QWERTY is the default layout almost everywhere. Dvorak and Colemak are alternative layouts designed to reduce finger movement by placing the most common letters on the home row.
Comparison
| Layout | Home row usage | Learning curve | Shortcuts (Ctrl+C/V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QWERTY | Lowest | None, you already know it | Normal |
| Dvorak | Highest | Steep, almost every key moves | Move to new positions |
| Colemak | High | Moderate, 17 keys move | Mostly unchanged |
| Colemak-DH | High | Moderate | Mostly unchanged |
Will an alternative layout make me faster?
Not automatically. Speed records have been set on QWERTY and on alternative layouts alike. The main proven benefit of Dvorak and Colemak is less finger travel, which many people find more comfortable.
When switching makes sense
- You type for many hours a day and want more comfort.
- You're willing to lose speed for 1-3 months while you relearn.
- You mostly use your own computer.
When to stay with QWERTY
- You frequently use shared or work computers.
- You need maximum speed for an upcoming job test.
- You rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.
For most people, the biggest gains come from learning to touch type properly on QWERTY first. Start with our lessons.
Put it into practice: take a free typing test and see your WPM, accuracy and the keys that slow you down.