When comparing ^H (Backspace) vs ; (semicolon), the Slant community recommends ^H (Backspace) for most people. In the question“Which key works best as Vim leader?” ^H (Backspace) is ranked 4th while ; (semicolon) is ranked 5th.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Pairs well with hjkl and easymotion moves
With easymotion binds, it's one of the fastest ways to move through a document, e.g.:
;l => easymotion-wl
;h => easymotion-bl
;j => easymotion-j
;k => easymotion-k
This isn't fast with space as leader.
Pro Somehow significant faster than space
I had space for a year before I switched and space works well for one hit keys but using it as a starter for a combo doesn't feel fluid
Pro Located on the homerow
Pro Space can be then used for major or often used things like FZF
Pro When using clever-f you don't need ; anymore for f movement
Cons
Con Shadows important movement
Repeating last "f" or "t" is a useful movement.
Con Remapping comma or semicolon may limit the f and t commands
You'll lose the default behavior of repeating the f and t commands: ; (semicolon) repeats f, F, t or T command. ,(comma) repeats f, F, t or T command in opposite direction.