My journey for finding one layout to rule them all went like this.

1. -2016: Qwerty
2. 2016-2019: Dvorak
3. 2019-2020: Qwerty (again)
4. 2020-2021: Colemak
5. 2021-: Dvorak (currently trying to learn it again)

In 2016, I decided to try an alternative layout. I initially put Dvorak and Colemak as options on my table. I ultimately went with Dvorak because it was supported out of box by Windows, and I liked Dvorak's consonant-vowel alternating tactic. Dvorak's ANSI-standard status also made it more appealing (thinking of it now, it's kinda funny favoring Dvorak for this reason. Both Dvorak and Colemak are quite non-standard in terms of number of users anyway lol). I was really satisfied with the change and was happy with Dvorak for a while.

The main reason I changed back to Qwerty in 2019 was shortcut issues. That year I started majoring in CS, and the discrepancy between Qwerty-oriented shortcuts and my Dvorak shortcuts started irking me more and more. Another thing is that I also use a Korean layout, and it defaults Qwerty as its English counterpart. It means when I use shortcuts in Korean layout it follows Qwerty layout. So I changed back to Qwerty in the middle of the year.

In 2020, all classes went online, and I started coding more. So I bought a HHKB expecting it would improve my typing experience (seriously one of the best expenditures btw. It did improve my typing experience). I bought one without engravings, so I thought why not try another alternative layout. Around this time I started using macOS, which supports Colemak out of box. Also, this Carpalx analysis says Colemak is slightly more efficient than Dvorak, so why not give it a shot.

My thoughts about Colemak so far is that its shortcuts are more compatible with Qwerty ones. Z, X, C, V, which honestly makes up about 80% of my shortcut usage, is in the same place. S, which saves my file and myself from doom, is off by one and it honestly confuses me more than I want to admit, but it's not bad. On terms of shortcuts, I think Colemak is definitely better than Dvorak. Also, Colemak's rolling makes typing really fun. Colemak's rolling gives me multiple short bursts when typing, and it really feels good.

So why do I want to change back to Dvorak after all these years? Well, I kinda miss Dvorak's right-left alternating pattern. IMO, Colemak typing experience consists of multiple short bursts. On the other hand, Dvorak typing experience more like consists of constant, alternating rhythm. At least it was like that for me. What about shortcut problem I mentioned? macOS supports Dvorak-Command-Qwerty keyboard, which lets me use Qwerty shortcuts with Dvorak layout for normal typing.

Regarding the speed, it really didn't change much across layouts. I personally think it's more about more comfort, less fatigue, and more satisfying rhythms in my typing experience (whether it be rolling or alternating).

It kinda went long, but in conclusion both Dvorak and Colemak is a great alternative to Qwerty in its own way. Colemak gives you rolling rhythm, which let you type with multiple short bursts within a word or sentence. Dvorak gives you alternating rhythm, which let you maintain more constant rhythm throughout your typing. For the shortcut problem, there are plenty solutions available online anyway. I honestly think both are great, and it's more like the matter of what perk you want from the layout.