In this post, I want to focus on the process of switching from the classic QWERTY layout to Colemak. I’ll describe the attempts and experiences that finally let me move to Colemak while still being able to use a standard QWERTY keyboard when needed.

Context

I’m a developer who enjoys the craft so much that I also code for fun after work. In short: programming is both my job and my hobby. Unsurprisingly, I spend a lot of time typing — often around 10 hours a day.

I took care of my back with a good chair and posture. Unfortunately, problems came from another direction: my fingers started to hurt. Writing even a few sentences became uncomfortable. On top of that, constant mouse use caused one of my shoulders to shift forward.

I realized that if I wanted to keep enjoying my hobby for years, something had to change. I decided to analyze and optimize how I worked. After recording myself while working, I discovered two key issues:

  • Bad typing habits — I typed with only a few fingers, ignoring proper finger-to-key assignment, and I pressed the spacebar with my index finger.
  • I reached for the mouse constantly.

Both could be addressed by improving my typing technique and relying more on the keyboard for navigation instead of the mouse. Decision made: fix typing, then move more workflows from mouse to keyboard.

First Idea — Proper Touch Typing on QWERTY

The first idea was simply to learn to type the proper way. That’s never a bad investment, and I was convinced the finger pain would go away. I signed up for TypingClub and started learning.

Typing practice on QWERTY in TypingClub (screenshot)

After a few days, I could type “properly,” but at about one quarter of my former speed. A new problem emerged: whenever I needed to type something fast, I fell back to my old, faster (but incorrect) technique.

This prevented my muscle memory from forming. Several times a day, I had to type something “right now,” and I did it the old way.

Second Idea — QWERTY with a Dvorak Overlay

While researching typing optimization, I found a heat map comparison showing how often particular keys are pressed on three layouts: QWERTY, DVORAK, and Colemak.

QWERTY vs Dvorak vs Colemak heat maps visualization Source: Reddit - Colemak heatmap comparison

As you can see on such maps, the most-used letters in QWERTY sit on the top row. In Dvorak and Colemak, they’re on the middle row. These are called ergonomic layouts. For more on whether ergonomic layouts are worth it, see my post: QWERTY vs Colemak: Which Keyboard Layout Is More Comfortable?

I figured that instead of learning proper technique on QWERTY, I could learn an ergonomic layout. I chose Dvorak — it’s a popular alternative and available by default on Windows and Linux.

Idea: Learn to type Dvorak by remapping from QWERTY in software.

TypingClub Dvorak on a QWERTY keyboard (screenshot)

TypingClub even has a mode for Dvorak. It repaints the virtual keys to match the Dvorak layout. I started learning that way and gave up after a few days. Switching between “proper typing on QWERTY” and my old sloppy habits was already hard; switching between two entirely different layouts on the same keyboard was much worse. A single keyboard with two different layouts — toggled with a click or shortcut — was chaos for my nervous system. My baseline speed also dropped to around 70% because of the constant context switching.

Problem: One keyboard, two distinct layouts — the nervous system doesn’t switch that smoothly.

Dvorak on QWERTY — Second Approach

Since the same physical keyboard was the problem, I decided to program my Anne Pro 2 so that it physically acted as Dvorak. That gave me a dedicated keyboard with the alternative layout.

Programming Anne Pro 2 for Dvorak in ObinsKit (screenshot) Idea: Learn Dvorak on a separate keyboard from QWERTY.

This revealed two things. First, a separate keyboard helps a bit. Second, key legends become a problem: my eyes couldn’t resist looking, and seeing “ASDFG” while needing to type “AOUEI” was confusing. Even trying not to look, I found myself glancing subconsciously.

Problem: Seeing “ASDFG” but needing to type “AOUEI” makes the brain short-circuit.

Hands typing on Anne Pro 2 mechanical keyboard TypingClub Dvorak lesson (screenshot)

My Personal Dvorak Issue

I work a lot in the terminal, so bigrams like “ls” or “cd” are frequent. On Dvorak, that became a hassle for me. I decided to drop Dvorak.

Experience summary:

  • Typing on a separate keyboard — even one with a QWERTY base — helps.
  • Printed legends distract and mislead.
  • Typing two layouts on the same keyboard is unrealistic (for me).

Conclusion: Use a dedicated keyboard that differs from QWERTY and avoid printed key legends.

