Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Programmer Dvorak VS Colemak Mod-DH

Compare Programmer Dvorak VS Colemak Mod-DH and see what are their differences

Programmer Dvorak logo Programmer Dvorak

Almost Dvorak, optimized for programming tasks. This layout retains the classic Dvorak number order.

Colemak Mod-DH logo Colemak Mod-DH

Colemak Mod-DH is a minor modification to the Colemak alternative keyboard layout, moving the heavily-used 'D' & 'H' keys to the bottom row assignments for both index fingers.
  • Programmer Dvorak Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-12
  • Colemak Mod-DH Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-23

Programmer Dvorak features and specs

  • Efficiency
    Programmer Dvorak is designed to reduce finger movement when typing, improving typing speed and efficiency, especially for those programming regularly.
  • Ergonomics
    The layout minimizes finger strain by placing commonly used keys in more accessible positions, potentially reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
  • Optimized for Coding
    The layout is specifically optimized for programming languages, making commonly used symbols easier to reach, which can streamline coding practices.

Possible disadvantages of Programmer Dvorak

  • Learning Curve
    Switching to Programmer Dvorak requires a significant adjustment period for those accustomed to QWERTY, which can temporarily decrease productivity.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some systems might not natively support the Programmer Dvorak layout, requiring additional software or configuration adjustments.
  • Limited Community Support
    As it is less common than other layouts like QWERTY or even traditional Dvorak, there may be fewer resources, tutorials, and community support available.
  • Key Label Mismatch
    Standard keyboards are printed with QWERTY layouts, leading to potential confusion for those using Programmer Dvorak without keycap replacements.

Colemak Mod-DH features and specs

  • Ergonomics
    Colemak Mod-DH is designed to reduce finger movement compared to QWERTY and other layouts. By strategically placing the most commonly used keys under the strongest fingers, it aims to minimize finger strain and promote a more natural hand positioning.
  • Familiarity
    Mod-DH retains most of the standard Colemak layout, providing a relatively easy transition for those already using Colemak. This means that users can benefit from the ergonomic improvements without having to relearn an entire new layout from scratch.
  • Optimized for Comfort
    The keys are arranged to maximize comfort, with a focus on reducing lateral finger movement. This can help prevent repetitive strain injuries and increase typing speed over time by reducing awkward finger movements.
  • Balanced Workload
    The layout balances the workload between both hands, preventing overuse of any single finger or hand. This balance can improve typing efficiency and comfort, particularly for touch typists.

Possible disadvantages of Colemak Mod-DH

  • Learning Curve
    Even though it's designed to be an improvement over Colemak, there is still a learning curve involved, especially for those transitioning from a more common layout like QWERTY. It requires commitment and practice to become proficient.
  • Limited Support
    Because Colemak Mod-DH is a niche layout, it might not be supported out-of-the-box on all systems or devices. Users may need to manually install and configure the layout on their operating systems.
  • Compatibility Issues
    While most modern systems can support custom layouts, there might be instances where third-party software only recognizes standard layouts, leading to potential compatibility issues with certain applications.
  • Adjustment Period for Non-Colemak Users
    For those not already familiar with Colemak, Mod-DH presents an additional layer of complexity, requiring an adjustment period to become comfortable and efficient with the layout.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Programmer Dvorak and Colemak Mod-DH)
Video Presentation
40 40%
60% 60
Keyboards
36 36%
64% 64
Office & Productivity
45 45%
55% 55
Monitoring Tools
31 31%
69% 69

User comments

Share your experience with using Programmer Dvorak and Colemak Mod-DH. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Colemak Mod-DH seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 43 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Programmer Dvorak mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Programmer Dvorak yet. Tracking of Programmer Dvorak recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Colemak Mod-DH mentions (43)

  • Workman Layout for Vim
    Last year during a couple month break I had between jobs I decided I would learn a new keyboard layout as it was something I always wanted to do, but never wanted to commit to the learning process while I still needed to be proficient at typing. I chose to learn Colemak-DH [0]. Before learning I was around a 75-80 WPM Qwerty touch typist. I went all in and did a lot of heavy practice. It took me around a week to... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Suggest a layout for 5 column and 3 row split keyboard
    I’ve learned a lot from Seniply and Miryoku, both designed to take advantage of small keyboards. They both default to Colemak-DH, which is good. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Placement of letters on the index finger: lateral stretch vs. DSFBs
    u/stevep99’s Colemak-DH mod is built with just this observation, and though many are fine with the vanilla Colemak, I think DH/m is a smart mod. It is a common concern, shared by the BEAKL layouts (Xay Voong and u/iandoug) and others. My first letter-on-thumb foray was with RSTHD, which I still think is brilliant, but even better with D<->P swapped, for this reason. Source: about 2 years ago
  • True and related.
    QWERTY layout? In 2023? For job that requires a lot of typing? Colemak Mod-DH. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Layout suggestions to someone who is not good at any layout yet.
    In comparison, the layout is a relatively minor effect, but the choice of layout can reduce finger travel and awkward finger motions, which is good. Colemak DH is a solid and popular choice. See also A guide to alt keyboard layouts. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Programmer Dvorak and Colemak Mod-DH, you can also consider the following products

NeO - NeO is a powerful outliner built for OS X.

Carpalx QGMLWY - A Carpalx variant with V fixed in its QWERTY position.

Colemak - Colemak is a modern keyboard touch typing layout designed to be a practical improvement on QWERTY and Dvorak layouts.

Maltron Letter Layout - Also known as "Malt" for short.

Arensito - Designed by a programmer, for programming. Named for its home position letters. Also known as Hallingstad's layout, for its inventor.

qwpr - Download qwpr keylayout and layout translator for free.