Which colour scheme is better?
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Which colour scheme is better?
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Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#2Unscientifically, I can attest to light schemes being easier for me to handle than dark ones. Of course, I adjust my overall monitor brightness according to the ambient light (so do not use full brightness in the evening).
I'm astonished (dismayed?) by how many people give presentations or record otherwise very useful videos with dark mode content. That content is unviewable when the ambient light of the viewer's surroundings is high (such as daylight, or especially when outside). A great presentation is diminished in worth if it can only be consumed in less than all circumstances.
As an aside, it is important to control the ambient light if possible, especially where "daylight" (high K) LED lights are concerned. Not only does the high volume of blue rays take a toll on your eyes, but it also impacts melatonin production. And of course it means you likewise have to have your display brighter.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#3Trying to claim light color schemes are scientifically better based solely on the The Pulfrich effect is absurd. The best color scheme for programming is the one you like and can comfortably look at for extended periods of time. Your eyes are different than mine so trying to claim this is a scientific means of determining the best color scheme is about as useful as you telling me what my favourite color is based on 'science'.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#4[deleted]
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#5This theory (it seems to be only a theory) does match my subjective experience. I find it quicker to scan 10s of lines of code to find something with a light theme.
However I find it easier to distinguish individual characters with a dark theme. So when trying to parse something like a line of jsx, it's better.
Overall I prefer (and use) a light theme, but I will admit that dark themes look 1000x cooler.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#6I agree that light schemes are better, although I'm not sold on the reason given in this article. My understanding is that eye strain isn't purely a function of brightness (accumulation of photons), but the focusing effort needed to differentiate glyphs on screen (for which dark glyphs on light reduces eyestrain).
I used dark schemes for years but having switched to a light one in recent months, I don't see myself switching back. This area is mired in dogma unfortunately.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#7Matches my experience. I've never liked the dark themes.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#8I have bad floaters in my vision and dark color schemes are the only ones that let me get work done without problems. I consider a light/dark toggle to be a worthwhile accessibility feature. Indeed, I'm using a Stylus script to make HN gray on black.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#9I think the point that's missing is reflective vs. transmitive surfaces -- that brain is used to processing not the latter, but the former -- where reflected light is related to, and less than, ambient light. If we were using hi-res color e-ink displays, I think he'd be right about eye-strain. However, using a light scheme with mostly text, you have a huge rectangle of LED (most of the time) white light blaring at you, which itself causes eyestrain.
Re: Which colour scheme is better?
#10[deleted]