About the Colemak Keyboard Layout

Colemak is a modern keyboard layout designed for efficient and comfortable typing. Created by Shai Coleman in 2006, it offers significant improvements over the traditional QWERTY layout while maintaining some familiar key positions.

Why Colemak?

Efficiency

• Reduced finger movement: Colemak reduces finger travel distance by approximately 50% compared to QWERTY
• Home row usage: 74% of typing is done on the home row (compared to 34% for QWERTY)
• Better hand alternation: More balanced typing between left and right hands

Ergonomics

• Less strain: Reduced finger movement means less strain on your hands and wrists
• Natural flow: Common letter combinations are easier to type
• Reduced same-finger typing: Minimizes awkward same-finger sequences

Easy to Learn

• Familiar shortcuts: Keeps important shortcuts (Ctrl+Z/X/C/V) in the same position
• Only 17 keys moved: Easier transition from QWERTY compared to Dvorak
• Punctuation unchanged: All punctuation marks remain in their QWERTY positions

The Layout

The Colemak layout rearranges letters to place the most common letters on the home row and in easy-to-reach positions:

Q W F P G J L U Y ;
A R S T D H N E I O
Z X C V B K M , . /

Our Mission

At Efficient By Design, we're passionate about promoting efficient typing and supporting the Colemak community. Our merchandise helps you show your pride in using a modern, ergonomic keyboard layout while starting conversations about better typing practices.

Whether you're a seasoned Colemak user or just getting started, our products let you represent the future of typing in style.

Join the Movement

Ready to upgrade your typing experience? Check out our products and join thousands of users who have made the switch to more efficient typing!