c-o-l-e-m-a-k
COLEMAK is an alternative keyboard layout designed for efficient typing, created by Shai Coleman in 2006 as an ergonomic alternative to QWERTY.
15
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
COLEMAK is a keyboard layout designed to be a more ergonomic and efficient alternative to the standard QWERTY layout. Created by Shai Coleman in 2006, it aims to minimize finger movement while maintaining much of QWERTY's familiarity. The Colemak layout places the most frequently used letters on the home row, reducing finger travel by approximately 50% compared to QWERTY. It keeps many common shortcuts (Ctrl+Z/X/C/V) in the same positions, making the transition easier for QWERTY users.Key features of Colemak:
The name Colemak is a portmanteau derived from its creator's name and a reference to the Dvorak keyboard layout. It combines Coleman (the surname of creator Shai Coleman) with the -ak ending from Dvorak. August Dvorak created the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard in 1936, which inspired many alternative layouts. By using the "-ak" suffix, Coleman acknowledged this lineage while establishing Colemak as a distinct innovation in keyboard design. The name was chosen in 2006 when the layout was released to the public. It has since become one of the most popular alternative keyboard layouts, with "Colemak" entering technical vocabularies and even some dictionaries as computing terminology expands.
•Colemak users can type 35% more words on the home row compared to QWERTY users
•The layout is pre-installed on Mac OS X and many Linux distributions
•Only 17 keys change position from QWERTY, making it easier to learn than Dvorak
•World typing records have been set using Colemak, proving its efficiency potential
"After switching to Colemak, her typing speed increased while wrist pain decreased."
"The programmer chose Colemak over Dvorak for its better shortcut compatibility."
"Learning Colemak took him three weeks, but the ergonomic benefits were worth it."
Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 4
Other keyboard arrangements
Dvorak
1936 efficiency-focused layout
QWERTY
Standard typewriter layout
AZERTY
French keyboard standard
Workman
2010 ergonomic layout
Associated computing concepts
Keyboard
Input device
Layout
Key arrangement
Typing
Text input action
Ergonomics
Efficiency design
Common Usage
Colemak
The word is typically used as a proper noun for the keyboard layout.
Related Terms
Change keyboard layout
Using the layout
Master the layout
If you can't play COLEMAK, consider these subwords:
Colemak reduces finger travel distance by 50% compared to QWERTY, significantly decreasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). The layout prioritizes finger rolls over same-finger repetition, creating a more natural typing rhythm that many users find less fatiguing during extended typing sessions.
Unlike Dvorak, which completely reorganizes the keyboard, Colemak changes only 17 keys from QWERTY. This allows users to maintain muscle memory for common shortcuts while gaining efficiency benefits. Most users report reaching their previous typing speed within 1-2 months of dedicated practice.
Colemak has gained significant traction in programming and writing communities. It's included by default in major operating systems and supported by online typing tutors. The layout has inspired variants like Colemak-DH, which further optimizes for specific hand sizes and keyboard types.
Colemak vs Colemak-DH
DH is a variant optimizing D and H positions
Colemak vs Dvorak
Different philosophies: evolution vs revolution
Full switch required?
Can use both layouts; brain adapts to context
Other valuable technology and computing terms in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like COLEMAK