Comparison
Colemak vs Colemak-DH: Key Differences, Diagrams and Choosing
See which keys move, why DH changes the center columns, and which diagram matches your keyboard.
On this page
Colemak-DH moves D and H away from the center of Colemak’s home row. The goal is to replace sideways index-finger reaches with curling movements toward the lower row. It is a modification of Colemak, with much of the same arrangement, rather than a completely unrelated layout.[1]
Neither is automatically faster or more comfortable for everyone. The practical choice is which movements suit you, which mapping your keyboard uses, and whether your tutor supports that exact variant. Check your active layout if you are unsure.
Colemak vs Colemak-DH: what changes?
| Feature | Standard Colemak | Colemak-DH |
|---|---|---|
| First six top-row letters | Q W F P G J | Q W F P B J |
| Main home-row letters | A R S T D H N E I O | A R S T G M N E I O |
| D position | QWERTY G position | QWERTY C position on ANSI/ISO Angle Mod; V position on matrix |
| H position | QWERTY H position | QWERTY M position |
| Left bottom row | Z X C V B | Depends on ANSI, ISO or matrix geometry |
| This site’s typing simulator | Supported | Use a DH-specific tutor; the simulator remains standard Colemak |
The first six letters already contain a difference: G becomes B. Checking the home and bottom rows confirms that you have a consistent mapping rather than relying on one character. The detector checks physical positions, so typing the text “colemak” is not enough to identify it.
Compare the Colemak and DH diagrams
Standard Colemak
Colemak-DH for a US ANSI keyboard
On this ANSI implementation the bottom-left row reads X C D V Z. The Angle Mod shifts X and C left and relocates Z to the middle. Do not assume Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+X and Ctrl+C keep their QWERTY physical positions; shortcut handling also depends on your operating system and application.
Colemak-DH for a matrix keyboard
The matrix version’s bottom-left letters are Z X C D V. Its D is at a different physical position than in the ANSI version. The diagrams show character assignments; spacing is schematic, not a drawing of a particular split keyboard.[2]
DH, DHm, DHk, Angle Mod and Wide
Current Colemak-DH uses M in the center of the home row and K on the bottom row. This arrangement was previously called DHm. The project recommends it across keyboard geometries. DHk is an older variation with K in the home row; the naming history matters when following older guides.[1]
Angle Mod adapts the lower-left row to a staggered keyboard. ANSI keyboards have a longer left Shift; ISO keyboards have an extra key beside a shorter left Shift. The official ISO DH mapping uses that extra position for Z, so copying an ANSI chart onto an ISO configuration can put Z in the wrong place.
Matrix versions are intended for compatible columnar or grid-like keyboards. They do not need the same stagger correction. Wide variants make additional spacing-related changes; they are separate choices and should not be treated as the ordinary DH diagram.
Our detector distinguishes standard Colemak from the shared positions in current DH. It does not identify every Angle, Wide, national-symbol or firmware variant. If only the family matches, use the installed mapping’s own preview.
Which should you learn?
- If you already use standard Colemak comfortably: there is no requirement to switch. Compare the changed reaches before committing to relearning.
- If the central D/H reaches feel awkward: DH is specifically designed around that concern. Try the appropriate mapping slowly and judge the actual movement.
- If you use a split or columnar keyboard: check the firmware mapping and choose the matching DH matrix or other supported chart.
- If easy setup matters most: check your OS options first. A built-in entry called “Colemak” normally means standard Colemak, not DH.
The design rationale is not proof of a universal typing-speed or health benefit. Learning effort, shortcuts, your hardware and your own comfort all matter. Avoid repeated variant changes while you are establishing the new positions.
Set up and practice the correct variant
For standard Colemak, follow the Colemak learning and setup guide. The browser simulator lets you try standard Colemak without changing system settings; it does not emulate DH.
For DH, start with the official Colemak Mod-DH project. Choose the Windows, macOS, Linux or firmware instructions that match your keyboard geometry. Installing a mapping and selecting it as the active input source are separate steps.
- Keep your previous layout available while learning.
- Choose the ANSI, ISO or matrix mapping intended for your hardware.
- Check the top row, D, H and Z positions in a blank document or the layout detector.
- Select the same variant in your tutor, then test editing shortcuts and punctuation.
If the chart and the characters disagree, resolve that before practicing. Extra symbol layers, Caps Lock remapping and application-specific shortcuts are separate from the main Colemak/DH letter arrangement.