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How mouse-less can you make Linux?

macOS is my favourite operating system. Finder in column view with arrow keys to navigate, combined with space for file preview, is incredibly fast and intuitive. Trackpad integration also results in less hand movement. I'm building a Linux (Bazzite) desktop, though, and I've set my sights on the stars.

nnn looks to be an incredible file manager, and was a great recommendation. It looks even more capable than Finder, albeit without scrolling/zooming previews, thanks to macOS having unmatched trackpad functionality. Not to mention Spotlight, which makes opening apps trivial--especially with Alfred available as well. I want to go beyond mere file management, though.

File managenent, browsing, gaming, everything. Just how much can you configure a Linux system to eliminate mouse usage? Shortcut guides welcome (I already know the major ones). I also have a keen interest in tiling window managers, but I've not delved that deep yet. I don't know how to set one up.

Guess I'm forced to learn Emacs/Vim/similar.

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  • I have done a lot to make my environment nearly 100% mouseless. The only exception is gaming. You just need a mouse for most modern gaming.

    That said, it requires a large amount of personal customization. If you edit files/code, look into Vim/Neovim. Heck, just learn Vim Key bindings. Sorry, not sorry, it's worth it.

    Install vimium in your browser so you don't have to use a mouse nearly at all while browsing the internet. Learn how to use it.

    IMHO a tiling window manager is a must if you want to make your setup as keyboard centric as possible. i3 is a good starter. I currently use BSPWM, but there's quite a few to choose from, and they all are roughly the same once you have your keyboard shortcuts in place. Make sure to combine it with an application launcher like dmenu or rofi. If you need a status bar like i3bar, use one (I personally go without).

    Get very very familiar with the terminal. You'll know you're down the rabbit hole far enough when you can connect and troubleshoot a WiFi/Ethernet connection without using the mouse. Imho, you don't really need a file manager, though it's nice to have. I do have one on hand just in case, but just a terminal and the good ol' ls command is good enough for me.

    Also look into ortholinear keyboards (acronym is OLKB) if you truly want to fly. Pricy investment, but your hands will thank you later, and once you are comfortable with that, the combination of an OLKB with a tiling window manager WILL make you fast.

    I became obsessed with foregoing the mouse from 99% of my day to day use of my computer a couple of years ago and it is very very satisfying. Learning curve is high. But IMHO totally worth it.

    • The only exception is gaming. You just need a mouse for most modern gaming.

      See gyroaim

    • I have a confession. I was strongly considering making a Colemak or Workman keyboard. If there was ever a best way to do it, it would likely be with an ortholinear keyboard on my intended desktop. Might have to now?

      • This might be a controversial opinion, but I would stick with the QWERTY layout. There's already a lot of cognitive overhead learning things like tiling window managers and Vim key bindings that I don't think that switching up the keyboard layout is really worth it. What affects typing speed most, imho, is muscle memory, speed of thought, and lastly finger reach. Ortholinear keyboards help a lot with that last aspect, and there's differing opinions on what is best.

        I think a good place to start is learning to use the Preionic 60% or the Plank 40%. Keep the QWERTY layout, but memorize how to access symbols (and on the 40% numbers) using the additional layer keys.

        You can think of layer keys like extra shift keys near the space bar that change not just to capital letters, but also numbers and symbols, that's why you can get away with significantly less keys on the keyboard, and gain much faster reach of your fingers once you memorize these other layouts.

        The order I would go is:

        1. Learn Vim/Vimium on a regular keyboard. Learn how to use the terminal to do as many everyday tasks as you can.

        2. Customize and learn to use a tiling window manager on a regular keyboard.

        3. Buy, build, and learn to use an ortholinear keyboard with the tiling window manager.

        After you're comfortable with that, you can consider installing the different layouts like COLEMAK onto your ortho and try that out. But honestly I don't think this last step is necessary. Instead I'd start to look at other ortho keyboards you might like more than the preionic or plank.

        I now use the ZSA Voyager. My friend enjoys using a custom ortho with a curved surface for ergonomics. And there are typing devices called DataHands that basically completely upend the way one thinks about typing. Its a whole world. Good luck.

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