What is Colemak DH

Colemak DH is a keyboard layout. It is a slightly modified version of Colemak that aims to improve typing efficiency and ergonomics.

Why learn another layout?

I decided to learn a new keyboard layout because I had some free time and was experiencing pain in both arms. Additionally, my arms would occasionally fall asleep. Although I went to the hospital and was told it was nothing harmful, I noticed that taking breaks from computer usage alleviated the pain.

To address these issues, I made the choice to:

• Invest in a split keyboard.
• Switch to Colemak DH.

Why Colemak DH though?

Colemak DH appealed to me because it is known for its all-around efficiency and ergonomic benefits. Unlike some other layouts, it is a relatively modern design that offers improvements over traditional layouts like QWERTY.

Furthermore, Colemak DH retains enough similarity to QWERTY, making it easier to learn and adapt to the new layout.

How was the learning process?

During the learning process, which has spanned around 20 hours of practice, I have used the Colemak DH layout for normal typing tasks and also on “typing learn” sites.

Initially, I practiced around one hour every day, but due to time constraints, I have been averaging 2-4 hours once a week, which is not ideal for efficient learning.

Currently, I can achieve a typing speed of around 65-70 WPM on Monkeytype using 50 words, all lowercase and no punctuation. Before switching to Colemak DH, I was typing at around 100 WPM.

It’s worth noting that I switched to a split keyboard, which helped facilitate the learning process. Surprisingly, adapting to the new layout felt like relearning typing entirely, as I had never previously used all ten fingers to type. This allowed me to break old habits and embrace the new layout more easily.

How does typing feel on Colemak DH?

Typing on Colemak DH feels amazing. The layout eliminates the need to move my fingers more than one row, resulting in a more natural typing experience.

Thanks to the switch to Colemak DH and the use of a split keyboard, my pain and the issue of my arms falling asleep have completely disappeared. The split keyboard design has played a significant role in improving my ergonomics. I highly recommend checking out my post on split keyboards to learn more about their benefits.

Overall, typing on Colemak DH requires minimal hand movement, making it a highly efficient and comfortable layout.

Can you still type on a normal layout?

Yes, I can still type on a “normal” layout. I have used the QWERTY layout on other computers while learning, which kept the muscle memory of typing on QWERTY alive.

However, I have noticed a decrease in typing speed when using QWERTY since switching to Colemak DH. After a few minutes of practice, I can regain my old speed, but it’s clear that using Colemak DH has influenced my muscle memory. It’s difficult to say how it would be if I had solely used Colemak DH without switching back to QWERTY.

Would I recommend learning Colemak DH?

That depends on your willingness to learn something new and the time you can invest. If you enjoy learning and have the free time, I highly recommend giving Colemak DH a try.

It’s important to fully commit to the switch and not revert to your old layout. Embracing the new layout will yield the best results.

If you are experiencing any pain issues, I suggest considering a split keyboard as well. This has been instrumental in relieving my own pain. Additionally, consulting with a doctor is essential. Don’t solely rely on advice from the internet.

If you’re aiming to increase your typing speed, Colemak DH could be worth the investment of 20+ hours of learning.

Which typing sites did I use?

To learn typing with Colemak DH, I initially used KeyBR to practice touch typing and familiarize myself with the key positions. Once I became proficient with every key, I switched to Monkeytype.

I prefer Monkeytype because of its user-friendly interface and comprehensive statistics. The modern look and feel of the site align with my preferences. However, the choice of typing site may vary based on personal preference.

Conclusion

Learning Colemak DH has been an interesting journey. It involved relearning typing from scratch, but the benefits of improved efficiency and ergonomics outweigh the time invested in learning.

I would definitely choose to learn Colemak DH again if I had the chance. Although I haven’t reached my previous typing speeds yet, I’m actively working on it. With consistent practice and dedication, I believe I will regain my speed and even surpass it.