Efficient key bindings using both Mac and Linux

After a number of months, I did come to a solution that I like.

  • On the Mac, I got used to the fact that there are 3 main modifiers: Cmd, Ctrl, Opt.
  • On the Linux box, I use the same kinesis keyboard and have the same layout for the modifiers, such that I map:
Mac => Linux
CMD == Ctrl
Opt == Alt
Ctrl == Ctrl

The key was to have ctrl twice. And then I got used to the differences between cmd and ctrl on the mac, and on the PC, it worked out that ctrl is the key. For example:

In Chrome:

Ctrl-tab on the Mac ==> Ctrl-tab on Linux
Cmd-C on the Mac ==> Ctrl-c on Linux.

So I can hit two different keys on Linux and get the same result as the Mac.

If you have a windows type keyboard, you can remap something like the special windows key to be the mac command key.

I've since switched to just using a Mac, and, without a doubt, that's way more efficient for touch typing!