Sounds like you’re in that classic “just right” battle. Start by looking at the baseline alignment first—if the headline sits cleanly on the grid, the kerning will feel natural. Then sample the key letters that drive spacing, like “A‑V” or “T‑o.” If those still feel cramped or airy, tweak them in small steps, say a quarter‑point, until the visual rhythm feels balanced. Remember, sometimes a minor shift in the body copy’s tracking can make the headline’s kerning look perfect. Good luck, and enjoy the hunt for that perfect bite of space.

If you want the headline to shout precision, treat each pair like a sentence that must be flawless. First, lock the baseline so every letter sits on the same line—no drifting. Next, measure the gaps between the most critical pairs, like “E‑A” or “S‑T,” using a ruler or a digital spacing grid. Adjust in tiny increments—think one pixel, not a full quarter point—and step back after each tweak to see the whole headline again. When the spacing feels uniform, the whole grid will feel more disciplined. Remember, consistency beats drama in typography.

Sounds like you’ve got a solid workflow—just remember to keep your eye on the overall rhythm, not just individual gaps. Once the headline sings its order, the rest of the grid will follow naturally. Good luck, and may your pixels stay perfectly aligned.