QWERTY vs Dvorak vs Colemak: Should You Switch Layouts?
The history and trade-offs of QWERTY, Dvorak and Colemak, what the evidence says, and how to learn a new layout on TypePlay.
By the TypePlay team · · 2 min read
Almost every keyboard ships with QWERTY. Two well-known alternatives, Dvorak and Colemak, promise more comfortable typing. Here is what each offers and whether switching is worth it.
QWERTY: the standard
QWERTY dates back to typewriters of the 1870s. It is everywhere: school computers, offices, laptops and phones. Its big advantage is simply that you can sit down at any computer and type at full speed.
Dvorak: designed for the home row
August Dvorak and William Dealey designed their layout in the 1930s, putting the most common letters on the home row. Commonly cited figures put about 70% of typing on Dvorak's home row against about 32% on QWERTY (Typing Pal). Less finger travel can feel more comfortable, but strong evidence of big speed gains is lacking.
Colemak: a gentler switch
Colemak, released in 2006, also moves common letters to the home row but keeps many QWERTY keys in place, including Z, X, C and V for shortcuts such as copy and paste. That makes it easier to learn and to switch back.
The honest trade-off
- Switching costs weeks of slower typing while you relearn.
- Keeping both layouts sharp is hard; many people lose QWERTY speed.
- Practice and technique matter far more to speed than layout.
- Comfort is the best reason to switch, especially if you type for many hours.
Learning a new layout on TypePlay
Set your layout in Settings. TypePlay's lessons then show the right keys and fingers for Dvorak or Colemak, and layout emulation lets you practise a new layout even on a QWERTY keyboard. Take the words test before you switch and again every week, so you can see when you pass your old speed.
Try it on TypePlay
- Layout-aware lessons →Lessons follow your chosen layout.
- Practice room →Pick your keyboard layout in Settings.
- Words test →Compare speeds before and after switching.
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Questions and answers
Is Dvorak faster than QWERTY?
Dvorak puts far more typing on the home row, which reduces finger travel. Claims of large speed gains are disputed; the biggest factor is practice, not layout.
Should a beginner learn Dvorak or Colemak?
Most people should learn QWERTY, because nearly every computer uses it. Consider Dvorak or Colemak if you mostly type on your own computer and want less finger movement.