bspwm vs Ratpoison

Struggling to choose between bspwm and Ratpoison? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

bspwm is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like tiling, keyboarddriven, lightweight, binary-space-partitioning, efficient-screen-space, external-configuration.

It boasts features such as Binary space partitioning window layout, Keyboard driven window management, Flexible rule-based configuration, Support for multi-monitor setups, Minimal resource usage and pros including Very efficient use of screen space, Highly customizable with scripts, Lightweight and fast, Keyboard shortcuts for window management, Low memory footprint.

On the other hand, Ratpoison is a Os & Utilities product tagged with tiling, keyboard, lightweight, customizable, x11.

Its standout features include Keyboard driven tiling window manager, Minimalist and lightweight, Customizable through plain text configuration files, Keyboard shortcuts for window management and navigation, Support for multiple desktops and layouts, Can be controlled without a mouse, and it shines with pros like Very efficient for keyboard users, Low resource usage and system overhead, Highly customizable, Promotes keyboard-centric workflows, Tiling layout improves screen space utilization.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

bspwm

bspwm

bspwm is a lightweight, keyboard-driven tiling window manager for Linux. It organizes windows in a binary space partitioning layout for efficient use of screen space. Configuration is done mostly through external scripts rather than built-in settings.

Categories:
tiling keyboarddriven lightweight binary-space-partitioning efficient-screen-space external-configuration

Bspwm Features

  1. Binary space partitioning window layout
  2. Keyboard driven window management
  3. Flexible rule-based configuration
  4. Support for multi-monitor setups
  5. Minimal resource usage

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very efficient use of screen space

Highly customizable with scripts

Lightweight and fast

Keyboard shortcuts for window management

Low memory footprint

Cons

Steep learning curve

Manual configuration required

Lack of GUI or menu

Not beginner friendly

Requires external scripts for some functionality


Ratpoison

Ratpoison

Ratpoison is an open-source tiling window manager for the X Window System. It aims to provide keyboard-only interaction, with no reliance on the mouse. It has minimal aesthetics and is configured through plain text files, making it lightweight and customizable.

Categories:
tiling keyboard lightweight customizable x11

Ratpoison Features

  1. Keyboard driven tiling window manager
  2. Minimalist and lightweight
  3. Customizable through plain text configuration files
  4. Keyboard shortcuts for window management and navigation
  5. Support for multiple desktops and layouts
  6. Can be controlled without a mouse

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very efficient for keyboard users

Low resource usage and system overhead

Highly customizable

Promotes keyboard-centric workflows

Tiling layout improves screen space utilization

Cons

Steep learning curve

No mouse support

Minimal aesthetics and theming

Less intuitive than mainstream window managers

Limited integration with desktop environments