Ergonomic
From Colemak
Contents |
Home row
Colemak places the 10 most common letters of English and Backspace on the home row. Colemak uses the home row 14% more than Dvorak, and 122% more than QWERTY. Colemak allows to type words such as "tenderheartednesses" on the home row.
Finger distance
Your fingers need to travel just a fraction of the that they do in QWERTY. On Dvorak your fingers move 10% more (30% more for a 4% error rate), and on QWERTY 102% more than Colemak (118% more for a 4% error rate).
Row jumping using the same hand
On QWERTY 1500% more than Colemak. e.g. "minimum" on QWERTY. On Dvorak it's about the same.
Same finger typing
On Dvorak it happens 60% more, and on QWERTY 340% more than Colemak. e.g. "ceded" on QWERTY.
Stretches of the pinky finger
Colemak avoids stretching the pinky, which is the weakest finger.
Reduces long sequences of same-hand typing
By grouping the vowels (except 'A') on the right hand, it reduces very long sequences of same-hand typing, such as "sweaterdresses" on QWERTY. See also: hand alternation
Ergonomic tips
- Alternate hands for hitting the spacebar every few mintues to reduce strain on the thumbs and on the wrist.
- Hold the Control and Shift keys with the opposite hand of the key you're typing.
- Take frequent breaks.