Dvorak and Colemak Layouts
Alternative keyboard layouts designed for efficiency.
Dvorak
The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard was patented in 1936 by August Dvorak. It places the most common English letters on the home row and is optimized to alternate hands on consecutive keystrokes. The vowels (A O E U I) are on the left home row; the most common consonants (D H T N S) on the right. Dvorak requires significantly less total finger movement than QWERTY for average English text.
Colemak
Colemak is a more recent alternative (2006) that makes 17 key changes from QWERTY, compared to Dvorak's near-complete redesign. It preserves many common shortcuts (Ctrl+Z/X/C/V) in their QWERTY positions and places the most common letters on the home row. Colemak is considered easier to learn for QWERTY users than Dvorak because fewer keys are moved.
Comparing the Three Layouts
| Layout | Home row letters | Keys changed from QWERTY | Transition difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| QWERTY | ASDFGHJKL; | — | — |
| Dvorak | AOEUIDHTNS | ~33 | High |
| Colemak | ARSTDHNEIO | 17 | Medium |
Do Alternative Layouts Actually Make You Faster?
Studies are mixed. Advanced typists on all three layouts reach similar top speeds (100–150+ WPM). The efficiency gains of Dvorak and Colemak appear to be more meaningful at lower speeds and for RSI prevention than for raw speed ceiling. Most professional competition typists use QWERTY.
Should You Switch?
If you have RSI symptoms or type over 8 hours daily, Colemak may reduce fatigue and strain. Otherwise, the 2–4 month transition cost for a marginal speed gain is rarely worth it. Focus on improving your technique on QWERTY first.