1. Keyboard shortcuts, particularly when tailored to the user’s needs, can drastically improve productivity on Manjaro by reducing the need for repetitive mouse clicks and streamlining workflow.
2. Manjaro offers comprehensive customization options for keyboard shortcuts across its XFCE, KDE, and GNOME environments, providing step-by-step guides to assist users in maximizing their keyboard efficiency.
3. Employing keyboard shortcuts effectively can transform your computing experience, not only saving time but also facilitating a smoother, more enjoyable interaction with your Manjaro system.
4. Although opinions on keyboard shortcuts vary, the predominant consensus underscores their positive impact on productivity, urging users to explore and adapt these tools to their unique needs and preferences.

Welcome to an exciting exploration of a topic that divides the computing world: keyboard shortcuts. Some computer aficionados fervently champion these quick-action commands, touting their ability to enhance speed, efficiency, and even ergonomic health. They passionately defend the use of shortcuts, stating that they enable a streamlined, personalized workflow that’s hard to beat.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are those who favor navigating via graphical user interfaces (GUIs). These users extol the virtues of intuitive, user-friendly designs and are often seen dancing between icons and menus with their mouse pointer. To them, knowing a slew of keyboard commands feels like an extra weight that takes their attention away from their primary tasks.

So, how do you fit into this? Do you wear the conductor’s hat, commanding your digital orchestra with a medley of keyboard shortcuts? Or do you see yourself as an artist, gently crafting your work with the delicate strokes of a mouse? Or perhaps you’re a maestro of balance, effortlessly blending the strengths of both worlds?

So, what are keyboard shortcuts exactly? In a word, they are key combinations that, when pushed together, cause your system to do a specified action. They’re the computing equivalent of a magic wand, with a sequence of taps that open applications, save files, move between jobs, and more in a fraction of the time it would take to execute these tasks manually.

But why should you care about keyboard shortcuts? Well, they’re called ‘shortcuts’ for a reason – and while it does take time to learn them, once they become second nature it takes a multi-layered process into a series of keystrokes. Personally, I find myself using CTRL+K (which is default in many wordprocessers to make a hyperlink) quite a bit. Though I’ve, in my own install, made it CTRL+L – because it just flows in my head logically. Another one in my chosen organizer (Zim, by the by) I use CTRL+ALT+C for adding check boxes for tasks that I need to monitor-in-progress just in case I’m interrupted.

Now that we’re aware of what keyboard shortcuts are and how they can be game-changers, let’s dive into some of the pre-existing shortcuts in Manjaro. Say you’ve got numerous windows open and you’re feeling overwhelmed. A simple Alt + Tab can toggle between them, decluttering your workflow in an instant. And if you’ve ever experienced the panic of an unresponsive application, fear not. The magic combo Ctrl + Alt + Esc comes to the rescue, allowing you to force quit the troublesome program.

There are numerous pre-existing shortcuts on Manjaro simply waiting to be discovered – though, the real draw is the raw ability to customize OS, personalized shortcuts included.

Sure, let’s delve into the world of keyboard customization across different Manjaro environments: XFCE, KDE, and GNOME.

Customization Magic: XFCE

Starting with XFCE, customizing keyboard shortcuts is a breeze. Open the ‘Settings Manager,’ then pick ‘Keyboard,’ then the ‘Application Shortcuts’ tab. Click ‘Add,’ enter the command to which you want to attach a shortcut, and then press the keys you want to bind it to when prompted.

Tailoring Your Keys: KDE Plasma

In the sleek KDE Plasma environment, it’s all about ‘System Settings’. Once there, navigate to ‘Shortcuts and Gestures’. Choose ‘Custom Shortcuts’, and click Edit → New → Global Shortcut → Command/URL. Type the command you want to assign, hit ‘Trigger’, press your preferred key combination, and you’re good to go!

Going GNOME: Shortcut Wizardry

In the modern GNOME interface, head over to Settings → Devices → Keyboard. Scroll down to the bottom, click the ‘+’ button, then enter the name, command, and desired key combination. Click ‘Add’, and your customized shortcut is ready!

Remember, creating efficient shortcuts is all about what works best for you. Tailor them to your workflow, making sure they’re easy to remember and accessible. Avoid overloading your keyboard with complex sequences which might slow you down.

The golden rule for creating keyboard shortcuts? Make them flow with your routine tasks. Shortcuts should feel like an extension of your workflow, not an interruption. For instance, if you frequently use the terminal, assigning a shortcut to it could be a game-changer. Similarly, frequent text editors might find a shortcut to “Save” quite handy.

Now, onto a few traps that people often fall into when creating shortcuts. Firstly, avoid over-complication. Shortcuts should be easy to remember and use. Creating complex shortcuts like Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F12 is likely to defeat their purpose. Also, be wary of duplicating system-reserved shortcuts. You wouldn’t want your custom shortcut conflicting with pre-existing ones – a quick search on Brave should clear that up right quick.

Lastly, it’s all about balance. A cluttered assortment of shortcuts can be just as overwhelming as none at all. Think of Goldilocks, you’re aiming for “just right”. Begin by generating shortcuts for the things you perform the most frequently. If you discover that you aren’t using a shortcut, don’t be afraid to alter it or eliminate it entirely.

Tailor your shortcuts to your workflow, keep them simple, and balance their number. Also, less reliance on a mouse can contribute to improved physical health in the long run. Consider this the next time you find yourself wasting time navigating through chores that could be accomplished with a single keystroke. Little modifications frequently lead to the most substantial productivity gains in the Linux environment.

Taking a step back and examining the wealth of knowledge we’ve explored, it’s evident that the power of keyboard shortcuts in Manjaro is undeniable.

Yet, in the spirit of our open-ended debate, it’s essential to acknowledge that opinions about keyboard shortcuts can vary. Each user has their unique approach to interacting with their system. Be you a minimalist, with a penchant for a few shortcuts or a power user who lives on the keyboard – ultimately it’s up to what works best for you.

Published @ 2023-05-18 13:59