Keyboard-First Basics

Keyboard-first work is not a purity contest. It is a way to remove low-value pointer movement from the loops you repeat all day.

Start with the loops

• Open apps without touching the dock.
• Switch browser tabs without hunting for favicons.
• Move between editor panels with one consistent command.

Build one habit at a time

Do not redesign your whole setup in one weekend. Pick a repeated action, replace it with a shortcut, and keep it until it feels automatic.

The goal is not zero mouse usage. The goal is lower friction in the work that matters most.

What to measure

• Fewer context breaks
• Less shoulder movement
• Faster task switching

The first wins are usually small. They still compound fast.