# Colemak Keyboard Layout

> What is Colemak and why do I prefer it?

Source: https://curiouslychase.com/posts/colemak-keyboard-layout/

You may have seen photos floating around of my keyboard that look like this. Your next thought, if you're a discerning touch-typist would either be "hey, the top left keys aren't right." or "hey, he uses Colemak!". 

I prefer Colemak for my keyboard layout over QWERTY (what most people use) or Dvorak (the primary alternative other typists use instead of QWERTY).

I won't dive into the history of Colemak (I've included some links at the bottom), but I will summarize what's different about it:

- **Ergonomic** - The most used keys are on the homerow (better for your fingers if you type a lot)
- **Easy to Learn** - The most used _modifier_ keys are where they are on a QWERTY keyboard (Q, Z,X,C...all the keys I use for keyboard shortcuts)
- 

Pairing Colemak with my [KeyboardIO Atreus (Mechanical Keyboard)](https://curiouslychase.com/tools/keyboardio-atreus-mechanical-keyboard/) (pictured above), I've seen an increase in my typing speed, my ability to type for long periods of time without strain/exhaustion and general use of the keyboard to increase. 

# Other Resources
- [Colemak Homepage](https://colemak.com/)
- [Colemak - The keyboard layout that may help you type faster](https://www.reliancedigital.in/solutionbox/colemak-the-keyboard-layout-that-may-help-you-type-faster/#:~:text=Colemak%20users%20have%20recorded%20typing,up%20and%20down%20the%20keyboard.)