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.
In the Linux world we have this great training routine called broken updates that forces users to regularly rediscover the magic of text mode. If you’re lucky enough to run a specialized graphics card you get to experience this almost every update.
We have a similar program for training users how to cope without WiFi.
Not anymore if you run an immutable system
Lol on nixos I’ve broken my gui twice so far. Keeping old configurations is nice but I learned the hard way that I should have been keeping copies of my configuration.nix
I haven’t tried any ostree based distros yet.
You can always break your GUI yourself, but I was talking about updates breaking it.
It’s really easy to go mouseless on Linux/Unix. Just use as many TUI programs as possible since none of them will be mouse-oriented.
Also check out this list: https://github.com/erikw/vim-keybindings-everywhere-the-ultimate-list
A lot of people (myself included) like vim keybindings and want them in other programs, and of course using vim keybindings is inherently mouseless.
Off the top of my head, some software I use:
- river as my wayland compositor
- lf for a file browser
- imv for an image viewer
- Librewolf with Vimium-C to browse the web
- mpd + ncmpcpp for listening to music (you can also use cmus if you don’t want to use mpd)
I don’t use them, but you can also use something like Mutt, Neomutt, or Aerc for an email client, and use CLI bittorrent clients and password managers.
Don’t run a window manager and you don’t need a mouse at all. No problem.
Just don’t start X and your problem is solved.
So true, now how do I play Monster Hunter
On your Steam Deck?
XMonad would make that exceptionally easy. If you want to try it, I’d recommend doing it on NixOS and just forking a working config that uses a tiling window manager. This is a great config that I used as the foundation for my own: https://github.com/gvolpe/nix-config
Until a port to Wayland is made, I would avoid using this DE. X.Org is unmaintained legacy software. Maybe Sway would work as a replacement?
You’re right, and it’s such a bummer that Waymonad isn’t a thing. No other window manager or DE comes close to XMonad for me. i3/Sway are way off, IMO.
They’re working on Waymonad as we speak.
If OP didn’t notice, the config I linked also has a Hyprland option. Personally, I’m sticking to Xmonad until Waymonad is ready. Nothing comes close.
ps. I decided to start a sister community to my XMonad one for Waymonad. I will try to post updates there whenever possible.
Should I just forego Bazzite entirely? NixOS seems fun. Might require more setup on the gaming end, but I’d like more UX freedom.
I’d go Hyprland if you’re looking for something similar to Xmonad for Wayland. It isn’t formally verified like Xmonad is, though.
Step 1: open a terminal emulator of your choice. There’s no step 2 because you are already done. All features, 0 dependency on your mouse.
You’re welcome :)
Even better, after your machine boots up, press ctrl+alt+F(3-6) to access TTY sessions and then there is no mouse at all. Plenty of TUI apps work just fine here too.
Don’t install a GUI and you can just skip this step
Difference being you can still do things like launch steam games as long as you have a DE installed even if you’re using TTY primarily.
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.”
You could use terminal for everything, but first you must learn to use terminal.
