Much of my computer effort over the years has involved mousework. A lot of mousework. Seriously, I'm going to make "mousework" a word...

I always did my fair share of writing and coding, but, as a generalist, it rarely surpassed the hours spent on design or video editing, both of which benefit (or even require) non-keyboard input devices.

Lately, however, in an attempt to focus my attention, I'm spending more time with text and words and code. AI tools, coding tools, notes, words, novels, wikis. After decades as a Windows user, I've taken my first steps into Linux. Sans-GUI (although I want to experiment with window managers like Hyprland or Niri, but those are basically keyboard-forward GUIs). In other words, lots of terminal time.

I bought a hefty new Keychron keyboard with glorious mechanical switches that keeps my typing speed in 110+ wpm range with high accuracy. The layout and shortcuts are customizable via software. I love the clacky feel of each keypress.

The downside, of course, is my partner in the other room bashing her head against the wall waiting for the clicking to stop. Hundreds of clacks per minute feels, to her, like a medieval cavalry tromping through the battlefield of our living room. I keep a quiet Logitech mx keyboard handy to circumvent her brain explosions, but soon I'll be back in my own office to ease the problem. Then I will clack to my heart's desire.

Wait. Where was I?

Oh yes. For the first time in a long and storied technology career, I'm beginning to feel like I belong. I've had the time to focus in one area, to experiment with different tools, and to plug away each day at the same tasks to build muscle memory.

I can't declare myself a keyboard king just yet, but I'm memorizing syntax, customizing key bindings, learning new shortcuts, quick keying Raycast on windows instead of the start menu.

It's a slow but rewarding process. I feel at home at my computer in a way I haven't felt since college. I feel efficient, and productive, and motivated.

Not bad for an old man who still remembers swapping 5.25" floppies to write BASIC as a kid.

Of course, there is danger down this road. I must resist the temptation to plunge headfirst into keyboard hardware customization. A lot of money disappears into that hobby. Still, I'm curious about keycaps and switches.... NO! STOP!

But why? Why shouldn't we have them, precioussssssss?

Excuse me while I fight with my wallet.

In the meantime, enjoy this moment with me. A sense of belonging, of nerdiness, of satisfaction, of productivity, of clickety clackety glory.

It's my favorite cacophony.