Jetbrainsmono: Readability problem in JetBrainsMono font: shape of lower-case `u` same as upper-case `U`

[mrauhu]

Greetings @philippnurullin

I've got your new font JetBrainsMono as default font for the PHPStorm 2020.1.

Looks good.

Problem is lower-case u has same shape as upper-case U.

When you have chance please fix it.

Best wishes,
Sergey.

[kolyshkin]

I concur, that'd be a nice improvement (or option).

To my mind, lowercase u should look similar to n upside down.

[philippnurullin]

Hi @mrauhu Can you include an example where you having difficulties to differentiate thees letters?
The vertical stem in u removed to reduce details.

[mrauhu]

@philippnurullin thanks for answer.

There is no difficulties to differentiate letters.

Problem is readability.

Also, there is no logic, removing the vertical stem only from u, and keep it in the n and m.

[kolyshkin]

Problem is readability.

To me, readability is an ability to read, and it includes ability to differentiate between glyphs. I can distinguish u from U just fine in this font. So, no readability problem (for me).

The problem (to my mind) is the inconsistency in style between u and e.g. n. Surely, it might be seen as a feature rather than a bug, and it's a matter of personal taste, and tastes differ, and ultimately it's up to the designer to say the final word in the matter.

This is why I said earlier that it would be nice to have it as an option.

[philippnurullin]

There is is logic, But it's different from what you're used to. The u now is rhymed with o. & consider geometric nature of the font it works. Aesthetically wise, this gives a slight taste of 20th century german grotesk (yes, sadly in the past someone already came up with that idea)). The functional part i already mentioned.

The typeface is a habit. In case on JetBrains Mono we shifting from more traditional letter form because we believe it works better in small sizes & code environment. But it looks like i'm repeating myself.

There is a possibility on alternate stylistic set, but can't be more specific on that. Don't want tot loose the character of the font in chase of appeal to everybody.

[jozsefk9]

I like the "u" without vertical stem. I love it. Matter of taste I guess.