Next Approach — Switching QWERTY to Colemak

Still wanting to learn an ergonomic layout, I gave Colemak a chance — the second layout from the earlier heat map comparison. While digging into layouts, I also discovered ergonomic keyboards.

If a separate keyboard helps, why not make it different enough to never confuse it with the standard one? By installing only Colemak Mod-DH (a variant well-suited to ortholinear keyboards) and using blank keycaps, I could start learning.

Idea: Learn the ergonomic Colemak layout on a dedicated ergonomic keyboard with blank keycaps.

It took me some time to execute this plan because building my first ergonomic keyboard felt daunting at first — but it turned out much simpler than I’d imagined. Using a GitHub project, plywood, a few switches, a controller and some Ethernet cable, I built my own Atreus.

Handmade Atreus ergonomic keyboard Another mini-challenge was tailoring the keyboard layout to my needs. First, I had to understand those needs. Then, I had to program the keyboard accordingly. That part was easier than I thought. My expectations still evolve over time, but the programming itself was straightforward.

Eventually, at version 21 of my layout, I was ready to learn seriously. Below is the base layer I used on the Atreus:

Atreus Colemak Mod-DH layout – base layer diagram

Switching from QWERTY to Colemak in Practice

With a dedicated ergonomic keyboard running Colemak, and my Anne Pro 2 with standard QWERTY nearby for “type this now” moments, I began training. Because of the blank keycaps, I printed the Colemak layout and taped it above my monitor. This eliminated the habit of glancing at the keys. There was nothing to see on the keyboard, and when I needed a hint, I looked at the paper above the screen.

Another key element was tracking progress (or the lack of it). I discovered monkeytype.com on YouTube and liked its simplicity, so I used it to monitor progress.

The very first physical step was learning the Colemak home row, again using TypingClub.

My learning loop looked like this:

  • I worked daily on the ergonomic keyboard with Colemak Mod-DH.
  • Each morning, I warmed up with a few tests on monkeytype.com.
  • Whenever I had to type something “right now,” I reached for the standard keyboard sitting above the ergonomic one.
  • During breaks, I did a few more monkeytype sessions.

Days passed, and I realized I hadn’t used the standard keyboard for three days. I packed it in its sleeve and put it on a shelf.

Now I work exclusively on Colemak Mod-DH. What I love about this approach is that I never confuse layouts. On QWERTY, I still type “improperly,” but it doesn’t bother me — I spend so little time on it that it’s not worth optimizing. Also, my QWERTY speed didn’t crash dramatically — it dropped naturally because I barely use it.

Below is my monkeytype chart tracking speed on common English words — the metric I chose for monitoring progress.

Monkeytype progress chart for Colemak typing speed

The keyboard itself has changed too — currently it’s the Dactyl Manuform shown below.

Dactyl Manuform split ergonomic keyboard

Summary

To wrap up, here’s what helped me switch from QWERTY to Colemak efficiently and with minimal pain:

  • Use a dedicated keyboard with the target layout so you never confuse it with the standard one. Think motorcycle vs. car — similar principles, different controls. Ergonomic mechanical keyboards work great here.
  • Keep a standard QWERTY keyboard handy for urgent typing — a laptop keyboard is fine.
  • Use blank keycaps and hang a printout of the layout above your monitor to eliminate the habit of looking down.
  • Learn the layout’s home row using dedicated tools.
  • Start each day with a handful of warm-up tests.
  • Track your progress consistently on one platform.
  • …
  • Finally, put the QWERTY keyboard in the closet.

FAQ: Switching from QWERTY to Colemak

How long does it take to learn Colemak?

Most people reach usable speed in 2–6 weeks with daily practice (10–30 minutes). Full comfort can take a few months, depending on prior habits and consistency.

Is Colemak good for programmers?

Yes. Colemak reduces finger travel and keeps common letters on the home row. Terminal bigrams like “ls”/“cd” may feel odd at first, but you can remap or adjust layers on programmable keyboards.

Will I forget QWERTY if I switch to Colemak?

You’ll slow down initially, but you won’t “forget.” If you occasionally use QWERTY (e.g., laptop), your baseline remains serviceable. The key is separating contexts so layouts don’t mix.

Dvorak vs Colemak — which is easier to switch to?

Colemak usually feels easier because it preserves shortcuts and moves fewer keys overall. It’s also popular in the programming community, with many training resources available.

Do I need a new keyboard to learn Colemak?

No, but a dedicated keyboard reduces confusion. Consider an ortholinear board or a split keyboard for better ergonomics.