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.

Feature	bspwm	Ratpoison
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

bspwm

Description: 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.

Ratpoison

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

bspwm Features

• Binary space partitioning window layout
• Keyboard driven window management
• Flexible rule-based configuration
• Support for multi-monitor setups
• Minimal resource usage

Ratpoison Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

bspwm

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

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

Pricing Comparison

bspwm

• Open Source

Ratpoison

• Open Source