Alternate with low circumflex for ⟨ĥ⟩; smaller white space in ⟨t̂⟩

[theblursed]

1. Low circumflex for ⟨ĥ⟩

For ⟨ĥ⟩, there are three main typographical possibilities font designers choose between:

1. circumflex on top of the ascender;
2. circumflex in the middle of the blank space over the letter;
3. circumflex on the side of the ascender.

Noto Sans currently uses choice 1, while Noto Serif uses choice 2.

In my opinion, it would be good to harmonize the serif and sans-serif fonts; my favourite choice, albeit the least frequently used, is choice number 3, mainly for aesthetic reasons.

See a comparison with other typefaces:

See also this discussion on the same topic, and this comment especially.

In my opinion, choice 3 should be the default; but if it cannot be, could it at least
be possible to make choice 3 accessible as a variant (as has been done in Junicode)?

I would be very grateful if such a possibility was made accessible.

2. Smaller white space for ⟨t̂⟩

Another, less important comment, on an aesthetic, subtler, detail.

I think ⟨t̂⟩ would look better if the circumflex was a bit lower, nearer to the ⟨t⟩. The space between the letter and the circumflex seems bigger than for other letters, and in my eyes it stands out, not very pleasantly: it seems incoherent, or not carefully placed.

Thank you for anything and keep up the good work.

[simoncozens]

Another good thread on ĥ: https://typedrawers.com/discussion/comment/61712