used to it:
It's a bit uncomfortable switching back to QWERTY after that.
Read Also:
- Average Typing Speed In Words Per Minute: How Fast Do People Really Type?
- Speed, Accuracy And Practice - Typing Test Paragraph Examples
- Best Keyboards for Typing: Mechanical, Fast & Comfortable Options Explained
- How Long Does It Take To Learn Touch Typing Or Blind Typing? (And Why Most People Give Up Too Soon)
- How To Learn Typing In 3 Days: An Honest Crash Course (No Fairy Tales)
