Different keyboard shortcuts depending on the keyboard layout

[grahamperrin]

Spun off partly from #46 (comment)

… we need to somehow make this configurable since people seem to have different preferences? …

– and various other comments under #46

helloSystem/ISO#68 (comment):

… We should probably bring all those things into the Shortcut Keys application so that they can easily be changed by the user (and are discoverable).

Also, around #79 (comment):

… "Go to... Command+Shift+G" …

The wish to enter a location is not limited to spatial mode.

For a non-swapped keyboard layout, Control-L will be ideal.

… L? Why L? Command+Shift+G is it... in line with #58

https://osxdaily.com/2011/08/31/go-to-folder-useful-mac-os-x-keyboard-shortcut

If I understand correctly, Command is associated with the swapped keyboard layout:

For a non-swapped keyboard layout, Control-L will be ideal.

Location.

L was commonplace in countless applications for years. Chrome, Chromium, Dolphin, Falkon, Files (Nautilus), Files (Nemo), Firefox, Thunar and so on.

Eventually, Microsoft recognised it as a norm, so (for example) L works in File Explorer in Windows 10.

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Somewhat related:

• Check Kinto for keyboard mapping #8
• Move and resize windows with keyboard shortcuts and snap areas #81
• Please add more keyboard layouts such as Colemak and Dvorak  #121

cc @lproven @rbreaves

[grahamperrin]

Control-L is also the norm for Location in PCManFM-Qt, and currently a norm for helloSystem Filer.

[probonopd]

Our objective is for Mac switchers to feel at home instantly. We want to work toward keyboard shortcuts that reflect this, so that our core target group doesn't have to re-learn keyboard shortcuts. Plenty of other desktops already cater to other target groups, such as switchers from Windows.
This is why by default we use the physical Alt key for Command on PC keyboards, and the physical Apple=Command key on Apple keyboards.

We will not implement different keyboard shortcuts depending on the keyboard layout (assuming that this was what you wanted to request, which was not entirely clear from the original title of this issue).

An alternate set of keyboard shortcuts as it would make the system virtually unsupportable over the phone ("Press Command-G, no, doesn't work? Then maybe try Control-L"...).

Sorry, but saying "no" to options creep is very important if we want to fulfil our project goals.

[grahamperrin]

Thanks, will Control-L cease to work in Filer?

[probonopd]

It does not do much currently, except jumping the cursor to the address bar (which does not exist in Spatial Mode). Or does it?

[grahamperrin]

I haven't seen spatial but yes, Control-L does allow entry/edition of a location (in the address bar); a frequent action.

[grahamperrin]

#157 (comment)

different keyboard shortcuts depending on the keyboard layout (assuming that this was what you wanted to request, which was not entirely clear from the original title of this issue).

Sorry for the lack of clarity, but no, that was a false assumption.

The original title:

Keyboard shortcut preferences

– is to encourage thought and discussion about keyboard shortcuts in the context of things that, ideally, need not be restated. Stated from the outset:

not aiming to create a 1:1 replica

helloSystem/docs@11a8cae#diff-97caecc9f8407ecb8115f573151d3e8eb8dc2688f51f20575166609ed2e6c70dR3

– emphasised last month in The Register. From the same article, a clarification:

… mainly about how it feels.

"To that end, helloSystem loosely follows some basic user experience recommendations laid out publicly in books as early as the 1980s and '90s, but reinterprets the general ideas very liberally, especially given all the progress in computing in the last four decades. …

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options creep

No, that's not my intention.

If commonplace, sane defaults – such as Control-L which you already have (Command-L, for people who prefer a swapped layout) – will be lost through creep-in of Apple peculiarities, then some stated aims and ideals will become difficult to believe.

1:1 replication of Apple shortcuts, or not?

Tightly bound to Apple, or some looseness?

Progressive, or stuck on what Apple determined decades ago?

Visualise users of helloSystem being painted into a corner by an over-focus on Apple keyboard shortcuts that are, ultimately, peculiar. For every peculiarity that becomes a default in helloSystem, users of normal systems will be forced to set yet another option for things to feel normal.

Recalling #46 (comment):

It's not just that Alt-Tab fails to switch tasks; it's that I repeatedly find unwanted tabbing in documents, and so on.

I find myself learning to Alt-Tab Control-Z Control-Tab but it feels ugly; trains of thought are repeatedly lost by repeatedly getting the unexpected.

[probonopd]

We want a system that "feels" normal to longtime Mac users.

[grahamperrin]

Does that mean 1:1 replication of Apple shortcuts, even when Apple's are peculiar?

[probonopd]

The main ones like Command-G, Command-I,... should go into Filer, yes. Every one? Probably no, especially since the Filer is not feature equal to Finder.