Keyboard Navigator: Why Use a Mouse?
Picture ditching the mouse entirely and exploring Windows like a keyboard pro. That’s the essence of Neverclick created by developer Lazo Velko. Want to shut a window, start an application, or click with remarkable precision without removing your fingers from the keyboard? You can accomplish it all, and even click multiple points at once to close numerous tabs. Just a heads-up, drag and drop isn’t available yet.
Free and Offline: A Unique Pairing
Here’s the kicker: Neverclick is completely free, no account hassle, ad-free, and functions offline. Thanks, Lazo! The creator claims he developed it when a troublesome wrist made using a mouse quite uncomfortable. “I’ve been better for years because of this,” he states. “I can’t imagine being without it,” he mentions, as if it’s his secret advantage.
Computer Vision: Ditching Accessibility APIs
If you’re rolling your eyes thinking it’s just another accessibility tool, think again. Velko is employing computer vision, eliminating those cumbersome accessibility APIs. A clever tactic, activating raw pixels to identify what’s displayed on the screen. “I’ve had terrible experiences with those APIs – slow as molasses,” he remarked in an online discussion. Lazo crafted the vision technology himself, reportedly faster than the UI Automation of Windows.
No Heavy Lifting for Your System
The whole application is lightweight – around 40 MB on your storage and 200 MB of RAM, give or take. It won’t overuse your CPU unless necessary. In technical terms, that’s a win.
Hands-On with Neverclick
So, how does this magic operate? Activate it with Ctrl + Enter for left-click or Alt + Enter for Ctrl + Left Click. It’s configurable for more clicks, by the way. Two-letter “hints” (like ek, af) show up for accurate clicking. Need to reach a letter in a word? Just type a number like 0. How about that!
User Interface: A Bit Chaotic
However, the screen turns into a hint jungle, and identifying what’s where can be somewhat chaotic. Want to clear the clutter? You’ll need to click. Got accustomed to using Ctrl + Enter for Gmail? Too bad, it’ll activate the overlay now. One for the suggestion box, I think.
What’s on the Horizon?
Currently available only on Windows, but a macOS version is in the works. Velko is heavily focused on development but assures more features are coming, like window dragging and text highlighting. When it launches on Macs, you’ll be operating without a mouse, especially if combined with that AirPods app for head-tilt scrolling fun. Now that’d be something!
Summary: Toss Your Mouse, Mate!
Lazo Velko’s Neverclick is transforming our approach to computer navigation. It’s a clever little tool reducing mouse reliance with some innovative keyboard shortcuts. However, ensure you manage the clutter of hints on your screen. Once it reaches macOS, combine it with other devices, and embrace a mouse-less experience. Until then, give it a try on Windows and see if it resonates with you.
Explore more of my thoughts at gadgetlad.co.uk.
