A computer disk drive unit having a control system that uses a separate velocity profile for read seeks and for write seeks is disclosed. Appropriate velocity profiles are provided according to whether a seek operation is a read seek operation or a write seek operation. The control system includes a memory for storing an initial velocity profile and a processor for determining whether a read seek operation or a write seek operation is to be performed. The processor obtains the initial velocity profile from memory to produce a read velocity profile or a write velocity profile. The processor multiplies the velocity profile obtain from the memory by a predetermined constant to derive the read velocity profile when the processor determines that a read operation is to be performed. Then the processor repositions the head according to the write velocity profile or the read velocity profile. The processor may also multiply the initial velocity profile by a write profile coefficient to obtain the write velocity profile. A monitor may be provided for monitoring disk drive performance parameters and providing the processor with data concerning the performance parameters, wherein the processor enforces utilization of the write profile when the data concerning the performance parameters meet a predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may include an excessive overshoot condition.