Qtile vs Ratpoison

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

Qtile is a Development solution with tags like python, tiling, keyboard-shortcuts, lightweight, flexible, scriptable.

It boasts features such as Tiling window manager, Automatic window placement, Keyboard-driven workflow, Customizable layouts, Python scripting support, Status bar support, Multi-monitor support and pros including Lightweight and fast, Highly customizable, Keyboard-centric workflow, Scriptable configuration, Active development community.

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	Qtile	Ratpoison
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Qtile

Description: Qtile is a tiling window manager for Linux that is written in Python. It allows you to arrange your windows in a grid or stacking layout and provides keyboard shortcuts to easily navigate between them. Qtile is designed to be lightweight, flexible, and scriptable.

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

Qtile Features

• Tiling window manager
• Automatic window placement
• Keyboard-driven workflow
• Customizable layouts
• Python scripting support
• Status bar support
• Multi-monitor support

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

Qtile

Pros

• Lightweight and fast
• Highly customizable
• Keyboard-centric workflow
• Scriptable configuration
• Active development community

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited floating window support
• No GUI configuration tool
• Less features than some other tiling WMs

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

Qtile

• Open Source

Ratpoison

• Open Source