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Is Colemak Worth Learning if I Already Know QWERTY?

Is Colemak Worth Learning if I Already Know QWERTY?

· 3 min read · by Robin Érsek-Obádovics

Is Colemak worth learning if you already know QWERTY? For most: no. For some: yes. Colemak is the "best alternative layout" — easier transition than Dvorak, similar ergonomic benefits. But for most QWERTY users, switching cost outweighs gains. Here's the honest analysis.

What is Colemak?

  • Released 2006 by Shai Coleman
  • Modern alternative to QWERTY
  • Only 17 keys move from QWERTY (vs Dvorak's 32)
  • Common shortcuts stay (Ctrl+C, V, X, Z unchanged)
  • Ergonomic optimization like Dvorak but less disruptive

See Colemak — Modern Alternative to QWERTY.

Why some QWERTY users switch

Marginal speed improvement

  • 5-15% faster at peak performance
  • Less finger travel measurably
  • More home-row typing (~70% vs QWERTY's 30%)

Ergonomic benefits

  • Less pinky use
  • More hand alternation
  • Possibly less RSI

Easier than Dvorak

  • 17 keys vs 32 keys move
  • Faster to learn (~6 weeks vs ~3 months for Dvorak)
  • Common shortcuts preserved

Tech community membership

  • Programmer / typist hobby
  • Differentiation/signal
  • Conversation starter

Why most QWERTY users shouldn't switch

Switching cost is real

  • 6+ weeks of slowdown typing
  • Productivity hit during transition
  • Career impact if typing-critical

QWERTY good enough

  • 80-100 WPM achievable on QWERTY
  • 5-15% gain doesn't change life
  • Diminishing returns for already-fast typists

Compatibility friction

  • Default keyboards QWERTY-labeled
  • Public computers mismatch
  • Multiplayer games designed for QWERTY (WASD position issues)
  • Shared workspaces awkward

Lock-in risk

  • Brain becomes Colemak-dominant over time
  • QWERTY skill may degrade
  • Hard to go back if needed

Most touch typists don't NEED faster

  • Typing rarely the bottleneck
  • Thinking, not typing, slows most output

Who SHOULD consider Colemak

Heavy daily typist (4+ hrs/day)

  • Marginal speed gains add up
  • Long-term ergonomic payoff

Already very fast on QWERTY (90+ WPM)

  • Hitting ceiling on QWERTY
  • Colemak may unlock another 5-10%

Programmer with consistent setup

  • Same keyboard daily
  • Don't share computers often
  • Customization-friendly community

RSI sufferer

  • Less pinky use helps some
  • Anecdotal evidence

Curious experimenter with 6+ weeks to spare

  • Just for fun + learning

Who should NOT switch

Casual typist

  • No ROI
  • Skip entirely

Multi-keyboard user (work + home + travel)

  • Compatibility issues
  • Lock-in problems

Gamer (especially WASD games)

  • Position shifts break gaming
  • Configure per-app fixes possible but annoying

Office shared workstations

  • Co-workers don't have Colemak
  • Switching back-and-forth painful

Already happy with QWERTY speed

  • Why fix what isn't broken

Realistic switching timeline

Week 1

  • Painful — 20% your old speed
  • Hunt-pecking returns temporarily
  • Many quit here

Week 2-3

  • Speeds up to 50% old speed
  • Patterns forming
  • Frustration peak

Week 4-6

  • Approaching old speed
  • Comfortable transitions
  • Beginning to feel benefits

Month 2-3

  • Matching or exceeding old QWERTY speed
  • Colemak feels natural
  • Old QWERTY feeling foreign

Month 6+

  • Mature Colemak typist
  • 5-15% above old QWERTY speed
  • Hard to go back

Colemak vs Colemak DH

Colemak (original)

  • 17 keys moved
  • Standard variant

Colemak DH (newer)

  • Modified version
  • D and H positions different
  • More ergonomic for some
  • Increasingly popular

If learning new: try Colemak DH.

Tools for Colemak

Software

  • OS-level layout (built into Win/Mac/Linux)
  • Toggle via hotkey
  • No special hardware

Tutors

  • Typing Hero App supports Colemak
  • Keybr adaptive
  • Monkeytype with Colemak mode

Community

  • r/Colemak subreddit
  • Forum.colemak.com active
  • Strong online support

Frequently Asked Questions

Faster than Dvorak?

Roughly equivalent at peak. Both ~5-15% over QWERTY.

Easier than Dvorak?

YES — fewer keys move.

Will I keep QWERTY ability?

Often degrades with disuse. Practice both to maintain.

Worth it for office workers?

Generally no — compatibility issues.

Worth it for writers?

Maybe — sustained typing benefits.

Best tutor for Colemak?

Typing Hero App or Tarmak gradient (gradual QWERTY→Colemak transition).

Honest verdict

For most QWERTY users: don't switch. For dedicated daily typists with consistent setup: maybe. Typing Hero App supports Colemak if curious.

For more: QWERTY vs Colemak, Colemak vs Workman, Should you switch from QWERTY.