Learning Colemak DH
Six weeks of being worse at typing than you were as a child. Colemak DH, the transition, and whether the pinky pain was worth it.
Contents
#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.
six weeks in: 65–70 wpm. Old speed not back yet.
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 the QWERTY layout.
#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.