Colemak-DHk: The Original DH Mod Variant
Colemak-DHk is an earlier version of the DH modification that swaps K instead of M when relocating the D and H keys. It is less common than the standard Colemak-DH (DHm) variant but remains available for typists who prefer its specific key arrangement.
Best for
Best for typists already using the legacy DHk variant or anyone who wants to compare the older k-home-row version against standard Colemak and the newer Colemak-DH mapping.
Main challenge
The main Colemak-DHk challenge is that it differs from both standard Colemak and the newer Colemak-DH standard, so k, m, and the surrounding high-frequency transitions need deliberate retraining to stay consistent.
How DHk Differs from Standard DH
The key difference between Colemak-DHk and the more common Colemak-DH (also called DHm) is which key fills the position vacated by H on the home row. In DHk, the K key moves to the home row where H was, and H moves to the bottom row. In the standard DHm variant, M fills that home-row position instead. Both variants move D to the same bottom-row position under the left index finger.
The DHk variant was the original version proposed in the Colemak-DH project. The DHm variant later became the recommended default because M is a more common letter than K in English, making the home-row placement of M slightly more efficient by frequency analysis. However, some typists prefer DHk for its specific feel.
Who DHk Is For
Colemak-DHk is primarily used by typists who adopted the DH mod early before DHm became the default recommendation, or who have tested both variants and prefer the K-on-home-row feel. For new learners, the standard Colemak-DH (DHm) is generally recommended unless you have a specific reason to choose DHk.
Long-time DH mod users who learned the original K variant
Typists who have tested both and prefer K on the home row for their specific usage patterns
Users of keyboard firmware configurations that default to DHk
Switching and Practice
If you are switching between DHk and DHm, the only keys that change are K and M — a very small adjustment. If you are coming from QWERTY or standard Colemak, the learning curve is essentially the same as for any DH variant.
SureTyping tracks Colemak-DHk progress separately from other Colemak variants. Use the lesson paths to build from home row outward, and the AI trainer to target any keys that remain inconsistent.
Tracks
Lesson curriculum
422 lessons — View allLesson Stage
Individual Home Row Letters
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Foundations
Home Row Combinations
Early lessons that build finger anchors, repeatable reaches, and the first real words.
Lesson Stage
Individual Top Row Letters
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Upper Reach
Top Row Combinations
Lessons that add upper-row travel, alternating-hand rhythm, and controlled reach.
Lesson Stage
Individual Bottom Row Letters
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lower Reach
Bottom Row Combinations
Lessons that strengthen precision on the lower row and improve edge-key control.
Word Building
Word Building
Lessons that turn letter control into common words, bigrams, and connected phrases.
Lesson Stage
Fluency Review
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Capital Letters
Capital Letters
Lessons that teach opposite-hand Shift technique for capitals before moving into full mixed-text fluency.
Lesson Stage
Shift Technique
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Speed Drills
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Accuracy Training
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Real-World Typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Endurance
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Weak Key Recovery
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Full Keyboard
Mastery
Lessons that combine punctuation, numbers, symbols, mixed strings, and speed-oriented review work.
Lesson Stage
Punctuation & Numbers
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Casper Test Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
JavaScript code typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
TypeScript code typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Python code typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Java code typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: C
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: C++
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: C#
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: Go
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: Rust
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: Ruby
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: PHP
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
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Code: Swift
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
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Code: Kotlin
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: SQL
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
HTML & CSS code typing
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Code: Bash
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Kira Talent Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Duet Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Snapshot Written Follow-up Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
GRE Analytical Writing Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
LSAT Writing Sample Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.
Lesson Stage
Coding Assessment Typing Prep
Part of the SureTyping guided lesson path.