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Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

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11–20 of 171 posts

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#11
Not for vim, but in windows I use Autohotkey to translate midi messages into macros. Get yourself a cheap midi keyboard with a bunch of buttons and knobs like the akai mpk mini or the arturia minilab 2 and you have a ton of controls to customize for any macro you want. I personally use the minilab.

Take some desk space but way way way more controls. Also, if you get interested in modular synths you can download VCV Rack for free and learn about modular synthesis with a small controller for basically free.

Or you could just get a razor tartarus or whatever they're calling them now and do similar without the midi part but with razors proprietary hardware and software.

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#12
post #9

I tried this a few years back and gave up after a few days. Moving your foot is way slower than hitting a key.

I tried it as well with foot pedals and it just wasn't working.

Maybe if I was a drummer it'd come more naturally.

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#15

Does this go well a standing desk?

When using a standing desk, I prefer to use a glute squeezer device to switch modes. It feels much more natural, and improves the muscle tone as a bonus.

How do you attach the device?

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#16
post #6

Nice idea but ridiculously wimpy switch. Rig up one of these American made beauties instead. https://www.amazon.com/SSC-Controls-G500-MO-Electrical-Indus... from experience: they're way more satisfying to press and oil/water/dust tight. EDIT: fixed link. this pedal is also OSHA approved with a safety cap to prevent objects from falling onto the switch and triggering insert mode.

Link still doesn't work. I think this is what you were trying to link to:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TEMCo-Heavy-Duty-Cast-Aluminum-Foot...

I'm not sure how you'd connect this as an ancillary USB keyboard. Seems like you'd need an Ardunio or something?

I'd love to have a few of these to control DAW apps where I don't need the hassle, cost and complexity of Midi

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#17
post #9

I tried this a few years back and gave up after a few days. Moving your foot is way slower than hitting a key.

Makes sense, besides, I 'a'ppend more often than I 'i'nsert, and usually jk out of insertion mode.

Hard to imagine improving the ergonomics of that.

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#19
post #4

I feel like Emacs needs a footpedal more than vim... but this is cool too.

No joke, a piano style set of three footpedals with Meta, Ctrl, and Hyper, is something I would actually use.

Tricky though, because it would have to talk to the keyboard, not the computer.

Re: Vim Clutch – A hardware pedal for improved text editing (2012)

#20
post #14

A full gearbox would be nice: * reverse --> undo * first gear --> replace mode * second gear --> visual mode * third gear --> command mode * fourth gear --> insert mode * fifth gear --> customizable mode

and you would be busy switching gear I guess...
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